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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.


Is there any scrappage scheme for old cars?

Is there any scrappage scheme for old cars?

Paula M?rginean (Waterford)

Apr 2015 Filed under: scrappage

Expert answer

Hi Paula,

No, not an official government one. Many of the car makers do have some very tempting 'scrap-ish' trade-in offers around at the moment. Opel, for instance, is offering trade-ins of up to €4,000 against some models while Nissan has a similar offer. Have a shop around and make sure you read the terms and conditions on all the offers though.


Should I be worried about buying a Vauxhall Insignia import?

I'm thinking of buying a 2009 Vauxhall Insignia diesel 2.0-litre, a UK import. Having read about the Service Update from Opel that relates to 2009 diesel Opel Insignias re: power pressure pipes that may crack and leak... should I be worried?

Lorraine O'Toole (Kildare)

Apr 2015 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

It shouldn't be a problem. A 'Service Update' is just a nice way of saying 'Recall' so the work should have been carried out by the previous owner, free of charge. Check the service history to see if it's been done, and maybe call the garage that worked on it to make sure. If it hasn't been done, it's still no problem - any Opel dealer should carry out the work free of charge.

Also, for UK imports in particular, we'd always recommend that you get a Cartell.ie car history check to ensure the mileage and history are legit and that there is no finance outstanding on the car.


Opel Insignia or Volkswagen Jetta - both 2009?

Which is better: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI or 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0?

Sharon Joyce (Galway)

Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Quite different cars - the Insignia is bigger and plusher and feels, as it should, a lot more sophisticated. That said, the Jetta is comfy and has a massive boot, and is ruggedly reliable too. That old 1.9 TDI is a rattly old thing though. If they're similar on price, spec, history and condition, I'd say the Insignia shades it.


Can an Opel Astra tow a horse box?

Can a 1.4 Opel Astra tow a double horse box with one horse?

Sara Danaher (Ennis)

Mar 2015 Filed under: towing

Expert answer

Hi Sara,

Well, the current Astra 1.4 has a rated towing capacity of 680kg unbraked or 850kg braked so if your horse and horse box fits under those limits, then yes it can. We suspect that a double horse box and horse weigh considerably more than that though...


What will we upgrade our Opel Corsa to?

We have an Opel Corsa and need something higher in the same price range. What do you recommend?

Kathleen Mcfadden (Ennis)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Kathleen,

When you say higher, do you mean an SUV or an MPV? Either way, you're going to have to spend more. In the world of automotive pricing, extra height equals extra cash. 

If it's an MPV you fancy, try a Citroen C3 Picasso (especially the attractive Code Edition) or a Hyundai ix20. Or the more expensive Opel Meriva if you fancy staying with the Opel family. 

Opel has an equally good small SUV, the Mokka although if funds allow it's best to buy new and get the new 1.6 diesel version. Other good small SUV options are a Peugeot 2008 or MINI Countryman.


Can you review the 2011 Opel Antara?

What do you think of the 2011 Opel Antara?

Damian Deegan (Dublin)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Damian,

It's an Eamon Dunphy car - it's not great. Comfy, reasonably spacious and with decent reliability, but there are better SUVs out there. Try a Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe before you buy.


What will I replace my Lexus GS with?

Hi, I currently drive a Lexus GS 300. I love it but the tax is too expensive. I have about €25k to spend and I was thinking of the Audi Q3, but it has to be automatic. Is there any other model you would suggest? My car is over 10 years old, so other car dealers are offering the scrappage deal. What would you suggest?

Cathal O'Donnell (Tara)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

The Q3 is nice and all but the Q5 is definitely superior so perhaps think of going for a nearly-new Q5 instead of a brand new Q3? There is no official scrappage programme at the moment, but some car makers are offering self-funded scrappage deals - Opel, Nissan, Toyota and Ford among them. Audi isn’t though, so you may need to re-think your brand if you fancy a trade-in leg-up. That said, even with the tax, a Lexus is still a Lexus so you should get a decent trade-in offer.

Read our Audi Q3 review here


How about the Opel Mokka for a new car?

Hi,

Thank you for your very prompt reply and your advice. The cee'd estate is that now known as the cee'd Sportswagon, right, available in TX and EX versions. Also, may I ask, is the Opel Mokka in the running with a very generous €4,500 scrappage allowance?

Thanks again, Anto

Anthony Kavanagh (Kilkenny)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Yes, I quite like the Mokka and our ed, Shane, says that the one with the new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is a cracker. That said, the cee'd would be a good bit more practical from a space point of view so you need to work out exactly what you need.

Further reading:

Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTi review


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