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Previously answered questions
Seven-seater without the boredom?
We have a little toddler and recently welcomed twins into our lives and while three children isn't a big family we now find that we need a seven-seater because of the baby seats. I hate the idea of a people carrier but I do need something with enough space for the little ones and all the luggage that comes with them. Is there any seven-seat car that's practical but not boring?
Julia Lenihan (Kilkenny)
May 2010 Filed under: family car
Where to go for car finance?
I know finance is hard to come by these days but I'd really like to buy a new car. Where should I go first to get finance because I don't want to be turned down by loads of banks?
Joseph Murphy (Kerry)
May 2010 Filed under: finance
Where should I get my BMW serviced and fixed?
I have a 2002 BMW 3 Series worth about €4,500. I bought it a few months ago but things are already starting to go wrong with it. Should I take it to a BMW dealership for service and repair, which could cost a fortune or should I go to the cheapest mechanic I can find to get it looked at? I don't want the work costing more than the car is worth but at the same time I'd like to have a good service history for the car and repairs well done rather than a sticking plaster effort. What would you advise?
Brian O'Sullivan (Mayo)
May 2010 Filed under: servicing
What do you recommend as a first car for new driver?
I'm thinking of buying my first car but I don't know much about cars so I don't really know what I should be shopping for. I'm a 20-year-old student and I have about €1,000 to spend. I'm a learner driver so I'd like something small, easy to drive and cheap to run. I found a nice second hand Ford Ka and wondered whether this would be suitable for me?
Susan Murphy (Blarney, Co. Cork)
May 2010 Filed under: learner
What scrappage supermini?
I have a ten-year old car and I am thinking of taking advantage of the scrappage scheme. I travel quite far, to and from work, so would require an economical car that packs a bit of punch. I have been looking at the Mazda2, Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta, which would all be around my price range. Please could you recommend which of these might be the best car for my needs?
Many thanks
AM
Alison Mackey (Blessington)
May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Are the discounts going to end?
We have seen significant reductions in prices by the car companies over the last 12 months in response to the global economic crisis - do you think we have seen the last of these price reductions or do you think there is more to come?Paul Russell (Tullyallen)
May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Did someone buy a new Audi R8 V10?
I've seen the new Audi R8 V10 (blue) about the place. Is it likely to be a press car or are there still people forking out 1/4 million for a car these days?
Paul Kieran (Dublin)
Apr 2010 Filed under: supercar
Am I being ripped off for a timing belt change?
Hi. I brought my car to a mechanic recently for a service as its NCT is up soon. He told me as I've over 60,000 miles on the clock my timing belt needs to be replaced, but between labour and parts it'll cost around €400. Is this true? He doesn't seem like the world's most dishonest guy in fairness, but I don't want to have to shell out another €400 unless it's completely necessary.
Brion Lynch (Dingle)
Apr 2010 Filed under: servicing
Scrappage or cash deal?
Can you tell me if the current scrappage scheme is really worth it? Surely a cash deal would have the same results?
Peter Maher (Ennis)
Apr 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Any automatic diesels in Ireland?
I've recently moved back to Ireland from Central Europe and can't believe the Irish motor trade's attitude to automatic cars. I've heard various salesmen say stuff like "they give trouble", "fuel consumption is very high" and "sure why would you want one of those?"
I had a deal almost done on a Toyota Avensis diesel until I asked for it with an automatic gearbox. 'Not available in Ireland' I was told. My questions are as follows:
What automatic diesels are available in Ireland? What would you recommend for a family of four? Can automatics be in a different tax band from their manual brothers?
Stuart Foley (Malahide)
Apr 2010 Filed under: automatic
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