Michael McAleer answers your questions
Can you help resolve a problem for my son-in-law. He is trading in his 00 car and was not sure what to buy. A visit to local dealers here in Kilkenny meant he decided that either a VW Polo or a Skoda Fabia would be his best choice for his budget. When he was discussing prices with theVW salesperson to see what deal he could do, he said that he was more inclined towards the Fabia because he considers Skoda to be VWs, only
cheaper. The VW dealer said this was not true and that a VW was always more expensive because they had far more welds than a Skoda to make them stronger and tougher. To last longer. Is that true? Is a VW such a better investment, and do the prices of the used cars confirm that?
Skoda's managing director in Ireland was surprised - to say the least - by the claims. "The group production standards for all VW marques are the same, with the same components used, from ABS, gearboxes, engines right through to the keys," says Colin Sheridan.
"The reason for the price difference has nothing to do with welds - which are the same - and is largely down to the benefits Skoda accrues from lower labour costs in the Czech Republic compared to high-cost Germany."
He dismissed the claim about fewer welds as erroneous. As for used prices he says: "The Fabia costs less new and as a result may have a lower resale price, but looking at the net cost of owning the car the Skoda often comes up as better net value, with some used prices actually exceeding the VW equivalents despite having a lower new car price."
While resale prices for VW Polos are very strong - they are a firm favourite with first-time buyers looking for something small to start out in - personally I would opt for the Fabia.
From T Buckley: I recently inherited an old motorcycle from a deceased uncle and I have been bitten by the motorcycle bug. I'm obviously going to have to get some lessons, but I was wondering if my car licence will allow me to ride the bike. It's an old Royal Enfield.
A car licence only allows you to ride a bike with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc and a top speed of 45km/h. Given that criteria, I very much doubt your uncle's Royal Enfield fits the bill. You need to apply for a provisional bike licence and do the various tests. I can't stress how important it is for you to get proper training.
Several motorcycle trainers we have spoken to stress the problems they have found with experienced car drivers coming to biking. Be careful.
From Laura O'Byrne: I'm looking for a decent-sized family car but not something that's too common. I've driven VWs, Peugeots, Nissans and Fords before and I'd like something a little different. I've no real desire to go into anything bigger than a Focus, but I'm not keen on going down that road again. Finally, my budget is in the range of €28,000.
Leaving out the mainstream players in this price bracket turns a busy forecourt into a rather barren looking wasteland. There is a couple of cars that stand out, however.
First off, there's the Mini Cooper, which you can get for €23,700. It's a cracker of a car to drive, and if you splash out a few euro more you could pick up the Cooper S version. The upside is strong residuals and good driving pleasure, but be aware that an updated version is due in the next year or so. Perhaps it's worth waiting for if you are worried about resale values in the next few years. Alternatively, we'd point you towards some of the lesser-known competitors in the hatchback market. Your budget will get you the 2-litre FSI version of the new Seat Leon, a real eyecatcher on the outside if a little drab in terms of interior and central console specification.
From Graham Cleary: I thought it only happened in eastern Europe, but I came across someone outside Letterkenny last week carrying a sofa on the roof of his Fiat Punto. I only wish I had a camera to take a shot of it. It could have made the front page of Motors even. Surely this is illegal?
There are weight restrictions on vehicles and the Fiat driver would also fall foul of carrying an unsafe load. I've never been persuaded that tying your worldly goods to the roof of the car is a wise move at any time.
The thought of running around the motorway chasing your underwear in the rain never represents my idea of the perfect start to a holiday. However, if you are so inclined, always ensure they are securely tied down and are set to have as low a profile as possible to prevent strong wind turbulence. In the end, it's always better hiring a van or getting a trailer.
. Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie
Skoda's managing director in Ireland was surprised - to say the least - by the claims. "The group production standards for all VW marques are the same, with the same components used, from ABS, gearboxes, engines right through to the keys," says Colin Sheridan.
"The reason for the price difference has nothing to do with welds - which are the same - and is largely down to the benefits Skoda accrues from lower labour costs in the Czech Republic compared to high-cost Germany."
He dismissed the claim about fewer welds as erroneous. As for used prices he says: "The Fabia costs less new and as a result may have a lower resale price, but looking at the net cost of owning the car the Skoda often comes up as better net value, with some used prices actually exceeding the VW equivalents despite having a lower new car price."
While resale prices for VW Polos are very strong - they are a firm favourite with first-time buyers looking for something small to start out in - personally I would opt for the Fabia.
From T Buckley: I recently inherited an old motorcycle from a deceased uncle and I have been bitten by the motorcycle bug. I'm obviously going to have to get some lessons, but I was wondering if my car licence will allow me to ride the bike. It's an old Royal Enfield.
A car licence only allows you to ride a bike with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc and a top speed of 45km/h. Given that criteria, I very much doubt your uncle's Royal Enfield fits the bill. You need to apply for a provisional bike licence and do the various tests. I can't stress how important it is for you to get proper training.
Several motorcycle trainers we have spoken to stress the problems they have found with experienced car drivers coming to biking. Be careful.
From Laura O'Byrne: I'm looking for a decent-sized family car but not something that's too common. I've driven VWs, Peugeots, Nissans and Fords before and I'd like something a little different. I've no real desire to go into anything bigger than a Focus, but I'm not keen on going down that road again. Finally, my budget is in the range of €28,000.
Leaving out the mainstream players in this price bracket turns a busy forecourt into a rather barren looking wasteland. There is a couple of cars that stand out, however.
First off, there's the Mini Cooper, which you can get for €23,700. It's a cracker of a car to drive, and if you splash out a few euro more you could pick up the Cooper S version. The upside is strong residuals and good driving pleasure, but be aware that an updated version is due in the next year or so. Perhaps it's worth waiting for if you are worried about resale values in the next few years. Alternatively, we'd point you towards some of the lesser-known competitors in the hatchback market. Your budget will get you the 2-litre FSI version of the new Seat Leon, a real eyecatcher on the outside if a little drab in terms of interior and central console specification.
From Graham Cleary: I thought it only happened in eastern Europe, but I came across someone outside Letterkenny last week carrying a sofa on the roof of his Fiat Punto. I only wish I had a camera to take a shot of it. It could have made the front page of Motors even. Surely this is illegal?
There are weight restrictions on vehicles and the Fiat driver would also fall foul of carrying an unsafe load. I've never been persuaded that tying your worldly goods to the roof of the car is a wise move at any time.
The thought of running around the motorway chasing your underwear in the rain never represents my idea of the perfect start to a holiday. However, if you are so inclined, always ensure they are securely tied down and are set to have as low a profile as possible to prevent strong wind turbulence. In the end, it's always better hiring a van or getting a trailer.
. Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie