choosing used car

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?

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

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?

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...

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?

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. 

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. 

Which to buy, 09 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi or Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI?

Hi, I've been looking at upgrading my car and have been looking at Audi A4 around 2005/2006. They are all quite high mileage but is this something I need to be concerned about? I have been looking at this one, which seems a good deal and has 79,000 miles on the clock - what do you think? I do roughly 5-7,000 miles per year so not too worried about fuel costs. Is there anything else I should watch out for or take into account?

What car is a better buy: a 2005 Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 115hp Zetec estate with 89,500 miles (English import) and a tiny rust patch on roof; or a 2007 Ssangyong Kyron 2.0 XDI 141hp with 147,000 kilometres (Irish car) in good condition? I'm basically looking for a diesel with a big boot and I can get my hands on both of the above.

Thanks,

Dave