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Previously answered questions
What's the old Lexus IS like?
What's your opinion of the 2005 Lexus IS 200 automatic? I'm thinking of buying one.
Regards, Joe in Dublin
Joe Boyle (Dublin)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
I'm thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Carisma.
Hi, I'm thinking of buying a 2002 Mitsubushi Carisma. I don't know anything about them and just wondered if they are worth the risk? It's a 1.3 petrol and has one year of NCT remaining. Not sure of mileage yet; anything I should look out for in particular?
Thanks very much.
Catherine Keenan (Longford)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Which compact MPV suits us best?
Hi,
My wife, daughter Daisy (four years old) and myself are thinking of updating our 2005 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6 with 105,000km in the next few months. We recently test drove a 2012 C-Max 1.6 diesel Titanium with about 40,000km on the clock. It was a nice car at €17,500 with a €2,000 trade in for our own so really €15,500. I said we were paying cash, but we could not get more discount. Do you think that’s a fair offer or do you think I could haggle more, as most websites say Ford will barter with you?
Second question. The Ford B-Max seems to be cheaper than the C-Max. Apart from the sliding doors and height of the cabin on the B-Max, is there any other difference? To a layman they both offer the same inside and out. I have read and seen reviews for both cars and there are no major negatives there.
Third Question. We are thinking of trading up and not spending more than €15,000. What is the best option realistically for us in your opinion? Should we consider a different vehicle altogether? We like the higher ride in these cars because it's easier for both adult and child to get in.
Regards,
Ben O’Connor
Ben O Connor (Dundrum, Dublin)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Which cars are best for comfort?
Hi,
Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.
We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs, but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.
Thanks
Kevin
Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Which of these cabriolets to go for?
Hi,
I'm looking at three secondhand folding roof hard top coupes for my partner (Ford Focus CC, Astra cabriolet and Volkswagen Eos). Leaning towards an Eos. Can you advise of any potential pitfalls to this regarding reliability or known issues, insurance costs etc? Plus, which in your opinion is the more usable vehicle for everyday use? Also as a curve ball can you suggest an alternative to the above?
Cheers, Alan
Alan Burke
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
What do you think of the Volvo S80?
Can you please give me an opinion on the Volvo S80 from 2005 to 2010?
Joe Mcelwee (Galway)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Tell me about the 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2...
I am looking to buy a 2012 Nissan Qashqai+2 SVE petrol version; can you please let me know what are the spec differences between SV and SVE for the year 2012?
Does this model have timing chain or belt and what would be the replacement interval?
What would be the mpg on this particular model?
Thanks.
User Duluth (Dublin)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Looking at a 2003-2009 Toyota Avensis.
Hi there, I was thinking of buying a 2009 Toyota Avensis diesel hatchback with 67k miles from the UK. It is the old 2003-2009 shape. Has satnav, don't see any reversing sensors, full Toyota service history. Are they a good car or would you say 2009 version is better?
Thanks,
Walter
Walter Johnston (Ratoath)
Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Is a 2009 Kia Rio auto a good idea?
Is it a good idea to buy a 2009 Kia Rio automatic? It is NCT'ed until April 2017. I am a little worried about the parts availability and the cost involved after the purchase. May I know what is your opinion?
Ram N (Dublin)
Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Volkswagen Passat CC or Volvo S60?
Hi,
I am considering two cars at the moment: 1) 2011 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0-litre diesel (140hp) with 62,000 miles, €18,950; 2) 2011 Volvo S60 D3-R 2.0-litre diesel (163hp) with 41,500 miles, cost €17,950. Which would you consider the best car in terms of reliability, fun driving, value and resale value? The Passat has a slightly better trim (brown leather heated seats, satnav...), but I liked the extra power of the Volvo!
Thanks
Barry
Barry Gilbert (Dublin)
Mar 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
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