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Will I buy a new Corolla under scrappage or a used one?

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? 

I need a diesel car to replace my Opel Astra

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?

Who can sort my Mazda6 problem?

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?

What recalls were the Volvo S80 subject to?

Thank you for your advice re Volvo S80 (see this question). Could you let me know what are the faults that you refer to? Also, I am consious that the BMW is rear-wheel drive and couldn't locate a four-wheel drive 520d. I can get a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 AWD Tiptronic for the same price as a BMW 520d SE auto. Thanks for all your help.