What is the value of a 151 Opel Insignia?
What is the current value of a late 151 Opel Insignia petrol (Eco 1.4), with 11,016km on the clock?
BRENDON COLVERT (MULLINGAR)Sep 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
Should be worth around €17-18,000 as a trade-in.
Did the Opel Insignia have electrical issues?
Is it true that the Opel Insignia had electrical problems and if so have these problems been sorted?
Bridie Dollard (Portlaois)Aug 2016 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Bridie,
Yes, it’s true. Early Insignias did have a habit of developing some electrical gremlins, especially with the central locking and alarm systems. They do seem to have been sorted out now though, as it’s very rarely reported.
Best seven-seater for around €15,000?
What is the best seven-seat car priced around €15,000? We have four children, aged 12, 5, 3 and 2. The car needs to be diesel as we have a long distance drive to work. Also need it to be in a low tax bracket, have a roomy boot, good solid engine and be sturdy on the road.
Olga Coss (mullins) (Portlaoise )Aug 2016 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Olga,
The best two to choose from are the Ford S-Max and the Opel Zafira Tourer. Both should be big enough inside for your needs, and they certainly hit the remaining criteria pretty well. Cars like the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso are also good, but they tend to be too small in the third row of seats for regular use.
New Opel Insignia or Ford Mondeo?
Which is the better car, the new Opel Insignia SE or the 2017 Ford Mondeo? We are considering changing our 2007 Opel and both of us are in our 60s so need a good comfortable car that will last us and trouble free. Budget maximum €32,000.
Bridie
Bridie Dollard (Portlaois)Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Bridie,
I’d be tempted to go with the Insignia. It’s an older design than the current Mondeo but it has good build quality, is very smooth and good to drive and, crucially for those of us getting on in life a bit, has really excellent seats.
Corsa, Corolla, Micra or Polo for €2,000?
Hi, I am a first car buyer in Ireland. I would like to buy an automatic car.
The ones I am interested in are a 2002 Opel Corsa, 2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6, a Nissan Micra 1.0 from 2002 or a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 from 2000. All of them cost between €1,750 and €2,000. I am wondering if these prices are realistic for cars like these, and given the types, which one would be the best choice?
Thank you in advance,
K
Katalin Csesznek (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Katalin,
How much if I trade in my Opel Insignia?
How much would I expect to get on a trade in on my 2011 Opel Insignia saloon for a 2016 Insignia?
Gerry Donnelly (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
As a trade-in, you’d probably get about €12,000 for your 2011 Insignia.
How often to change my Astra's cambelt?
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO REPLACE MY 1997 1.6 OPEL ASTRA ESTATE' CAMBELT?
How often do I have to replace the cambelt in my 1997 Opel Astra 1.6 estate?
Malcolm Johnson (Pniel Stellenbosch)May 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Malcolm,
Your car has a cambelt and it needs to be changed at least every four years or 36,000 miles (58,000km). Those engines get badly damaged if the timing belt snaps so don't scrimp on it.
Toyota Avensis or Opel Insignia? Estates...
We're currently looking to buy a second hand diesel estate and are looking at the Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia. Budget is €14k tops and we're looking at 2010 - 2012 options with varying levels of mileage on the clock. Himself is very excited by the interior and gadgets of the Insignia, but I'm wary of moving from Toyota.
Currently driving a 2005 Avensis Strata, which has never given trouble since I got it and before that had an 02 Corolla that never gave me any problems either. Too many electrical gadgets make me nervous as they seem to be very problematic, particularly in the Insignia from what I've read here. It'll be used as the main family car, which does 30-40,000km a year. Need roof rack for bikes and looking for more spacious boot. Economy and reliability are what I'm looking for.
Which would you recommend? Are there other estate models I should consider?
Karina Brennan (Galway)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Karina,
You are, if I may say, a smart cookie. Yes, the Insignia is decently solid and pretty reliable, but the fact is that they do get issues with their electrics and, as we all know, ain’t nothing more reliable than a Toyota. Well, almost – have a good look at the Mazda6 estate too, as it's handsome, really good to drive and hugely reliable. A good foil to the Toyota.
What family car to buy?
Hi there.
I am looking for some advice regarding cars that fit three children's car seats in one row across the back. I would like to get a seven-seater, but for ease of use would like to be able to put all the children in one row. Isofix is preferable. I rather SUV-like cars, but obviously my budget might restrict me to a people carrier as I know these are more economical. Can you help? I love the look of the Kia Sorento, but don't know if this fits the three seats in the back.
Thank you!!!
Christine O'Mahony (Cork)May 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Christine,
The Kia Sorento should fit three seats across the back, but you should always take along your seats (and preferably your kids too) on the test drive to make sure everything and everyone fits in nicely. Cracking car that Sorento - other good options are the Hyundai Santa Fe or Land Rover Discovery Sport. If you need to go for an MPV the Ford S-Max, SEAT Alhambra or Opel Zafira Tourer are your best bets, but it's worth considering the Volkswagen Touran too - not quite so roomy, but cheaper to run and very pleasant to drive.
Here are our relevant reviews:
What'll I buy as my first car, for €10,000?
Hi folks,
I'll be buying my first car in a few weeks. Ideally I'd like to find something under €10,000. Just something reliable to get me to and from work, preferably in a low tax band and will keep insurance costs as low as possible (22-year old male). Any advice?
Also, if I'm paying in cash can I expect to get a discount on the asking price in a dealership? If so, roughly what percentage could I hope for?
Thanks in advance, Rob
Rob Henry (Dublin)May 2016 Filed under: learner
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
Well, as far as discounts go, most dealers operate on about an eight per cent margin, so if you're asking for more than a seven per cent discount you're asking for a below cost price. You should get a decent discount for cash right enough, but explore the credit options too - dealers often get bonuses for selling a credit plan so if you can get a good one (at zero per cent interest obviously) and pay it off from your lump sum, it may give the dealer a bit more wiggle room for a discount.
As for the model, with a starter car and the current cost of insurance you need to be looking at no more than a 1.0-litre engine. Happily your budget will easily get you into a Volkswagen up! 1.0, one of the best small cars around (or equally you could go for a mechanically identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo). Can't go wrong really, although if you're looking for other options you could try an Opel Karl (plain but decent), a Renault Twingo (fun but not as well made as the up!) or the Fiat 500 TwinAir (fabulous car, but get an insurance quote first).
Here are reviews of all of those to help you decide: