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Previously answered questions
What car to replace my 5 Series?
Hi guys. Might be a tricky one as its really a matter of opinion but i'm trying to replace a money pit '01 BMW 5 Series with something a little cheaper to run.
I've about 8 to 9k to spend on something in the Mondeo/407/Passat region. Has to be Diesel. I'm not too pushed about mileage as age is more of a concern reliability wise. Obviously very little compares to my current motor for comfort and build quiality but any major flaws you know of with cars that class would make the decision a bit easier.
For instance i've heard the Passat has major issues with it's electronic handbrake, A/C, and electrics and the Rover 75 may be tricky for parts. Obviously any recomendations would be personal taste but i'm stumped so any help would be much appreciated. My only absolute no is the Vecta. Been there. No interest in going back. All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Gar O'Neill
Gareth O'Neill (Drogheda)
Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Should I swap my Volvo S80 for a Mondeo or Citroen C5?
Howaya.
I have a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 and it's giving me 7 litres per 100km. I'm thinking of exchanging it for either a Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi or a Citroen C5 1.6 - both 2008. Which car is better from economy, reliability and safety point of view or should I change at all?
Thanks
Justin Patrick McElwee (Sligo)
Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Will I have Freelander problems?
Hi,
I am thinking of buy a second hand 2007 Freelander 2 with 90k miles. I would be grateful for your insights on 2 questions: 1. What major service issues should i check should have been done already by 90k (e.g. timing belt changes, etc) and what major works / replacements do you think will need doing in the future ? 2. I have read that Freelanders can develop signficant problems (more the old version than this one). Do you think that if this Freelander 2 has not developed such problems by 90k that it is likely that most problems in the future will be related to mileage undertaken ? (i.e. if such problems have not surfaced by 90k they are not likely to) I am not absolutely committed to buy a Freelander 2 so if you warn me to stay away from Freelanders i wont be disappointed!
Regards and thank you in advance, Ciaran.
Ciaran Browne (Dublin)
Jul 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Will I buy the Saab I have always wanted?
Hi,
I'm considering buying a 04/05 Saab 9-3 petrol with about 80,000 miles on the clock. I have always like this car but are they reliable? And are they expensive to repair? My heart is telling me to get the saab and my head is telling me to get an Avensis/Mondeo type car..Help!
Thanks Ray
Ray Murphy (Dublin)
Jul 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Will a 1.6 Skoda suit our family of five?
We are a family of five - Mom, Dad, three boys - and we are looking for an affordable car since I (mom) got into an accident and the other car is beyond repair. We are looking at a used Skoda 1.6-litre petrol. Are these good cars?
Celeste Barratt (Trinidad)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
I need another estate car
Great site. I have one myself so know the amount of work it takes to keep it running so well done.
I have a 2001 Audi A6 and want to replace it with an estate as I have a dog. I have about €20k to spend and am not worried about getting a car that is a few years old, as I do not do much mileage.
Thanks
Mark S (Dublin)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
I need a stylish, practical car for low mileage use.
Hi, I am looking for a reasonably stylish and fun-to-drive car that is practical enough to carry a couple of sets of golf clubs. I only drive about 3,000 miles a year as I live in city centre and walk most places. I therefore was thinking a petrol model would be a wiser choice than diesel.
I am less worried about upfront cost and more about cost of ownership such as depreciation, servicing, maintenance etc. I don't mind spending more for quality, but value and reliability are important. I am therefore thinking a couple years old maximum.
Cars I have considered are a 2008/9 Mazda6 Sport five-door with the 1.8-litre petrol engine (tough to find) and a 2009 Audi A5 with the 2.0 TFSI engine. This probably shows that I have a pretty broad range of things I would consider and I would be open to something completely different. What are your thoughts?
Apologies as I know its a fairly broad question but I figure you guys need a challenge every now and again.
Thanks for the great site, there really is no equal in Ireland.
Derek Popkes
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Should I bargain harder on a Skoda Octavia?
Hi guys - I'm thinking of putting in an offer on a 2010 Skoda Octavia Elegance (1.6 TDI), which has been imported from the North. The dealer will allow me about €2k (although in reality I suspect a lot less) on my own 02 Octavia.
Should I seek some reduction in the quoted price on the basis that a) the car has a speedometer in mph and it would cost me to change this and b) it's currently in use by one of the sales people with all the evidence of normal family use over several months and c) it's beyond it's due service. I don't know how much below the initial asking price I should start my offer. Thanks.
Elaine Edwards (Navan)
Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
What family diesel would suit me with €10,000 to spend?
I have roughly €10k to spend on a used car and I was hoping you might help with my choice. My requirements are: I drive 50,000 kilometers annually (work mainly) so a diesel would be essential; I have two children so a saloon sized car or bigger would be needed; and I really like a car with generous extras. Have you any ideas what might fit my need?
Thanks so much.
John Woods (Clonmel)
May 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Why do cars remain online when they're sold?
Why do car dealers make a farce of car advertising by continuing to advertise cars that have long been sold? I sent two emails to a Ford dealer in Cork expressing interest in a car. I got no answer. I telephoned and was told that the car was well gone and they muttered something about a problem with their emails as an excuse for not replying.
This particular ad is still on serveral sites including the dealer's own site. What is the point of following up and wasting time with chasing these cars?!
F D (Dublin)
May 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
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