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Previously answered questions

Which compact MPV suits us best?

Hi,

My wife, daughter Daisy (four years old) and myself are thinking of updating our 2005 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 with 105,000km in the next few months. We recently test drove a 2012 C-Max 1.6 diesel Titanium with about 40,000km on the clock. It was a nice car at €17,500 with a €2,000 trade in for our own so really €15,500. I said we were paying cash, but we could not get more discount. Do you think that’s a fair offer or do you think I could haggle more, as most websites say Ford will barter with you?

Second question. The Ford B-Max seems to be cheaper than the C-Max. Apart from the sliding doors and height of the cabin on the B-Max, is there any other difference? To a layman they both offer the same inside and out. I have read and seen reviews for both cars and there are no major negatives there.

Third Question. We are thinking of trading up and not spending more than €15,000. What is the best option realistically for us in your opinion? Should we consider a different vehicle altogether? We like the higher ride in these cars because it's easier for both adult and child to get in.

Regards,

Ben O’Connor

Ben O Connor (Dundrum, Dublin)

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Will Ireland ever get personalised plates?

Will we ever see personalised registration plates becoming available in this country? And please don't tell me they're the sole preserve of the well to do because you can buy a personalised number plate in the UK for as little as three to four hundred pounds, which includes admin.

Tom Reilly (Belmullet)

Apr 2016 Filed under: registration

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Should I be worried about a late NCT?

Considering buying a 2007 Volkswagen Golf. On the Cartell.ie check it showed that the NCT due in 04/15 was not completed until 04/16; should this be a cause for concern?

Sandra, Clonmel

Sandra Mulcahy (Clonmel)

Apr 2016 Filed under: NCT

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How good is the 2008 Toyota Avensis diesel?

How good is the 2008 Toyota Avensis diesel?

Paul Moran (Nenagh)

Apr 2016 Filed under: diesel

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Can I import a car with finance outstanding?

I want to import a car to Ireland that my son has in the UK. However, he still has finance outstanding in the UK, which he will continue to pay.

Can I import this car?

Harry Kumar (Waterloo Road, Ballsbridge)

Apr 2016 Filed under: importing

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Changing company car with €40k to spend...

Hi guys,

Just changing company car, ballpark of €40k ish to spend, but could push if needed more for correct car. Have two children and baby en route. Was thinking seven-seater, but afraid we will loose driving style and enjoyment because of this. Finally, live in country and the idea of 4x4 even in car just seems like right thing to look for, but am I just being crazy?

Any advive would be great, need to make decision this week as soon as possible to get car ordered.

Thanks

Dan

Dan Duffy (Louth)

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

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Trade-in price of a 2006 Toyota Prius?

What is the trade in price of a 2006 Toyota Prius?

Fergus Cummins (Glenageary,)

Apr 2016 Filed under: used car values

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Why do the Audi A3's and Golf's tax differ?

Why is the tax between an Audi and Golf such a difference for a 1.6 engine? Seems odd!

Colin Morrissey (Lucan)

Apr 2016 Filed under: taxation

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Which cars are best for comfort?

Hi,

Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.

We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs,  but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.

Thanks

Kevin

Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Which of these cabriolets to go for?

Hi,

I'm looking at three secondhand folding roof hard top coupes for my partner (Ford Focus CC, Astra cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos). Leaning towards an Eos. Can you advise of any potential pitfalls to this regarding reliability or known issues, insurance costs etc? Plus, which in your opinion is the more usable vehicle for everyday use? Also as a curve ball can you suggest an alternative to the above?

Cheers, Alan

Alan Burke

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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4,962 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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