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.
I'd like a Jetta-like saloon, but smaller...
Hi,
I am sick of hatchbacks. I yearn for a four-door saloon. Love the Jetta interior layout but would like a smaller saloon with same layout. Similiar to older Golf model. Can you suggest a smaller saloon with Jetta interior layout?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Sadly, not. There used to be a Volkswagen saloon smaller than the Jetta but that was the Polo saloon and it hasn't been in production for years. So why not just go for a Jetta? Really nice car, actually. Kind of underrated and not all that big. It's is just a Golf with a boot, after all...
How much to tax a 1.4-litre Volkswagen Polo?
How much to tax a 2002 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI diesel?
Thanks
Naomi Quinn (New Ross)Jan 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Naomi,
Pre-2008 cars are taxed according to their engine size, so that Polo, which is actually 1,422cc, falls into the 1,401 to 1,500cc band, at €413 a year, or €229 for six months and €116 for three months.
Are paddles standard on the Polo BlueGT?
Hi
Does the Polo 1.4 Blue GT DSG come with paddle gear changers? I know that the 1.2 90hp DSG doesn't. Is it possible to say, roughly, in percentage terms the likely insurance difference between these two models?
Many thanks (and happy new year)
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2016 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
According to Volkswagen, paddle shifters for the DSG gearbox on that model are not standard, but are available as an option. And a not very expensive option either - only just over €100.
The insurance question isn't really one we can help you with, as there are many more factors to an insurance quotation than just the model of car. We can only suggest that you ring a couple of the bigger companies and ask to get a feel for the price difference.
I need a small, reliable commuting car.
Hello, looking for a small, economical, reliable car for commuting. I currently have a 1.0-litre Nissan Micra. I do 110km a day, 5-6 days a week.
What would you recommend?
Elaine Henry (Sligo)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
You're kind of on the cusp of being better off with a diesel with that kind of mileage. There are a few cars that are worth looking at. Sticking with petrol? Try a Honda Jazz - small but very spacious, and the 1.2-litre engine is pretty frugal. Want to go for a small diesel? Try a Volkswagen Polo. Want something a little more fun, but still very frugal (albeit not very roomy in the back)? Try a MINI Cooper D.
How much is a 2001 Volkswagen Polo worth?
How much is a 2001 Volkswagen Polo worth?
Paula Russell (Co.Kildare)Jul 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Paula,
It really depends on mileage, condition and history, but not more than €1,000 at this stage I would think.
What first car would you recommend with €10,000?
What would you recommend for a first car for a 25-year old with about €10k to spend. I like the Volkswagen Golf.
John Millane (Ennis)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi John,
A Golf is always a good choice but the fact that it comes with, at smallest, a 1.4-litre engine could be an issue when it comes to insurance. You could, for your budget, get the current-shape Polo, from around 2010, with a 1.2-litre engine. That should take the sting out of the insurance. Or what about something really stylish? Say, a Fiat 500 1.2? Plenty of those around and they’re quite enjoyable to drive too.
Can you recommend a car for €10,000 for me?
My 2001 Hyundai Accent has failed the NCT so I need to buy a new car. I'm a mum of two and my husband drives a 2003 Toyota Verso. I have a budget of €10,000. Can you recommend a car to me?
Sharon Drummond (Galway)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
€10,000 buys you an awful lot on the second hand market, but I'm assuming you want to stay within roughly the same size band as the Accent. So, your best bets are to go for a two-to three-year old small hatchback - think Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 or Volkswagen Polo. The Kia or Hyundai are probably the best bets as they'll both have factory warranties left to run.
Relevant reviews:
Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Polo?
Which one is more durable and cheap to run: a Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Polo?
Khumbulani Siduna (Harare)May 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Khumbulani,
Very different cars - a Corolla is a mid-size family hatchback, a Polo is a supermini. It's a split decision anyway - the Polo will be slightly cheaper to run but the Corolla is more likely to be reliable, long-term.
What is a 1997 Volkswagen Polo Saloon worth?
What is a 1997 Volkswagen Polo Saloon worth with the 1.4 engine and just 55,160 miles on the clock?
Catherine Elkin (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Not much I'm afraid - probably about €700 to €1,000.