CompleteCar

Ask Us Anything

Read answers from CompleteCar.ie motoring experts to readers’ car questions.

From our motoring experts

Latest answered questions

Browse previous answers from the CompleteCar.ie editorial team.

Any scrappage AND 0% PCP finance deals?

Hi,

I am in the market to replace my 14-year old Peugeot 307. I note a lot of manufacturers have scrappage deals at present. Quite a few also have 0% finance deals, but these two offers are generally mutually exclusive. Do you know of any manufacturer offering both deals on new cars?

Thanks for your time, Rowland

How best to upgrade to a newer car?

Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering  €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?

Many thanks, Denis

What is going on with PCP variability?

PCP financing is something of a dark art! Deals tend to vary wildly from dealer to dealer (even for the same make and model) and the advertised offers don't seem to bear much resemblance to how they pan out in reality (I looked into an offer with monthly repayments of €362, but on a 20 per cent deposit the price ballooned to over €600).

Any advice for navigating this form of car financing, especially on how to compare packages?

Are dealer extras on a new car worth it?

Are the extras that dealers add to the price of cars actually necessary or beneficial? The last time I bought a car the dealer looked up the list price, added delivery charges and metallic paint/optional extras and that was the price you paid. Now in addition to all that there's a dealer seal and protect coating and step back insurance. Showroom sales staff really push these with a hard sell, but they can add €1,000 to €1,200 to the cost of a car. Question is, are they worth it?