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Previously answered questions

Is a used BMW a good first car?

Hi,

I have a budget of €4,000 and I am looking for a car that will fit the golf clubs and a trolley. I'd like something sporty and was thinking of a BMW but that may cost too much with road tax etc. It will be my first car. 

 

Edward Murphy (Dublin)

May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

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Mazda6 or Passat to replace my Vectra?

I am looking closely at buying a 2008 Mazda6, but I am not sure whether to go for diesel or petrol. The petrol is 1.8 and I am wondering how thirsty it would be. I do approx 12,000 miles per year on mainly good roads. Was looking at putting about €10,000 with my own car. I have a 2006 Opel Vectra with 38,000 miles on it. It is a 1.6-litre petrol.

Was also looking at a 2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI, but heard a lot of mixed reports. Looking for something comfortable and reliable mainly.

Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)

May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

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Should I buy the Mégane under scrappage?

I have just test driven a new Mégane Coupe. I've got the scrappage thing just want to know is this a good car to buy or is there some other car at the same price in better spec with a diesel engine?

 

Den Darlington (Kildare)

May 2010 Filed under: scrappage

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What diesel to replace my Ford Mondeo?

I fancy a change from my Ford Mondeo, which I love. What do you reckon in a 2.0-lltre diesel: Merc, BMW, VW Touareg or Jaguar X-Type?

Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)

May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

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Which diesel for €10,000 or less?

I am changing my car. I fancy a diesel 1.3 or 1.4-litre and I have €10,000 to spend, maybe a little more. Any ideas? I am scrapping a car under the scheme. 

 

Yvonne Hogan (Dublin)

May 2010 Filed under: scrappage

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What seven-seater for our new arrival?

We need to get a seven-seater when our fourth child arrives soon, so we're looking at a SEAT Alhambra, VW Sharan or Ford Galaxy.

We have a 2003 Focus Ghia saloon plus a budget of around €10,000 to add to it. Do you have any other similarly-sized car suggestions that we've missed and is it a concern if a second-hand car that is five or six years old has three or more owners if the mileage is less than 60,000?

 

 

 

 

Tonya Kirwan (Wicklow)

May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car

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Should I buy from an online UK dealer?

Hi Paddy. Thanks for that reply.

I have been looking at a car at an online dealers, based in the UK. There is a diesel 1.9-litre Golf, which sounds okay value there.

They want €495 deposit. In 10 days the car is available for inspection, I gather if I'm not happy I lose my deposit.

He says I couldn't be unhappy, as the car is immaculate! It is bought straight from VW, one owner, 10,000 miles, 2008 diesel with one year warranty left. There is a 2008 model with lower spec available from a local garage with 34,000 on the clock and €2,000 cheaper.

Which would you recommend? 

 

Angela Osullivan (Wicklow)

May 2010 Filed under: importing

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How do I get better fuel economy?

Hi there,

I bought the new Opel Astra in January, a diesel 1.7L CDTi with 110hp. The car is well run-in at this stage with over 4,000km on the clock. I am only getting about 42mpg; the tank holds 56 litres and I am lucky to get 800km from this. The dealer has told me that it should be closer to 55mpg. I have a provisional appointment made with the dealer for him to do an emissions check on the car. Can you think of what might be causing the poor mileage considering I am not a hard driver and do obey the speed limit?

Carl Cody (Kilkenny)

May 2010 Filed under: fuel economy and emissions

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Right price for my Octavia?

I am trading a Skoda Octavia 1.6-litre 2006 auto with low miles (40,000km) against a new Skoda Superb Elegance auto, with an allowance of €10,500 being given. Could I do better?

 

Chris Rogers (Dublin 15)

May 2010 Filed under: used car values

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What car suits being a taxi?

Can you suggest a car to be used as a taxi In Dublin?

Robert Murphy (Dublin)

May 2010 Filed under: choosing new car

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4,944 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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