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Previously answered questions
New Beetle or used Porsche/Mercedes SLK?
I have a choice between the new Volkswagen Beetle or a 2007 Porsche Boxster or 2008 model Mercedes-Benz SLK. I live in Cork (no Porsche repairs) and am not thinking of resale value/fuel economy, but am thinking of repair/servicing/parts etc.
Any tips?
Kieran F (Cork)
Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Does this Ford Focus look like a good buy?
Hi,
I'm interested in buying this car on Carzone: Ford Focus. Do you think it's a good buy? My weekly commute is about 880km (mainly motorway) and I'd hope to pay cash. Is it worth the asking price? Do you think I could get it for much cheaper?
Thanks, Steven.
Steven Darrer (Athy)
Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Would you prefer a car with low mileage over a new car?
Which is better in your opinion? Low miles or higher years?
Caroline Slevin (Dundalk)
Apr 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
What small automatic hatchback has a big boot?
I am buying a small automatic hatchback between 2004 to 2008, with a 1.4-litre or smaller engine. This car will be doing low mileage but a good boot that is easy to load is a must.
What do you recommend?
Eamonn McAndrew (Mayo)
Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
I need something bigger for the family. What do you think?
Time to change my Mazda RX8 as I need something bigger for the family. What do you think is my best option from this lot? Mazda6 2.0 diesel, Ford Focus 1.6, Audi A3 1.9 TDI or Hyundai i30? All are 2008-09 and almost same in price.
Sean Naughton (Co. Limerick)
Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Help me choose a 4x4 for up to €7,000.
Which used 4x4 should I buy? I have between six and seven thousand euro to spend on an SUV not more than 2.0-litre diesel for medium tax. I had in mind a Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0-litre diesel 4x4, but I have heard mixed views on these - some good some bad.
What should I look out for in these cars? I have heard of diesel pump/injector trouble and gearbox/clutch problems. Have the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage 2.0 diesel 4x4s the same problems?
Also I have considered a Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 4x4. Would these be underpowered in 2.0 D-4D form? I understand these are full-time 4x4 as opposed to part-time 4x4 in the Santa Fe. Would this make the RAV4 more expensive to mantain with regards to tyre wear, tracking, suspension wear etc? What are all of the above vehicles like to drive on poor roads? Would be open to your views on other 4x4s in this category.
Thank you for your time
Patrick Ryan (Tipperary)
Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Passat or Insignia? Help!
Hi guys
Very close to changing, but caught between 2010 Volkswagen Passat Highline with the 1.6 TDI engine or a very good price on a 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0 diesel CTDi. I have seen your review of the Insignia regards a creeking plastic interior. The Insignia is the better looking car but would Passat be better overall?
Michael Mulvey (Ashbourne)
Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
What can I do to ensure a Volvo XC90 is mechanically sound?
Hi, I'm pondering a second-hand Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD from a dealer. It comes at a reasonable price, with a clean Cartell.ie report and a three-month warranty. However, it's at the top of my budget. I know as much about cars as the mice know about the moon - it's big and shiny. What can I do to check if the car will drive me for some time without major faults?
Piotr Berlowski (Dublin)
Mar 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
What do you think of the Ford S-MAX?
Hi, we just had our second kid so in the market for a seven-seater. The Ford S-MAX comes highly recommended from friends. We've been offered a 2.0-litre S-MAX Zetec TDCi with 140hp, registered in March 10, with 28k miles on the clock, privacy glass and rear parking sensors for €24,500 in a straight deal (i.e. no trade-in). It has dual-zone climate control and electric windows so is a decent spec and is a UK import. I'd like your opinion on the S-MAX as a family car and on the price?
Thanks
Brian Keane (Dublin 16)
Feb 2012 Filed under: choosing used car
Skoda Superb, Saab 9-5 or Volvo S80 - all diesel - which one?
Hi lads,
Question for you: 2009 Skoda Superb 1.9 TDI, 2008 Saab 9-5 1.9 Tid or 2008 Volvo S80 2.0 D: all similar price. Safety, reliability and economy are what's important and in that order!
Thanks
Justin Patrick McElwee (Sligo)
Dec 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
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