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Should I be suspicious of this Astra's low price?

I've been offered a 2009 Opel Astra saloon  with 18,000km on the clock for just €7,700. Should I be suspicious or get it checked by a mechanic?

Gabriel Lawless

May 2014 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Gabriel,

Well, it depends on two things - who's doing the offering and what kind of history comes with the car. If it has a full service history and is in good nick, and the vendor is someone you can trust, then it could be a good buy - Astras are generally robust and quite pleasant to drive too. If you have even the slightest doubts though, get an AA inspection. It's not expensive, and it could save you a bundle of cash and hassle in the long term. Any reputable vendor, even a private one, who's selling a decent car should have no objections to the AA calling round to check the car out. If they do, you know it's a bad 'un so can walk away.


What's the new Opel Mokka like?

I'm thinking of buying an Opel Mokka 1.7 diesel SE. How are they rated?

Noel

Noel Doyle (Dublin)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

I actually quite like the Mokka; it's good looking, has a pleasant interior and is quite good to drive. However, I'd hold off on buying one until the new 1.6-litre diesel engine comes on line. The current 1.7-litre is an ancient design, noisy and rattly and prone to stalling at low speeds. Avoid that and wait for the new engine if you can, or if you're only doing low mileage, consider the excellent 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit instead.


I'm thinking of buying a 2011 Saab 9-5

I have been thinking about buying a 2011 Saab 9-5, which seem to have some great specs - any thoughts/reviews/comments ? I am wondering how easy is it to get parts in the future.

Aidan from Cork

Aidan Mackey (Blarney)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

Parts probably won't be a problem for the immediate and medium term, especially because so much of the car was mechanically shared with the Opel Insignia, but otherwise it depends on how the long-term reliability pans out and that's something of a mystery. There were so few sold that it's hard to get a handle on whether or not things actually go wrong on them.

On the upside, all of the Insignia bits underneath are decent quality and shouldn't give any major bother; on the downside Saab's reliability record with the preceding 9-5 was patchy to say the very least. It's a bit of a gamble to be honest, but as old-school Saab fans, we'd say it's worth a punt and let us know how you get on.

Here's our latest review of the Saab 9-5 as a new car by the way.


Should I worry about the oil in this Opel Astra?

Hi, I am about to buy a 2009 Opel Astra 1.4 five-door hatchback and I have just noticed that it has a lot of creamy stuff round the oil cap. I am buying the car from an Opel garage and they are saying this is meant to happen on newer cars as the engine is different and there is no temperature gauge in the car.

Even their engineer told me this and I also rang my local garage and they said the same. The car has only done 6,083 miles so may need breaking in as basically new... Is this right or are they just trying to sell me something dodgy? I am worried I will get a lot of problems with this as I have always been told to stay away from cars that have this problem. Please help!

Chelsea Gard (BRISTOL)

Apr 2014 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Chelsea,

This is not all that unusual on modern cars and is usually nothing to worry about. Take the oil dipstick out, clean it and put it back in. Then take it out again and inspect. If that has anything other than clean oil on it then walk away.

With a car that new you'd hope the dealer will throw in a warranty in any case so ask about that too.


Will my Zafira lose value because it was crashed?

I have a 12 D Opel Zafira. It was crashed from the side when a car ran into my driver front wheel. Opel said there was no structural damage. Will I lose money selling it? A new drive shaft, new wing and bumper were all fitted.

Michael Martin (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: crashed cars

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

As long as the repair is carried out by an accredited main dealer, and you keep all the receipts, any effect on the value of the car should be negligible. A few photos (before and after) and perhaps a letter from the garage itemising all of the work done and parts replaced probably wouldn't do any harm either. As with any car, the more paperwork you can show a potential buyer that demonstrates you've been taking care of the car, the better.


Is the Chevrolet Cruze's engine the same as the Astra's?

The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel now has a 1.7-litre engine: is this the same as used in the Opel Astra?

John

John Delaney (Mountmellick)

Mar 2014 Filed under: diesel

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yup, and it's best avoided - a truly nasty, rattly old thing with an annoying tendency to stall at junctions. Go for the petrol-powered Chevrolet Cruze and you'll be much happier.


Is the Opel Astra a safe bet in terms of residuals?

Do Opel Astras (three-door, sport version) hold their value and is there demand for used models? I am thinking of buying a 2008 model and I am just wondering would it be easy or difficult to sell on privately in about two years time. And would it loose a lot of its value?

Thanks.

Niamh Martin (Dublin)

Mar 2014 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

You shouldn't have a major problem as long as you look after the car and keep the service history up to scratch. Opels are perennially popular second hand buys, so while the badge means you won't get the value retention of, say a BMW or an Audi, there should always be a reasonably willing audience out there for one.


What's the 1.7-litre Opel Astra CDTi like?

I'm thinking of buying a 2010 Opel Astra 1.7 diesel. What do you think of these cars? Have you driven them? Are they reliable? What sort of trouble do they give?

David Ryan (Clondalkin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi David,

A well-made car the Astra, and quite sweet to drive. Just watch for leaky boot seals letting water in (a fault the Astra shares with the Insignia) and dodgy cruise control that disengages without warning. That 1.7 diesel is economical enough but it's dog rough on the ears and has a habit of stalling when you go to pull out of a junction. Have a try of the 1.3 diesel before you buy - it's a slightly sweeter unit.


What car should I go for with a €3,000 budget?

My €3,000 budget would be best spent on a 04/05/06 (1.4-litre/five-door) Toyota Corolla, Opel Astra, Mazda3 or what other model?

P Dempsey (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi there,

Both Corolla and Mazda3 would be good choices, but it's worth having a good look for a Honda Civic too. Best to max out the reliability factor when buying on a budget...


Is it ok to buy an imported Insignia from a dealer?

Is it safe to buy an imported 2011 Opel Insignia 2.0 from a car dealer?

Stephen Duffy (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

Yes, as long as it's a reputable dealer. Make sure that they take care of all the re-registering, paying the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and getting the car inspected by the National Car Test people. If they're trying to fob any of that off on you, walk away - it probably means that there's something dodgy in the history of the car. If you have any doubts, get a history check done by Cartell.ie - that should uncover anything untoward in the car's background.


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