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Previously answered questions

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

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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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Would you recommend the Opel Insignia?

Would you recommend the Opel Insignia car? Interested in buying one 2012+, but understand they have a bad reputation and would be likely to cost me money on repairs.

Tony Bourke (Dublin)

May 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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How does this Hyundai ix20 sound?

Hi folks,

Thinking of buying a 2012 Hyundai ix20. Has mileage of 105,325 miles/169,500km, NCT due date: March 2018, fully serviced and three-month warranty and the price is under €7,000. Is this a good buy? Should I be concerned about timing belt and water pump?

Thanks

Jenn

Jennifer Harte (Cork)

May 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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What's the 2007 Toyota Corolla like?

How is the 2007 Toyota Corolla Luna for problems, fuel and tax?

Jonathan Kennedy (Balbriggan)

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Mitsubishi Outlander or other 4x4s?

Hi ,

Thinking about buying a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel from the UK, not for the seven seats, but for 4×4 capabilities, low running costs and reliability. I'm wondering are there any other options. And is the Mitsubishi 2.2 belt or chain driven?

Thanks

Jonathan Crawford (Donegal )

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Nearly new sensible car or older premium?

Hi.

I'm thinking of changing my car, but I'm torn between buying a nearly new model like the Mazda6 or a three-year-old premium car from such as BMW, Jaguar or Audi with lowish mileage. Servicing cost of premium brands is also a concern. On the other hand, I can get a lot of car for reasonable money. Decisions! Decisions!

Your opinion greatly valued. Thanks in advance.

Tom McGrath (Kilkenny)

Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car

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Any advice on 2009 BMW 3 Series?

Looking at a 2009 BMW 318/320: any opinions? Also, is it true that there are better specs on the UK versions

Thanks for your advice

Dan Heaslip (Dublin)

Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Make sense to go for an older BMW X5?

Hi,

I need help. I am thinking about buying a BMW X5 2.9 or 3.0d Sport Auto from 2001, 2002 or 2003 as my second car and I don't have kids. How much would I spend per week putting diesel in? Is €3,000 or €4,000 a good investment for this car?

Nappa Napoleao (Scunthorpe)

Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Is the Opel Astra 1.7 diesel any good?

Opel Astra 1.7 CDTi Estate: are they good?

Gerry Cluskey (Drogheda)

Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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4,885 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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