A new MPV for a new arrival
I am thinking of buying a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic Diesel, would you recommend it? Are there problems with electrics or the engine or any other problems I should know about?
Should I go for a Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 diesel instead? I need room for 3 baby seats. Money is tight so cannot go above 2005.
May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ray
I understand that your Corolla saloon has 68,000 km (42,000 miles) on it. Prices seem to be fairly consistent for them and you should probably expect about €8,000 - €9,000 as a trade-in, which isn't bad because your mileage is quite low.
Your budget is €4,000 and you need a seven-seater and you want something that is going to be reliable, comfortable and safe. I understand that you are being asked to spend €3,000 with your own car for a 2005 model and €4,500 for a 2006 model Scenic. This seems a little steep to me and steep to our Renault advisor. Also the Scenic, as it ages doesn't always stand up in terms of reliability.
However, if money is an issue, I would be inclined to go for a petrol version of the Scenic, which can be picked up for half the price of the petrol models.
However if you want something reliable I would think you might stick with Toyota and get a Verso.
Something like this 1.6-litre petrol model would be a super buy and it is from an SIMI dealer.
Can I trade in two cars on the scrappage scheme?
Can I trade my 2006 car with my 2002 model for scrappage in exchange for a new car? I have a 2006 Avensis and a 2002 Toyota Corolla hatchback to trade.
I want to get a good diesel car. I've clocked up around 75,000 miles in two and half years.
What garages will look at this type of trade?
Allice Cox (Bagenalstown)May 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Alice
It isn't totally unusual for someone to trade in two cars against one. Car dealers are a little short on good used cars and the two you have to trade are likely to be quite welcome.
You could try and sell one privately and use the cash as a deposit against your newer car, but selling privately can be a headache and you might be waiting a while for the car to sell. I would suggest that you try your local Toyota dealer initially, as they're likely to offer better deals on your Toyotas.
You mention scrappage in your question. Unfortunately neither of your cars qualify for the scrappage scheme as they are not yet ten years old. So it would be a case of trading in both cars against a new car as normal.
Without knowing details of your two trade-in cars in terms of mileage and condition we wouldn't be keen to give you an estimate of the price of these, but it would seem logical that you would stick with Toyota and get another Avensis (a diesel) as you are likely to be most welcome by the Toyota dealer.
Feel free to come back to us with more details on your cars and we will see how we can help further.
Paddy