choosing used car

Thinking of buying a 2014 Opel Astra (1.4 petrol) for circa €7,000. NCT'd to 2019, but highish mileage at 177,000km. Too good to be true?

Hi.,

Looking at a 2016 (162) Volvo V60 D6 Hybrid AWD, with less than 6K miles, (9.5k kilometres) on the clock. It is a demo model. Reviews tell me that I should avoid this car, primarily because of price. With a cash price tag of €36K on this car from a dealership I am inclined to think that the value is more acceptable. Does this price raise your two-star rating?  With three children approaching teenage, they have outgrown the Opel Zafira and so other options I am considering include the XC60.

All advice appreciated.

Is there much difference between 177hp Audi A5 S line and 150hp Audi Sportback SE Technik? Also, some cars show a dial positioned just below the gear knob for controls while other models show no dial, but a display on the dash. Why is this considering they are the same year?

I'm a newly full licenced driver at the ripe old age of 30, I haven't owned a car in 10 years so I'm looking at getting a used car for €4-5k, but due to insurance I'm limited to cars 1.6-litre or less. I want a petrol hatchback and would love something fun to drive yet affordable to run and good for motorways on the odd occasion so 1.0-litre shoeboxes would be a no no.

Any suggestions?

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a used car for my chauffeur business. Budget is low as with any business starting out so I've narrowed my choice down to these cars: 2007/8 Mercedes-Benz E-Class CDI 220/270/280, 2007/8 Lexus GS 450h/300, 2008 Audi A8 3.0-litre TDI or 2008/9 Jaguar XF diesel. I have a feeling that the Lexus is the most reliable, but also the most costly fuel wise and the boot is quite small for luggage too. I've been told the facelifted E-Class is very good and reliable as all issues where rectifified with the W211. I don't know too much about the Audi A8 or the Jaguar XF.

Any advice please?

Hi, I am looking at a 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel today; it's in excellent condition looking at pictures - obviously I'll know more when I see it. They are asking for €5,900 for the car. Full service and history check. New NCT just done. All stamps and book with car for service history. Is this a good buy do you reckon? I don't intend on paying the full asking price.

Hi,

We currently have a 2001 Volkswagen Golf Estate 1.4 petrol and are looking to upgrade. A potential option is a 2007 BMW 3 Series 320d SE Touring. Do you think this is a good option? We are happy to commit to the extra tax and insurance as we feel this will balance out with savings on fuel.

Would you agree? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

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.

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

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.