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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

How reliable is the latest Renault Laguna?

Can a diesel car run well on kerosene?

I'm trying to decide to buy either a Toyota Avensis Estate or a Renault Grand Mégane. How would you compare the two cars?

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?

Hi,

I am reviewing replacing my 1998 Toyota Avensis with a diesel/low tax model as I have a daily commute of 60 miles. Option A is to go for a Corolla diesel under the scrappage scheme or buy second-hand from around 2007/08. Is the scrappage real value and what is the best scrappage deal avaialble?  Or is a second hand model a better option if I can trade in my avensis? 

Hi lads,

Would you buy a 08/09 BMW 520d or a new car of another make for the same value? If your answer is the BMW would they be expensive to run?

I currently drive a 2008 Opel Astra SXI with 44,000km on the clock. I commute in to Blackrock everyday from Maynooth and with the recent increase in petrol prices I just wonder if is worth my while, as it's costing me €80 a week in petrol, plus tax, insurance etc. I'm thinking of changing cars, to a diesel model. How much do you think I would get for a private sale or trade-in on the Astra?

Any suggestions on what to get instead? I really love the Astra, so ideally something similar in drive and style. Would it be worthwhile looking at the diesel Astra?

Hello, if a person has a minor accident in his/her employer's vehicle, where a claim is made against you (i.e. through your employer's insurance policy), will this also affect your own insurance in your private car?

Regards Jerome

I currently drive a 2006 Mazda6 TD Sport with 260,000km on the clock - I'm a taxi driver so I do big mileage: over 200,000km in two and a half years. Needless to say I've had problems with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and had to have it regenerated six or seven times. Now the DPF has run it's course and can no longer be regenerated. The price is very prohibitive to get a new DPF, as it costs about €2,500 before fitting.

I couldn't afford to go for this option so decided to have the DPF removed and get the ECU remapped. This has worked to a certain extent, economy has improved and power has been increased. Only problem is that the DPF light is still flashing and engine management light is on.

Would you be able to recomend somebody who can sort this problem for me?