Should I wait until Jan to save on VRT?
Thinking of importing car from UK before Christmas and wondering would there be a saving on VRT by waiting until January?
Eric Brennan (Dublin 15)Dec 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
Possibly slightly, assuming that a strong January for new car sales means a softening of used car values, but to be honest the current flood of UK imports (70,000 so far this year and counting) is already killing second hand prices, so there’s probably not going to be a huge difference.
What's book value for a 2009 Kia cee'd estate?
Looking for book value of a 2009 Kia cee'd SW estate with 100,000km on the clock.
Frank Wykes (Athlone)Nov 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
As a trade-in it should be worth in and around the €4,000 mark.
Correct tyre pressure for my Ford Fiesta?
What is the correct tyre pressure or a Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi manufactured in 2004?
Paul Codd (Morden)Nov 2016 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It depends on the wheels, but assuming you have a 175/65 14-inch tyre, then you need 31psi of pressure on the front tyres and 26psi for the rears.
How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento - new?
I want to get a new seven-seat SUV in January, but am undecided between the Hyundai Sante Fe Executive and the Kia Sorento Platinum. Which is a better? Also, would the Sante Fe hold its value better if I wanted to change again in three years?
Thanks
Therese Berry (Cavan)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Therese,
Both will hold their value pretty solidly, although the Hyundai might just do a shade better as it's a more popular brand overall. We'd still prefer the Kia though - it has the nicer cabin and is fractionally the nicer to drive. Here are our reviews to help you further:
What is going on with PCP variability?
PCP financing is something of a dark art! Deals tend to vary wildly from dealer to dealer (even for the same make and model) and the advertised offers don't seem to bear much resemblance to how they pan out in reality (I looked into an offer with monthly repayments of €362, but on a 20 per cent deposit the price ballooned to over €600).
Any advice for navigating this form of car financing, especially on how to compare packages?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Unfortunately, this being Ireland, there's little (nothing actually) in the way of a central database for these things so the only thing is to shop around. I know - I sound like Mary Harney... PCP is, like any form of finance, wildly variable depending on your deposit, your trade in, your credit score and more. The advertised rates are, as ever, based on a theoretical perfect version that may or may not exist in actuality. Think of them like Ryanair seat prices...
Where can I find a Laguna Coupe Monaco GP?
I own a 2008 Renault Laguna Privilege and am thinking of changing for a Laguna Coupé Monaco GP Edition. They are very hard to source and not sure if were ever even available here in the Republic. Would you know how to source them?
David Ansboro (Roscommon)Nov 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi David,
The Renault Laguna Coupe was indeed a very small-selling car in Ireland. Being launched into the teeth of a recession didn’t help, and nor did being a big, expensive French car to be honest. We can only find four on sale in Ireland at the moment, and none of those are the Monaco GP Edition. I think a trip to the UK might be your best bet…
Is my Volkswagen Polo TDI the most efficient?
What's the most economical car for long distance commuting (100km) to work daily? Is my 141 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI the most fuel efficient car there is on the market?
Anne, Cork
Anne O'Sullivan (Roscommon)Expert answer
Hi Anne,
Actually, it’s not far off. I’d say, with a bit of practice, you should be able to beat 60-65mpg on a regular basis with that Polo, and to be honest you’re not going to get much better than that from any car. There are plenty of cars with official economy figures up in the 70s and 80s mpg, but those are laboratory figures and damned near impossible to reach in real world driving. If economy is your priority, then I’d stick with that Polo.
Which high-up SUV to go for?
Guys,
I am interested in buying a second hand SUV with a similar elevation to the Land Rover Freelander, but I am finding most SUVs are closer to saloon car height. Do you have any recommendations for SUVs similar to the Freelander?
Does it make more sense at this stage to wait until January when there will be a more plentiful supply and if so where is best place to get a short term rental for a couple of months?
Thanks
Conor Dowd (Enniskerry)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.
As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.
Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose:
What €20,000 MPVs would you recommend?
Hello, we have an 18-month old and have twins due next year. We need a car to fit all the baby seats plus all their buggies and paraphenalia. Will be used for local trips plus for weekend trips back to Cork (from Dublin). Our budget is €20k. What models would you recommend? Imported my current car (Peugeot 407 SW), so not a problem if I need to do that again.
Dan O'Connell (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Dan,
I think you’ll probably need to upgrade to an MPV with all those kids and all the kit you’ll need to carry around with you. If you don’t fancy a seven-seater then there’s always five-seat versions such as the Volkswagen Golf SV or Citroen C4 Picasso. Have a look at the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens or Toyota Verso too.
Our reviews to help you decide: