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Previously answered questions
Where do I get new car price lists?
Where do I access new car price lists in Ireland?
Michael Tynan (Dublin)
Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
What'll I do with my petrol Mazda5?
Hi,
According to every car salesman I speak to I am apparently in an unfortunate situation. I currently own a Mazda5 Exec, 1.8 petrol seven-seater with 127,500km on the clock, which I no longer have a need for. So, I am considering trading it in, but I'm also considering selling it privately (as I may get more money for it that way). The best trade in price I have been quoted so far was €4,450 against a 2011 Ford Focus TDCi and the worst price I've been quoted was €2,500 against a 2012 Opel Astra GTC (worth €11,750).
What I'm hoping to buy is a good reliable small car (hatchback style) that is economical to run and tax and that will last me a long time. I test drove a few in the past few weeks and unlike my past car purchases I'm in no hurry to buy. I am considering buying a car from Northern Ireland with the sterling being rumoured to becoming equal to the Euro soon enough.
The Astra GTC has caught my eye, but going by some reviews I've been reading it may not be the best fit for me. Some other cars I would consider are Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or SEAT Leon, but I'm open to persuasion.
Basically, I don't need a seven-seater anymore, so I want a stylish, modern, economical smaller car to get around in. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Del.
Derek Bailey (Dunleer)
Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
How much to trade my Merc in for?
I have a Mercedes-Benz C 200 auto diesel with 72k km on the clock. It's silver, has satnav, parking sensors front and rear. Taxed until Feb 2018, NCT up to Feb 2019. This car is for trade-in - how much for?
Valentine Duignan (Bray Ireland)
Jun 2017 Filed under: used car values
How much to change Mondeo's head gasket?
How much does it cost for a head gasket repair on a 2014 Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi?
Ben Mur (Dublin)
May 2017 Filed under: repair
Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008?
I am looking at buying a car similar to a Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008; can you comment on either or which would be better?
Anne Mcelhone (Sligo)
May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Any idea of VRT cost on 1994 Mercedes?
Hi,
I've bought a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible from the UK. It's not listed on the Revenue VRT calculator. Sale price of £9,000. I had thought VRT would be low, but it looks like that might not be the case!
Any idea how much this might cost me?
Bobby Kennedy (Dublin)
May 2017 Filed under: VRT
Tell me about the Toyota Auris...
What's good and bad about the Toyota Auris?
Pam Riddles (Brakpan)
May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia?
Current value of a 2012 Opel Insignia Elite 2.0-litre diesel automatic with 70,000km in very good condition?
Barry O'Gorman (Monaghan)
May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Should I avoid Volkswagen Group cars?
Good morning,
I've been thinking about buying a second hand Volkswagen Passat (2011 to 2013), but I've been reading bad things online about the NOx fixes causing terrible problems with performance drops and fuel economy deteriorating. What do you know about these issues? (yes I know the company line is that there is no drop in performance or fuel economy, but it will say that - no reason to believe a company that would do such things as intentionally cheat on the emissions tests in the first place).
Should I avoid cars that require the NOx fixes?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve Baker (Wicklow)
May 2017 Filed under: recall
I'd like a sporty car from 142-152...
Hi guys,
I currently drive a late 2012 Audi A3 (new model three-door 2.0 TDI). It's a great car, but I'm in a position to upgrade and I want something that has a bit more oomph on the road and is a bit bigger. I have a good 45-minute commute each way to work and I have friends and family all over the country so I need a diesel for all the miles I'm covering.
I'm looking at purchasing second hand, probably cars registered from 142 - 152. I'd love a BMW 420d M Sport, but they can be pricey and I have heard from a few people that used BMWs can be far from reliable. I have considered sticking with Audi, but I have found that Audi cars from this time period (A4/A5) are a bit underpowered and poorly equipped for the money. Is there anything you can recommend? I find myself only looking at German manufacturers, but I can get over badge snobbery if I found something I really liked.
Thanks guys
Pearse
Pearse McDonagh (Waterford )
May 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
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