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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. 

Hello, which do you think is best - to buy a new car around €21,000 or €22,000 with low tax or five-year old Lexus IS petrol or BMW 3 Series petrol for around €14,000 - €15,000 with high tax?

In other words is it better to drive a high quality car that has already suffered most of its depreciation, but has high running costs over a new car with low tax and low running costs, but maybe higher depreciation?

Hi

Are there any car body shops or garages in Dublin who will fit side protection moldings to a Toyota Avensis? Toyota supply the parts, but its labour is very expensive. 

I'm looking to spend around €20,000 on a new diesel. What's the best option? I have an 02 SEAT Ibiza, but I'm afraid it won't last much longer. Is it best to do a cash deal and scrap the car independently?

I was wondering why is there no LOJACK system in cars in Ireland. I live here in the States where you would never hear of cars being stolen. Every car has a tracking device built into it. If the car is stolen the police are called by the car and within minutes the car is recovered. It is a great system. You pay $200 a year, which is cheap, and you never have to worry about your car being stolen. The police also perform sting operations placing cars in poor neighbourhoods and waiting to see what happens. When the car is broken into the police follow it and arrest everyone involved.

Can rear parking sensors be fitted retrospectively to a 2011 Renault Fluence Royale?

Hi,

Can you help me choose a van with a second row of seating (for a child seat mainly) and a seperate payload area? I need a diesel vehicle that I can tax as a commerical and something that is not too ugly or uncomfortable. Budget is approximately €5-10,000.

Do Renault Méganes have a reputation for electronic problems?

I'm seeing a lot of complaints online about electric window problems and dashboard displays failing and they seem pretty expensive to repair if out of warranty. Has Renault said anything about these being faults? I know there was something in the UK about the dashboard problems. Would be good to know where I stand. I had a problem previously with one window on my old Mégane, but my mechanic repaired free of charge.

Where can I find a list of all the models of cars that come under each tax band?

I have always loved Saabs. I am now considering buying a used 9-3 or 9-5, maybe a 2007 model or thereabouts. I have heard that some models more than others can be very expensive to maintain, as major things go wrong with them, like the Turbo, etc... Is this true? Is there one model more than another I should look for?