Are there any scrappage schemes available?
Are there any scrappage schemes available at the moment when buying a new car?
Donogh O Loghlin (Lahinch)Jun 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Donogh,
Yes, quite a few. Nissan, Opel, Peugeot and Ford are amongst those all offering so-called scrappage schemes at the moment. You can get up to €4,500 depending on which car you're trading in against.
What is the scrap value of a 2001 Toyota Corolla saloon?
What is the scrap value of a 2001 Toyota Corolla saloon?
Jerry Hough (Nenagh )Jun 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Jerry,
It depends. If you roll it up to a Nissan, Peuegot or Opel dealer in the next few weeks, then it could be worth as much as €4,500 off a new car. As a pure scrap value, at a breakers, it depends entirely on the condition of the car and the various parts that can be stripped from it.
I can't open my Opel Insignia's boot...
Battery went dead on my Open Insignia and I cannot open the boot manually. Is there a setting or fuse that might be the problem? The key fob only does the central locking...
Paul Obrien (Kilkenny)Jun 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
We’ve been on to Opel Ireland about this and they suggest that the best thing to do is to visit your local dealer who will be able to troubleshoot the problem for you.
How would you rate the Opel Insignia?
Thinking of buying an Opel Insignia... How would you rate them? Anything I need to look out for?
Dermot Higgins (Kilkenny)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Dermot,
Really nice car the Insignia. Good looking, nice to drive and good quality. The 2.0 CDTi 163hp diesel engine is the one to go for, although if your pockets are deep enough you could try tracking down the vanishingly rare 2.0 SRi Turbo 265hp 4x4...
If you're buying used, check everything electrical for any problems and especially check the central locking and alarm system. Check the boot too for any sign of water getting in past the rubber seals. Other than that, as long as you get one with a full service history, you should be fine.
As a first car should I get an Opel Corsa or Toyota Corolla?
Hi, I am just about to buy my first car and I just want to make the right decision. My choices are a 2008 Opel Corsa (1.2 petrol) with 150,000km or a 2006 Toyota Corolla (1.4 petrol) with 100,000km. Both are going for around €4,800. Currently I am leaning towards the Toyota.
Caoimhe Brady (Cavan)May 2015 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Caoimhe,
Yup, I would too - assuming that you can get a similar quote for insuring the Toyota. That generation of Corolla is actually surprisingly good to drive, and it's far more comfortable and practical than the Corsa, not to mention close to indestructible when it comes to reliability. Plus, I always think it's better to learn to drive on the largest car you can afford to run and insure - it makes things easier when you upgrade in later life.
Opel Zafira or Renault Grand Scenic?
I am looking to buy a used MPV (2003 - 2004 model year). Which one do you reckon is better in terms of reliability and comfort: 1) Opel Zafira 2) Renault Grand Scenic
Regards
Syd from Sandyford, Dublin
Syed Hyder (Sandyford)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Syd,
It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.
Can you advise me on a new small van?
I am seeking advice on small vsn. I like the look of the commercial versions of the Ford Focus, Fiesta, Golf, etc.
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)May 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Bear in mind that the Fiesta is much smaller inside than the Golf or Focus, so if you're carrying big loads, that needs to be taken into account. Personally, I reckon if you're going for a small van, you're better off getting something that was purpose-built to be a van in the first place, so have a look at the likes of a Fiat Qubo, Opel Combo or Peugeot Bipper.
Why won't my Opel Astra start?
I have a 2005 Opel Astra. Car won't start. Turn the key and nothing. All ignition lights on. Battery 100%. Any suggestions?
Paul Monaghan (Tullamore )May 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
This is a difficult thing to assess from afar I'm afraid so you're going to have to get a good mechanic to look at it. Assuming the starting motor isn't turning, it could be an issue with the wiring (bad earth) or with the starter itself, or even an issue with the key being used - it must be correctly coded to the car.
I want to replace my Laguna with an Opel Insignia.
Hey, I've two questions! Very interested in buying a 160hp Opel Insignia 09-12 and want to trade in a 2003 Renault Laguna 1.6 petrol, all leather, good condition with NCT until Jan 16.
1 - Is that model of Insignia for those years with under 100k mileage worth 12k?
2 - What would you expect to get for that Laguna as a trade-in?
Thanks!
John Scully (Meath)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yeah, €12k sounds about right for a 12-reg Insignia diesel, as long as it has a full service history and is in good nick. I'd be looking to knock a good bit off if it's as far back as an 09, though.
Sadly, you're not going to get much for the Laguna - it's a car the trade just doesn't like much, so even if it's in exceptional condition, you'll probably get €1,000 to €1,200 at best.
My Opel Astra's keys seem to be acting up.
Hi guys, I have a 2005 Opel Astra. The central locking is acting up. I have replaced the keys in the fob and checked the fuses. All appears ok in that regard. It works intermittently. Might lock and unlock once or twice and then just stop working again. However, when inside the car and you have the button to engage the central locking for safety reasons, this method does manage to engage all the locks and works fine.
Furthermore using the pedal/accelerator test generated a 1614 code, which relates to the keys and I am assuming a mismatch between the codes the car is looking for and what the keys are transmitting. Is it a simple case of the fobs requiring reprogramming (I have tried the key in the ignition the "lights on" but not engine start, in order to synchronise them again, but nothing) or something that might require further investigation.
Many thanks for your feedback if you get a chance.
Thanks
John Clarke (Dublin)May 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi John,
It really sounds like the keys need to be recoded to your car. Any Opel dealer can do this and hopefully it won't cost you too much.