Can you help my buy my first car?
I am in the market to buy my first car. I have looked at a 2007 Volkswagen Polo for €5,500 with 80,000 miles; a 2009 Renault Clio with 50,000 miles for €5,500; and a 2007 Opel Corsa with 110,000 miles for €4,500 (all 1.2). It is important to purchase a car that will help to keep my insurance and maintenance costs low.
Any advice on these cars or others that I should consider would be greatly appreciated. Is the best method of purchasing through a dealership?
Niamh, Limerick
Niamh McCrann (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niamh,
I'd go for the Polo - of the three you're looking at it's the one (all things being equal) that's likely to be the most reliable. One thing though - you'll have to change it again next year as then it will be 10 years old and it's now proving almost impossible to get an affordable quote for a 10-year old car.
How much is a 2007 Opel Astra worth?
How much is a 2007 Opel Astra three-door worth?
Emrah Gurkan (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Emrah,
It depends on the condition and history of course, but probably around €5,500.
Skoda Fabia or Opel Corsa or Renault Clio?
Hi,
Would you go for a 2011 1.2-litre Skoda Fabia (89k miles) or 2012 Opel Corsa 1.0-litre (69K miles) or 2011 Renault Clio 1.1-litre as a second family car/run around?
Catherine Healy (Cork)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Go for the Skoda; assuming that it's in good shape and has a decent service history as it'll be the most reliable of the bunch.
What is the best 'scrappage' deal this year?
What is the best scrappage deal for cars this year?
T Treacher (Galway )Jan 2016 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi there,
There are many, with Ford, Nissan, Opel, Toyota and Hyundai, for instance, all having notably good offers. You can get as much as €4,500 'scrappage' (not really scrappage, but actually a trade-in bonus really), but it depends on which model you're trading in against.
What do you think of buying a used Saab?
Re buying a second hand Saab, what is your advice? Currently driving a ten-year-old 9-3.
Catherine Dooley (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Tread carefully. We've heard many a horror story about reliability issues on the old 9-3 and 9-5, so caution is advised. If you've owned and loved your 9-3, and it hasn't let you down, then well and good, but the overall experience is a negative one. One possibility might be to track down a last of the line second-gen 9-5. There aren't many around but they're cheap and use a lot of Opel components, which makes them easier to fix in the future. A really lovely car and one worth a punt if you can find one.
Is my Opel Mokka warming up quick enough?
I have just bought a second hand Opel Mokka and my question is, what is the warm up time for the diesel engine? At the moment it takes 10 kilometers of driving to reach a temperature of just under 90 centigrade where it stays. Is this correct?
David Walker (Surrey)Jan 2016 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi David,
There's no set warm-up time, as it depends on a number of factors, such as the ambient air temperature, how the car is being driven and which ancillaries are turned on. In general, diesel engines take longer to warm up than petrol (though the car makers are working on changing that) too.
I don't think there's anything wrong with your Mokka.
What do you think of the 2011 Opel Insignia?
What is your opinion of the 2011 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi?
James Cloney (Wexford)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
A really good car that one, but just give it a thorough checkover to make sure that all of the electrical systems are working properly (the alarm and central locking seem to be especially vulnerable) and have a check in the back and the boot for any dampness coming from leaking boot seals.
Can you advise me on replacing my Passat?
Hi,
I am selling a 2008 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI with 209,000km on the clock and a full service history. What should I get for it? Also, would you buy a 2012/2013 Passat with the ongoing emissions issue or a Mondeo or any other suggestions?
Martin Stokes (Arklow)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
I'd say you should advertise it for around €6,000 all things being equal. As for the diesel controversy, it's a bit hard to say - there's nothing at all wrong and an awful lot right with the 2012 Passat - it's a cracking car, it's just that you need to bear in mind that the overall engine performance may well be altered when Volkswagen begins its recall in January. If that's putting you off, then a Mondeo is definitely well worth looking at, but also take a gander at a Mazda6, Opel Insignia or Hyundai i40.
Does my broken down car qualify for scrappage?
My car has recently broken down, head gasket has gone, can I still qualify for a scrappage scheme?
Mark K (Dublin)Nov 2015 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
There are some individual brands still offering 'scrappage' (or schemes that are really trade-in bonuses for older models). Opel, for instance, is offering 'scrappage' of up to €4,500 depending on the model you're trading in against, while Nissan is offering up to €4,000 against some models. Check with your local dealer for details, but beware - some of the deals require you to drive the car onto the forecourt under its own power...
Is low oil pressure a problem on an Opel Corsa?
I have an oil pressure problem on my Opel Corsa. Is ths a big problem?
Melissa Harding (Celbridge)Oct 2015 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Melissa,
It's not possible to tell you what is causing the problem from afar, but oil pressure is critical to an engine's well-being so do not drive anywhere without getting it fixed. First thing to check is the oil level itself and top if up if needs be. If that doesn't fix the issue then get the car to a mechanic as soon as you can to look at it. Hopefully it's something small like the oil light switch itself.
Best of luck