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Previously answered questions
Can you explain what 'VAT' qualifying means on importing a car from the UK?
I am considering buying a car in the UK. Can you clarify what 'VAT qualifying' means? Does this mean that I can get the UK VAT back but I have to pay Irish VAT and VRT? I realise VAT is payable on cars less than six months old.
William Neale (Dublin)
Jun 2011 Filed under: importing
BMW X5 or 5 Series?
Hello,
I would like to buy a BMW and have a choice between a 2008 X5 or 2011 5 Series. I need something with a big boot that is also reliable, as it will be family transport for five years. At the moment I have a Nissan XTrail and am worried about going back to driving a low seated car. Thats' why I am considering the X5 and also because I don't like the X3. Could you give me some advice please?
Sinead Murphy (Cork)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
How do I turn off the traction control in a Jaguar XF?
How can I turn the traction control off in a Jaguar XF?
Sloom Ssj (Riyadh)
Jun 2011 Filed under: miscellaneous
How much is my VW Golf worth on trade-in?
I was wondering if you would know how much on average I would get for a trade in for a 2003 VW Golf 1.4, three-door, 90,000 miles, NCT March 2013?
Thank you
Anna Lynch
Jun 2011 Filed under: used car values
I am thinking of buying a Fiat Panda under the scrappage scheme
I am considering buying the Fiat Panda 1.1 petrol Eco Active under the scrappage scheme. Your advice here would be most welcome.
Tony Kearney (Wicklow)
Jun 2011 Filed under: scrappage
Should I bargain harder on a Skoda Octavia?
Hi guys - I'm thinking of putting in an offer on a 2010 Skoda Octavia Elegance (1.6 TDI), which has been imported from the North. The dealer will allow me about €2k (although in reality I suspect a lot less) on my own 02 Octavia.
Should I seek some reduction in the quoted price on the basis that a) the car has a speedometer in mph and it would cost me to change this and b) it's currently in use by one of the sales people with all the evidence of normal family use over several months and c) it's beyond it's due service. I don't know how much below the initial asking price I should start my offer. Thanks.
Elaine Edwards (Navan)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
How long will a 2.0-litre petrol engine last?
Hello, I would like to know how much mileage to expect from a 2.0-litre petrol engine in its lifetime. My Honda has almost 120,000 miles done in seven years and I am wondering how much more I should expect.
Thanks.
Mary Foley (Cork)
Jun 2011 Filed under: reliability
Is the 2.0 TDI Passat worth the extra money over the 1.6?
Hi lads,
My question is that I have a 2009 VW Passat BlueMotion Comfortline (110hp) and I want to upgrade soon. The car has full leather, Bluetooth kit and a tow bar. The current mileage is 50,000km. I took the 1.6 for a test drive and found it to be a bit underpowered and I had to change gears a lot. I also took the 2.0-litre for a test drive and found it to be a better car.
The 1.6 does 64mpg and the 2.0 does 61.5mpg so would I be better off to actually purchase the 2.0 as I can afford it? Also both cars fall into the same tax bracket (104 Euro for a year). I was offered very good money for my current passat. What is your opinion of the 1.6 - I use the Passat for transporting the family so I want a dependable car with low tax and something that looks good too! Would the 2.0 be a better option?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Martin Ryan (Athlone)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Should I buy variable bampers on the BMW 5 Series?
Hello I would like to know what you think of the variable dampner option on the new BMW 5 Series please. Do you think it would be better than the standard suspension and would there be a big difference between the two bearing in mind that it would cost me almost €1,500?
Susan Kelly (Dublin)
Jun 2011 Filed under: optional extras
Audi A3 or Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I have a 2007 Toyota Auris Terra diesel that I am trading in. It has 87,000km on the clock and is in excellent condition. What it is worth? I was thinking of getting an Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S line or the Lexus CT 200h S Design. I found the suspension hard in the Lexus. Which would you recommend?
Martina Kerins (Cork)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
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