Skoda Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Skoda reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
Fun and reliable first cars
Both are fun cars to drive, they’re relatively new, so should be reliable. I would prefer the Swift; I reckon you’ll get a better run out of it.
When were VW's cam chain tensioner problems resolved?
All model years 2008-2013 appear to be affected.
We understand a new tensioner was fitted from 2012.
Holden Commodore: What's a good replacement?
All of the cars you name meet your criteria of size, economy, performance and handling.
You could also add the Mazda3 and 6 to the list.
Of all of those I would nominate the Camry as the great all-rounder.
Best replacement for a Calais
With local production shutting down the big-car choices are getting fewer and fewer, but right now you can still buy a Calais if that's what you like. You can also buy an equivalent Falcon or Toyota Aurion. There are more expensive cars, from the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi etc. that would suit, but they come with a much higher price tag than a Calais. Others you could try are a Skoda Superb, a Honda Accord V6 Luxury if you're prepared to give up a little in size, and there's also the Chrysler 300C.
Can you recommend a reliable station wagon?
I would not be considering any European cars of that age if you want reliability with no expensive surprises along the way. As a rule European cars become more and more unreliable as the years pass and the kilometres climb, and they are expensive to repair. Your best bet is to go for an Asian brand, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Kia.