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Previously answered questions
What car will cost me less in tax than my 2007 Golf?
I have a 2007 VW Golf diesel with 44,000 miles on the clock. I wish to change it for a similarly sized 08/09 car with lower tax. My annual mileage is about 12,000-14,000 miles. Which cars would you recomend and how much should I receive for my own one?
Thanks
Mary Hughes (Westport)
Sep 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Recommend a car for €5,000 for a 21-year old starting off.
My daughter is 21 and is looking for her first car. She has about €5,000 to spend. What car would you recommend?
Richard Burke (Drogheda)
Aug 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Should I buy from SIMI?
I am thinking of purchasing a '06 or '07 Toyota Corolla Hatchback with all the extras. I have spotted one at an independent dealer that suits my requirements however the dealer is not a member of the SIMI.
Would i be better of purchashing from an SIMI dealer even if this car at the independent dealer checks out ok.? They have told me that the mileage/km will be warranted & that there able to offer the same level of service as any SIMI member. Should i trust this dealer or just avoid altogether ?
James Slyver (Cork)
Aug 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Is 80,000 miles a lot on a 2007 Ford Galaxy?
We are looking for a used Ford Galaxy and wondering if 80,000 miles is a lot on a 2007 1.8 diesel model? We do very low mileage so won't add much to whatever we buy but we want to keep it for a long time. Don't want to buy something that will soon cause trouble! Thanks
Patricia McGuire (Dublin)
Aug 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Should I buy new or second-hand with up to €30k?
I'm thinking of trading in my car for scrappage at the moment before some of the deals end and I am thinking of spending €25k - €30k.
I have been looking at the Renault Laguna and Opel Insignia for the scrappage instead of a second-hand car. I am looking for something with a decent boot and a bit of poke in it as I'm upgrading from a Corsa!
After thinking about it for a while I then thought about maybe going for a second-hand car for resale value and depreciation of a new car especially since it's coming close to the end of the year and it'll be a year old in a few months.
On the second-hand range I was considering maybe a BMW 5 Series, Audi A4 or A6 or something similiar in that range. Any suggestions or ideas on what to do or look for in a car to maximise the purchase and keep resale value? I am open to suggestions on other makes and models I may have skipped over. Thanks.
Alan Crookes (Portmarnock)
Aug 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
I need a mid-sized family car for about 10,000km a year
Hi there,
I need to buy a mid-sized family car that has to do me for about five years. Both my wife and I cycle to work so it would be in the driveway most of the time though I'd say we still clock up about 10,000 km a year.
My budget is between €9,000 and €10,000 and I was hoping to buy a 2007 car. I had been looking at the Ford Focus diesel estate as it is economical, roomy and decent to drive, but any out there in my price range tend to have a lot of miles on the clock.
I'm now looking at petrol Jettas, which are nice cars but the fuel economy concerns me as I know petrol cars are falling out of favour. Any advice?
Mark
Mark Jordan (Dublin)
Aug 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Peugeot 407, VW Passat or Mazda6?
Hi lads,
Any thoughts on the Peugeot 407 1.6-litre diesel? Seems to be great value. Looking at that or either a 2007 Volkswagen Passat or Mazda6.
I have heard mixed reports on all at this stage. Budget is tight so swaying to the 407 as seems to be a lot of spec etc.
Thanks,
Mick
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)
Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
What will I replace my 5 Series with?
Hi Complete Car,
I am upgrading my car. My budget is around the €25k mark. First off, I'm no expert, but I do know I'm not much into speed and performance; I'm more into comfort and style and I prefer European cars over Asian ones (Honda and Lexus being possible exceptions). I'm a big person myself, over six-foot three so leg- and head room are important.
For the last few years I have had a BMW 5 Series and have always liked BMW so I'm leaning that way. Currently thinking about a BMW 6 Series: there are some '05s floating around that fit the bill.
Question: is the 6 any good? Should I stick to the 5 Series (although I'm not a fan of the recent models in terms of looks)?
I'd be interested to know if you think there are other makes and models I should be looking at. I have tried a few Alfas - 159, Brera and GT - but they didn't grab me, were generally too small and always have that 'rep' associated with them (rightly or wrongly).
I'm not keen on hunting for cars in the UK (the hassle), but is that actually a no-brainer I'd be stupid to ignore?
Should I be looking at a brand new car?
Thanks for your time, and a great car website; the best in my opinion,
Stephen
Stephen Moriarty (Dublin)
Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
What's the Mercedes-Benz Viano like?
Can you tell me anything about the reliability and safety of the Mercedes-Benz Viano? NCAP results are from a test on the 2008 model and we are looking at an 06 or 07. Also I've read about recalls on the Viano so wondering if they are likely to cause trouble or what should be check before buying. Thanks very much!
Leah Donnelly (Dublin)
Jul 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Reliability issues with Passat?
I am thinking of a 05/06 diesel Passat, but am worried about reliability issues. I have heard about clutch problems and bulbs blowing constantly on these cars. What is your opinion? Also is there any other car you would recommend in this category? Mondeo, Octavia, A4?
Cyril Cleere (Kilkenny)
Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
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