How to sell our second car safely?
We used to be a two-car household, but COVID has changed that as we both now are working from home. We’ve come to the point where we’re satisfied we could easily get along with just the one car and we’ve made a decision to sell our second car privately.
But how do we do that? We tried selling a car 10 years ago by placing an ad, but all we got was two replies, one really abusive and the other we quickly realised was a scammer. So what options for privately selling are there?
Martin (Meath)Aug 2022 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It's true, selling a car privately can be hassle. Selling it to someone you know, or a friend of a friend would be ideal and actually probably quite possible today as there is such high demand for good used cars. For the same reason, you're likely to get loads of genuine enquiries to a classifieds advert. We'd recommend using Carzone.ie. It has a useful How to Sell a Used Car Safely guide, too.
Where to find a used LR Defender?
Where will I find a used Land Rover Defender to buy?
Margaret Mooney (London)Nov 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Margaret,
If you’re looking for the new-shape Defender, there aren’t really any used examples around, although if you shop about you might track down a pre-registered, or dealer-demo model. As for the original Defender, they are VERY thin on the ground right now, not least because they’ve become a bit of an investment, with values firming, even rising, since the model went out of production. We have found a few here on Carzone.ie, but as we say, there aren’t that many available right now.
A few questions about calculating VRT...
Hi there,
I have another question on VRT. Well actually a few questions! If you import a car from the UK in the last week of December 2020 and you have a VRT appointment in January 2021, will you be paying VRT (and possibly customs, VAT etc.) at the 2021 rate or will you still be calculated on the 2020 VRT rate?
If they change the VRT bands in the October budget will they be implemented straight away or do they wait until Jan 2021, usually?
I have looked at the Glasss guide in the UK for the vehicle that I am importing but there are no equivalents in the Irish market. Is there a way to get valuations for Irish equivalents or get my hands on the Car Sales Guide (ROI) as per the VRT request form?
Thank you in advance for any help on this matter.
David Hickey (Limerick)Sep 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, let’s take the last question first. No, there’s no publicly available second hand value guide for Ireland (more’s the pity), but you can get a good idea of values and prices by keeping an eye on classified ad websites, such as Carzone, and if the specific model isn’t sold in Ireland, then prices for its competitors or other models in the same range will at least give you an idea. Feel free to send us queries to do the estimating for you as well.
If the bands change in the Budget (and they most definitely will this year), then that will usually be implemented from the 1st of January, but there’s a chance that with the big changes coming up this year, there might be a slight deferment or lead-in period. As for when you pay your VRT, don’t expect any mercy — the rates used will be the rates on the day that your car is inspected, not the date it was brought into the country.
What to buy with up to €12,000 to spend?
Looking for model recommendations for a used car. My requirements: automatic, cruise control, air conditioning, 1.6-2.0-litre, €10,000-12,000 available.
David Murphy (Dundalk)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, we found a few good options, via Carzone, but there are plenty more if you have a look.
How about a BMW 5 Series? It’s top of budget, but we found a 131-reg 520d in SE spec, with auto, air conditioning and cruise. A fabulous car to drive, and perfect for long journeys. Used BMW 5 Series for sale on Carzone. Maybe check out our BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) used car buying guide if that piques your interest.
Or, if you need something a little more practical (and also faultlessly reliable) how about a Mazda6 Estate 150hp diesel? It’s a 2015 car, and they’re as good to drive as they are to look at. Used Mazda6 for sale on Carzone. (Read our Mazda6 reviews here).
Can a teacher buy a pick-up for private use?
I am a teacher and I do some part-time gardening during the summer. I am looking to buy an old pick-up to assist with this. Is it possible for me to do this?
Robert Thompson (Dundalk)Apr 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Absolutely you can, but the only drawback is that you won’t be able to tax it as a commercial vehicle, as being a teacher means that you wouldn’t be able to justify using it in your work. With that in mind, I’d recommend going for the cheapest VW Amarok you can buy (we found one here for €13k on Carzone.ie) as they have a 2.0-litre engine that won’t kill you on motor tax rates. Plus, as a bonus, it’s comfy and practical enough to use as your everyday car.
Where to buy a used Nissan Qashqai?
I'm looking to buy a used Nissan Qashqai automatic car in the next year (three or four years old). I've been looking on Carzone, etc. and I can't find many stock from the dealers. Are there any auto dealers in Dublin or the Leinster area that would definitely be worth a visit? Also, is it worth importing from Northern Ireland and saving the money? If yes, please provide any dealers in NI too. I've very poor knowledge in searching for cars.
Thanks
Striker10 Striker10 (Castleknock)Nov 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi there,
Looking for an automatic Nissan Qashqai.
I am looking for an automatic Nissan Qashqai...
Rue M (Harare)Jan 2017 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Rue,
No problem, have a look here: http://www.carzone.ie/search/result/cars/make/nissan/model/qashqai/transmission/automatic
I am looking for an automatic four-door.
I am looking for an automatic four-door, not too old, in the South Dublin area.
Stan Quinn (Dublin)Feb 2016 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Stan,
That's quite specific and we don't offer a car finding service I'm afraid, but we'd highly recommend spending some time refining searches on Carzone.ie.
Best of luck
Would a dealer buy my 2015 Audi A6 for cash?
Hi,
I need some advice if possible please. I have a 2015 Audi A6 auto ultra 190hp. I need to free up some cash and also want to keep my savings. I would like to inquire if there are any car dealerships that would buy my car and if they would how much could I expect to get for it?
Thanks.
Samantha Daly (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Samantha,
All I can suggest is that you have a ring around any Audi dealers with premises near you and ask if they will buy the car outright. Dealers generally don't like buying cars from punters as a straight deal, so you may struggle. It should be worth around €40,000 in normal circumstances but you will probably be offered a lot less than that because of the unusualness of the deal.
It may be possible to do a cash-and-swap deal - whereby you get an older car from a dealer and they pay you the difference for your car, but again this is an unusual deal and you may not find anyone willing to do it.
A better idea is probably to sell the car yourself through a classifieds site such as Carzone.ie.
Which MPV will I replace our BMW 3 Series with?
Hi Shane & team,
We're looking at trading in again. You helped us source our last car four years ago. We really like our curent 2006 BMW 318, but for the last nine months to a year we've been pouring money into for what feels like constant repairs and the car tax is crippling too. We've now come to the realisation that we need to move to seven-seat territory for these and family reasons. Today we saw and drove both of these cars:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/grand-scenic/used-2010-renault-grand-scenic-1-dublin-fpa-200914374138165780 http://www.cbg.ie/citroen-c4-grand-picasso-1.6-2008-dublin-diesel-silver-mpv
The Renault felt more car like to drive and I wasn't wild about the delay in the Citroen semi-automatic gearbox. For the Renault they've said the cost to change is €6,500 and just under €7,000 for the Citroen. The Renault, being a 2010 model, is almost seems too good to be true. Can you give me any advice on these? Is the Renault a good buy? Is it reliable or will it swallow money on repairs as our current car is? Are there any others you would recommend? We really don't want to spend more than €6k-ish.
Thanks
Enda
Enda Lowry (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Enda,
I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car.
As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer.
So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.
Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.