Is that a fair price for my Honda CR-V?
Hello I need some advice please. I have a 2004 honda CR-V with 119,000 miles on the clock. I have been offered €4,000 for it and I would like to know if you think this is the best price I can hope for. Thanks.
Sheila Conway (Cork)Oct 2011 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi there Sheila,
If it is against a new or reasonably recent used car then it really isn't that generous. Presuming that it is in decent condition you could push for about €500 more, but as we always say here on CompleteCar.ie, don't look at how much you are getting for your car, but rather the 'cost to change' as this allows you to shop around with more clarity. You could try and sell your car privately. The cheapest one I have seen for sale privately is asking €5,250, so you could try that price and if you got €4,500 you would still be quids in! I hope that helps Sheila.
New Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester or BMW X3?
Hello,
I have a 2004 Honda CR-V 2.0-litre petrol that I want to change next year. One of the three cars I have in mind is the new diesel CR-V because they are so reliable. My CR-V has 112,000 miles on the clock and a blown light bulb has been the most trouble it's ever given.
The second car is a Subaru Forester because again it's reliable and roomy.
My final choice is a new model BMW X3 because of less tax. I have test driven one and liked it a lot. Could you give some advice please?
Sharon Ryan (Limerick)May 2011 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
Those are three good choices. Obviously given the fact that you have had such great history with the Honda CR-V then it could make sense to get another one, but the CR-V doesn't really offer wonderful value. The cheapest one is a fiver under €40,000 and you can pay up to €50,000.
Honda CR-V
When you compare the BMW X3 to this, which is such a brilliant SUV, the CR-V looks expensive. We drove the BMW X3 last Christmas and it proved itself to be outstanding. Naturally you will have to spend closer to €50,000 to get a decent X3.
BMW X3
There is a problem at the moment with the X3 in that they are in very short supply, so there is a waiting list. Granted you are not taking delivery until January next year so perhaps you will have plenty of time then. Get the 20d rather than the 18d if your budget allows and choose the four-wheel drive ('xDrive') version too.
The last car you mention is the Subaru Forester and this is the best value car you choose. It is very good but certainly not as refined as either the CR-V or the BMW X3. Have you ever considered the Subaru Outback? That costs around €42,000 and it would be a better choice than the Forester in our opinions.
Subaru Forester
All of that taken into account Sharon, I would have the BMW X3 all day long. It is superb and miles better than the old one. But we would suggest that you will need to get your order in early because the waiting lists are long.
I hope this helps!