How much is my 2005 Ford Focus worth?
How much is my 2005 Ford Focus LX 1.4 petrol with 70,000 miles on the clock worth?
Thanks
Wayne Rowan (Athy)Sep 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Wayne,
You would probably get offered around €3,800 from a main dealer for your car and you could expect to sell it privately for around €4,300, so you should advertise for around €4,600. Remember if you are trading in then concentrate on the 'cost to change' rather than the value of your car.
I hope this helps?
New Focus or used BMW/Audi?
I'm changing my car for a diesel one early next year. I'm undecided between a new Ford Focus Zetec saloon or a 2008 BMW 320d/Audi A4. My main concerns are fuel economy, reliability and running costs. Any advice on what to go for?
Tony O'Leary (Athy)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Given your shortlist, I'd be inclined to go for the new Ford Focus saloon - presumably you mean a 1.6 TDCi version. It's more economical than the BMW and Audi and it'll be four years newer, meaning the security of a manufacturer's warranty. Older BMWs and Audis, as lovely as they are, do start to cost a bit to maintain.
Another car to consider is the relatively new Volkswagen Jetta. It compares well to the Focus.
Come back to us if you need more help deciding.
What is the best seven-seat MPV on the market?
What is the best seven-seat car on the market, in terms of value for money and reliability?
John Does (Athy)Sep 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
There are several excellent seven-seat MPVs on the market right now. The Ford S-MAX/Galaxy twins are right up there for instance, as is the Volkswagen Sharan, but the car that stands out for us is the SEAT Alhambra. It's essentially a rebadged VW Sharan, but it's priced lower. It's just as impressive in every other way.
I had this car on test recently if you want to know anything specific about it.
Am I better off buying a car in the UK and then importing it?
I have been researching replacing a Ford S-MAX (hence my questions to you alreadu!) and have been struck by the spec difference between the new model SEAT Alhambra here and in the UK. Most cars nowadays seem to be the same in the two countries, but with this model it appears to me that there is a huge difference.
We do not have the option of the more powerful diesels and the SE Lux in the UK comes with absolutely everything. The Irish spec is very basic in comparison with all the gizmos and leather etc. extra. Do you know why this might be? Based on my initial rough calculations I think I could buy a brand new model in the UK, pay the VAT/VRT and get a higher spec car for less.
What do you think?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Sep 2011 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
We put this to Cartell.ie, the official vehicle records experts, and they had an interesting slant on things:
"The VRT issue is tricky - and the buyer must be extra vigilant now. With the transfer of functions for VRT calculation to the NCT centres the officials there have been warned to check the interior of the vehicle for evidence of 'extras'. This means the buyer could be unexpectedly hit with a premium, i.e. pay over-the-odds VRT on a vehicle just because there are additional features not available to an indigenous Irish equivalent vehicle. The best thing for the buyer to do is contact the NCT centre first, before importing the vehicle, and have a chat about likely costs for additional features. It's the best way to avoid surprises."
Sound advice if you ask me.
What estate car for the family and dog?
Can you recommend a family car (estate) in the €6,000-€7,000 price range? Should I be looking at the engine size to balance the extra weight of a family and dog!?
Steve Lynch (Bray)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
A fair degree depends on your mileage and how much you are prepared to pay per year in motor tax. Bearing in mind that you will be getting an older car, the motor tax can be pricier, but that is just a fact of life. If you want to carry lots of people and stuff then a diesel will be a better choice in an estate because there is more torque but it isn't essential.
If you weren't afraid of the odd bill, then a BMW 320D Estate would be a super car. I've owned one and they are great, but get expensive the older they get.
I'd be very tempted by this Nissan X-Trail which has low mileage, is diesel and would be great for the family.
This Peugeot 407 SW is superb value and lots of car for the money.
I think out of that lot, I'd probably have the Focus though.
I hope this helps!
I'd say something like a 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel Estate would be a good place to start - something like this one as it would be cheap to run and spacious as well as good to drive too.
What value is my 2006 Ford C-Max?
