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Previously answered questions
What's the best second-hand seven-seat MPV?
I am looking for a seven-seat MPV. What do you think of a 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso Grand manual - or a 2008 automatic? Was told Renaults were unreliable, what do you think? Any other suggestions?
Niamh Clarke (Naas)
Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
What car for a newly returned couple?
Hi Shane,
I saw your column in the motoring section of the Sunday Independent and I was hoping that you could give me advice on buying a used car. My partner and I have just moved back to Ireland after a stint in Asia and neither of us has ever owned a car so we're pretty inexperienced drivers.
We were wondering what make/model/year you would recommend for a used car. Ideally a five-door, manual car that doesn't stall too easily and with decent boot size (we have a baby). Our budget is around €5,000 (max. €10,000) .
Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.
Caroline
Caroline Albos (Dublin)
Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Toyota Auris petrol or diesel?
I want to change my 99 Polo. I drive only at weekends and am wondering should I change to a diesel. I'm thinking of getting Toyota Auris 2008 but don' know whether to go for petrol or diesel one. Any advice please?
Siobhan OGara (Dublin)
Apr 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Newer VW Passat or older BMW 3 Series?
Hi Shane & Paddy,
I am looking at changing my car. I've a 2002 BMW 318Ci with 106,000 miles on the clock. It has Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel, alloys, cruise control etc. Due to on-street parking it has some damage to the rear driver's side panel and the alloys need to be dipped to look their best. We have a baby on the way so need something with back doors.
I have looked at a 2007 2.0-litre Passat saloon: 90,000km, leather interior, heated seats, cruise control and Bluetooth and the garage is asking €11,950. I also saw a 2005 BMW 320i SE saloon with leather seats, cruise control etc. and they are asking €11,950 too. I was also thinking of looking at Audi A4s but haven't yet.
Assuming I can get approx €5,000 for my current car then €11-12,000 is the total budget. Should I do the repair work on the damage and alloys now to improve value? Can you recommend someone?
What can I expect to get for private sale and trade-in? What would you recommend as replacement? We do mostly city driving with a country trip once a month or so. Petrol or diesel? Head says newer Passat but I like driving the BMW and think the Passat / A4 might be less enjoyable to drive.
Sorry for all the questions!
Thanks. Enda
Enda Lowry (Dublin)
Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
How best to swap my VW Golf GTI for a Touareg?
I've a 2002 five-door VW Golf GTI with cream leather interior, sunroof and alloys. I'd like to trade it in for a VW Touareg from around 2005/2006. What's the best way to do this?
Emma Hannon (Dublin)
Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
What do you think of the Volvo S80?
What do you think of a 2007 Volvo S80 AWD D5 Geartronic? Is it as safe and reliable and economical as others in its sector? I have had Volvos and BMWs (530d and 520d) and found the Volvo better for comfort, safety reliability and the BMW better as a driver's car with great engines...
Justin Mc Elwee (Sligo)
Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Toyota Avensis or VW Passat Estate?
Hi guys,
I am looking at a 2006 Toyota Avensis Estate D-4D 130bhp six-speed. It is €5,700 in Northern Ireland from an after market dealer. What sort of economy does this manage? Is it a good buy or not? Or would a 2005 VW Passat Estate with 130bhp be better?
Jim O'Sullivan (Co.Cork.)
Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Should I buy a 2006 Mazda RX-8?
Hey guys,
I have a 2006 Opel Astra GTC SXI 1.7 diesel. I have been very unlucky with it and have gotten a lot of problems so I am ultimately thinking of trading it in. I saw a nice 2006 Mazda RX 8 1.3 petrol and liked the look of it. Just wanted to ask your opinion on how reliable they are. If I have any trouble would I have to bring it to a main dealer because of the Wankel engine; are parts expensive, depreciation etc? Any help/advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Alan Clanty (Limerick)
Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
What car has three ISOFIX points?
Hi
We hope to trade in our 2005 Skoda Octavia during the summer for a car that has three isofix points in the back. We would prefer not to get a seven-seater as we don't need that many seats. Our wishlist would include the three isofix points, a big boot to accomodate a double buggy, low tax and fuel efficiency. We have been looking at the Peugeot 307 SW. The trade in value of our present car seems to be in around the €5,000 mark. We can afford to add another €,5000 to that.
Any advice greatly appreciated! Many thanks.
Feena Farrell (Kilcock)
Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Which to buy - VW Passat or Ford Mondeo?
Which to buy, 09 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi or Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI?
Kevin Reilly (Dublin)
Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
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