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I'm tempted by a new MPV for under €30,000.

Hi guys,

I am looking to replace my Renault Scenic automatic (06). I do about 10,000 miles a year. I know I am probably going to get a very low trade in for a car this age... Do I buy a new car and get a decent €3,000 or €3,500 trade in allowance? (If it's new it needs to be under €30,000) Or do I buy a second hand car?

Ideally I would like a seven-seater (I wouldn't rule out a five-seater just yet). If it is used I do not want anything older than 2013. the most important factor is reliability, as this next car needs to do me at least 10 years, and be very economical (in terms of fuel consumption and tax). It needs to be a manual car, too - I have an automatic at the moment, but I want to revert back to a manual transmission.

I am looking at the Ford Grand C-Max or the Toyota Verso. Which of these is more reliable? Should I be looking at anything else (not French ideally; I will not buy any other French car I think - I have owned three and had nothing but trouble)? I am also tempted to get a hybrid but for a people carrier does it even exist and what type of cost?

Thanks

Do we need to pay VAT on importing?

Are we liable for VAT as well as VRT if we are bringing in a 13-month old company car that has done 39,000 miles and is still being purchased by monthly payments under a lease agreement?

The sale price the company is asking is just the amount to pay off the lease. Is the company legally able to sell the car yet or does the lease have to be paid off first? Also, if a company buys a car under a lease agreement do they pay VAT? We don't want to be stuck with a car we can't import or has hidden costs like VAT. The asking price does seem very good though: £11,000, which is what made me think we will have to pay VAT too. Any feedback will be very helpful.

Thank you

Debbie

Should I trade my Focus in for a new car?

My 2005 Focus needs about €2k of work to pass an NCT and stay on the road. Through scrappage I am being offered €5k for the car, making a new car in the region of €17k, so the cost of changing to a comfy, stress free new car is effectively €15k, no NCT worries and no bills next year.

Is it worth trading up now while €5k is on the table? The Focus probably has another few years in it, but I can't see past the hassle of keeping it on the road. What are the potential pit falls of sticking with an older car, and what savings does a new car offer over an old car?

Which solid car to buy for up to €7,000?

Hi Guys,

I'm living in Louth and will be driving to Dublin each day Monday to Friday. That's a journey of 160km per day. I am looking for a family car that is comfy yet professional and I guess most important bullet proof that won't cost us an arm and a leg over the next 12 months. Budget somewhere around €6,000/7,000. I know it's not big, but family come first and this car needs to be a work horse. A couple of options would be great.

Dan , Louth

Looking for price for 2008 Honda Civic.

Hi, looking for a ballpark guide for a trade in value on a 2008 Honda Civic, five-door hatchback, 1.8 VTEC. The car has a full service history and 135,000km on the clock. What would I reasonably expect at the upper and lower end of the value range? There are very few of these models for sale, making a reasonable guess difficult. Appreciate any expertise you might be able to dispense before I encounter the dealers!!

Thank you

JD

Can I import a car and pay finance in the UK?

I live in Northern Ireland. I've been offered a good deal to take a new Ford car on finance for the next 36 months. My concern is that I (hopefully) intend to move to the Republic within the next year or two. Is it possible to change residency and register my car in the Republic while still paying finance in the UK?