Volkswagen Problems

VW'S technical people say your usage is within expected range. VW engines have a reputation for using some oil, so it's a good idea to check the oil regularly.

IF YOU sold it to a dealer you'd get about $18,000 at best. Privately you'd get $24,000-$25,000. That's the best way to go if you're happy to spend your weekends by the phone and have strangers calling at your home.

WE CONTACTED Subaru who, quite rightly, wouldn't comment on what the problem might or might not be without driving the car. They suggest you contact them directly on the customer assistance number and they will arrange to have your car assessed to see what the problem is. I can only urge you to follow their recommendation.

ALL engines use oil. It's the rate at which they use oil that can cause concern. VW engines have a reputation for using oil. There have been warranty claims from people running their engine low on oil and causing serious engine failure. They assumed modern engines don't use oil so didn't check the level. At 250ml/1000km I wouldn't be concerned, but I would be if it were using 1 litre/1000km. The point about the 15,000km service intervals is a good one. At the rate of 250ml/1000km your engine will consume almost four litres of oil between oil changes, which is close to a full engine fill. At 1 litre/1000km you would go through 15 litres between oil changes. Makes you wonder why you'd bother changing the oil.

I'M NOT a huge fan of the Beetle. It is not the most practical model available, and the Golf is a much better choice. But I am a fan of the VW diesel. The ones I've driven have had impressive performance and economy and I would happily own one. I haven't heard of any significant problems with the engine. As far as the paint goes, it comes down to the way you look after it. Remove stains caused by bugs and bird droppings before they take hold, and wax and polish it at least once a year. Reds seem to fade more than other colours and some metallics can fade. White generally holds up, but is boring.

RENAULT doesn't market a diesel engine here, so rule that out. You could consider a VW Golf diesel. Both the Peugeot and VW diesels are well built, reliable and economical so that would probably be the best overall option.

A SECOND-HAND car will be a better model and have more equipment than a new car for the same price, but you are buying a car that has done quite some mileage in the hands of someone you don't know. There are risks buying a used car because you don't how previous owners have treated it. If you're prepared to take them, buy a car with a known service history and have it thoroughly checked by a specialist in that brand.

IT'S really too early to speculate on the reliability of the present-model vans. I would be surprised if you needed a van as big as the Sprinter or Ducato to transport your 13-year-old daughter. I would take a look at the Vito, Transporter and Trafic before the Transit. The latter has a pretty ordinary reputation for reliability. Have a talk to the people at Capital Special Vehicles, who specialise in doing the conversions.