I'm looking for valuation on a 2006 Ford Focus C-Max with 87k car is in excellent condition and full service history - looking to trade up to a Peugeot 5008
Annemarie Lawlor (Dublin)Aug 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Annemarie,
We would always say look at the cost to change, but I'd expect that you will be offered around €5,000 for your C-Max, which might translate into €6,000 against a new Peugeot 5008. The 5008 is a good choice too, you can read our review of it here.
Why is my car worth so little?
Please help! My local Ford garage offered €9,000 trade in for my 2-year old Fiesta 1.4 automatic, 17,000 miles against new 2 litre Focus Ghia automatic. . My friend was offered €11,000 for her 2 year old Focus 2 litre automatic 20,000 miles against new Focus Titanium. Both cars were originally bought in this garage.
Changeover date for both cars Feb. 2012. Can such apalling values for our cars be correct? We are going to shop around but we have no idea what figure we should be looking for. Please , please give us your opinion. Regards, Teresa
Teresa Joyce (Ennis, Co. Clare)Aug 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
As with any car exchange - you need to look at the cost to change, not the value of your trade in. At the moment there are lots of Ford Fiesta and Focus models on the used market so the values of them aren't great. The dealers are also pricing your cars as to what they will be worth in February 2012 when the cars arrive.
You said you are going to shop around and that is exactly what you should do. We could tell you that your cars are worth more, but unless a dealer is offering you this then it is not much use.
You need to shop around!
Should I swap my Volvo S80 for a Mondeo or Citroen C5?
Howaya.
I have a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 and it's giving me 7 litres per 100km. I'm thinking of exchanging it for either a Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi or a Citroen C5 1.6 - both 2008. Which car is better from economy, reliability and safety point of view or should I change at all?
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Aug 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
I can't imagine why you would want to come down from a Volvo S8- into a Mondeo or Citroen C5, which are going to both feel inferior to what you have. Are you just simply bored with the car you have and want a change? Both the Mondeo and C5 are 'okay' but their diesel engines aren't as good as the Volvos.
Without fully knowing your circumstances, I would say that if you did want to get something else, then you should perhaps look at a Subaru Legacy Diesel, which for me is the best in its class around that era.
Here is one:
Otherwise, stick with what you have, because both the Mondeo and C5 will feel inferior to your S80.
I hope this helps!
Will a 1.6 Skoda suit our family of five?
We are a family of five - Mom, Dad, three boys - and we are looking for an affordable car since I (mom) got into an accident and the other car is beyond repair. We are looking at a used Skoda 1.6-litre petrol. Are these good cars?
Celeste Barratt (Trinidad)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Yes, these are excellent cars so I would say that you should have little in the way of trouble with them really. Obviously a diesel version might suit better, but if you are getting the petrol model at the right price and your mileage is low then this could be a decent purchase.
Is the 2.0 TDI Passat worth the extra money over the 1.6?
Hi lads,
My question is that I have a 2009 VW Passat BlueMotion Comfortline (110hp) and I want to upgrade soon. The car has full leather, Bluetooth kit and a tow bar. The current mileage is 50,000km. I took the 1.6 for a test drive and found it to be a bit underpowered and I had to change gears a lot. I also took the 2.0-litre for a test drive and found it to be a better car.
The 1.6 does 64mpg and the 2.0 does 61.5mpg so would I be better off to actually purchase the 2.0 as I can afford it? Also both cars fall into the same tax bracket (104 Euro for a year). I was offered very good money for my current passat. What is your opinion of the 1.6 - I use the Passat for transporting the family so I want a dependable car with low tax and something that looks good too! Would the 2.0 be a better option?
Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Martin Ryan (Athlone)Jun 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
We really rate the VW Group's new 1.6-litre TDI engine. It's quiet, refined and great on fuel. However, while it's relatively torquey, it does feel a little short on power when it's lumbered with a lot of weight to carry around. You're in a good position being able to afford either engine. We'd definitely recommend you go for the 2.0-litre TDI Passat in this case. It's a great car and has plenty of power to carry around the family.
If you need any further help, please do get in touch.