Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Hi, could you tell me how much I should expect to get on a trade in on a 20007 Toyota Corolla? I want to go for a diesel; what do you think of a Toyota Auris or Hyundai i30?
Feb 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eilish,
You should make around €6,500 to €7,000 on a trade in, assuming it's in top condition and has a full service history. If you're used to a Corolla, then the Auris will feel pretty familiar and it's not a bad car at all - comfy, spacious and very economical. The i30 feels a touch more sophisticated though, and is a little sweeter to drive.
Further reading:
What should I pay for a Toyota Corolla?
What should I pay for a 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol Luna model?
Mary Kyne (Castlebar)Jan 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
We've seen them as cheap as €5,950 on a private sale but that's probably not the best way to go. Budget between €7,500 and €8,000 to get a good one, with history, from a dealer.
How much is a 2001 Toyota Corolla Estate worth?
How much is a 2001 Toyota Corolla Estate worth?
Brendan Fahey (Ardee)Jan 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
It depends entirely on the condition and history. Is it immaculate and has a full, continuous service history? Then maybe €1,500 or thereabouts. Is it a bit shagged out and missing its service book? Probably €750 then.
Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus?
Hi, I am trying to decide between a 2006 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 1.4 diesel or a 2007 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel. I do approx 250 miles per week; would there be much difference in the running costs?
Kieran Madigan (Ardee)Jan 2015 Filed under: running costs
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
Not massive. There's a tiny 1mpg gap between them in terms of fuel economy (the Toyota gets 59mpg, the Ford 60mpg), but in everyday driving , they'll probably work out pretty much the same.
Overall, the Toyota will probably be slightly more reliable, and the Ford slightly cheaper to service and repair if anything does go wrong. The Toyota will probably be a little cheaper to insure too, and its road tax will be slightly lower.
On balance then, the Toyota is likely to be fractionally cheaper to run, but there's precious little in it.
How much to change a Toyota Corolla's clutch?
How much should I pay to have the clutch changed in my 2003 1.4 petrol Toyota Corolla?
Kieran Maher (Clonmel)Dec 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
We're assuming that you'll be bringing a car of that age to an independent garage. Prices vary a lot obviously, but one garage we know in Cork quoted us €400 all in, including the parts. Hopefully that gives you something to work to.
How much is my 2012 Toyota Corolla worth?
How much is a 2012 Toyota Corolla 1.33 VVT-i with 63,000km in clean condition worth?
Denis Murphy (Dundalk)Dec 2014 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
Prices for 2012 Corollas seem to run from around €13k up to as much as €16k so I'd say a €14,500 ballpark would be about right, although obviously you're going to get offered less than that as a trade-in.
Why did my Toyota Corolla break down?
Hi,
My Toyota Corolla broke down on the M8 while driving to Dublin. Had the car for seven years no problem. It gave a clicking sound a few times and then suddenly started slowing down. I stopped by the hard shoulder and opened the bonnet to see smoke coming out of the engine. I got the oil indicator and thought it needs oil. I topped it up, but now the car won't start. I called breakdown assist who took me to the nearest garage. It just doesn't start now. What is wrong with my car?
Dwtdil D (Cork)Nov 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.
A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...
Why is my Toyota Verso's indicator glowing?
In my 2002 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.6 petrol the indicator bulb is glowing steadily. The battery and alternator are fine. What's up?
Milan Malik (Ennis)Nov 2014 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Milan,
It sounds to us like a bad earth or, surprisingly common, an incorrect bulb. Try changing that first to see if it cures the issue.
1998 Toyota Corolla 2.0 diesel: timing belt or chain?
1998 Toyota Corolla 2.0 diesel: timing belt or chain?
Shane Walsh (Galway)Nov 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
That car has a timing belt.
I need a diesel car for three booster seats...
I have a budget of €5,000 and I need a diesal car that can fit three booster seats in the back.
Tom Scanlan (Cork)Oct 2014 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
How about a Fiat Multipla? OK, not everyone's idea of a good looking car, but it's got an amazing interior, bags of space, is terrific to drive and I found one for €4,500. Yes, I know... OK, on with the sensible stuff though.
There are plenty of Opel Zafiras around for that kind of money, but you will have to search hard to find a diesel one. They are out there though. Plenty of Peugeot 307 SW estates (which came with a seven-seat option) too, but tread carefully and make sure there are no electrical gremlins to deal with. Ditto Renault Scenics. Actually, the more ruggedly reliable Kangoo (or a Citroen Berlingo for that matter) might be a better option.
The most sensible suggestion would be a Toyota Corolla Verso, but they're very, very hard to find with a diesel engine at that price level. Might be worth biting the bullet and going for petrol to get the best.