What four-door automatic will I replace my Fiat Punto with?
My wife wants to change to a car with automatic gears as she has broken her leg and now her ankle has plates in it and recently she fractured a bone in the same foot, the left foot.
She does not put up much mileage and drives only local, no country or even cross-city. She has a 2006 Fiat Grande Punto with 18,000 miles on the clock. She wants a four-door and carries a few grandkids quite often. What would you recommend in an 08 or 09?
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Jun 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
You are likely to get up to €6,000 for your Grand Punto as a trade-in. Having spoken to you via e-mail we know that you have a budget of around €8,000 - €10,000 on top of this.
A car like the Mazda3 saloon with an automatic transmission would make a great choice, as it would be more than suitable for the small mileage your wife does and even though it is a petrol engine it won't cost a lot to run. Here is an example that should be well within budget.
If you wanted something that is a little bigger and more comfortable, then you could have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat automatic within budget. Here is a 2008 one on sale in Naas.
Another good choice would be a Honda Civic saloon automatic, which would be ultra reliable. This model would be well suited to your wife's needs.
I know that you didn't mention an SUV, but if your wife suffers from mobility problems, it can be a lot easier to get in and out of a higher vehicle and this Suzuki Vitara could be great, as it comes with an automatic transmission and has plenty of space for the grandkids too.
Out of all these, my hunch is that the Mazda3 would make the best buy for your needs. I hope this helps. Feel free to come back to us if we haven't quite hit the mark!
How does the new tax on employee parking spaces work?
Can you please tell me about the new tax on parking that is supplied by one's employer?
John Flynn (Waterford)Jun 2010 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
The new tax has not yet been fully implemented and there's a minefield of complications yet to be worked out, but trials are soon to begin in restricted parts of Dublin City before it is rolled out to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Take a look at the official details here on Revenue.ie and come back to us if you have any specific questions that are not answered by that.
Thanks
Changing my 406 Coupé for something new or used.
Hi guys,
Firstly, congrats on the website, fair play and good luck with it. I'm just looking for some advice! I'm 29, living in Dublin and do on average city say 14k per year in my car, a 2001 Peugeot 406 Coupé 2.0, which I love. I'm looking to trade up and am not sure what to go for? Would like something sporty-ish, comfortable, economical all round (fuel, tax, servicing) and not too common on the road. I have a budget of €15k with no real preference on year but the younger the better!
I've never driven a diesel before but with the way that diesel engines have improved I am not adverse to change. So I'm prepared to go for either.
Brian Gallagher (Dublin)May 2010 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hello Brian,
This is an interesting one. I am guessing, as you own and love the 406 Coupé that you don't really want something too mainstream. It might seem obvious to put you into something like a BMW 3 Series Coupé, but I don't think that is what you are after.
As you probably know, you might not get offered very much for your 406 Coupé, which is a shame. Try to sell it privately because these cars do have a loyal following and if you got €2,000 that would no doubt be welcome. There is one for sale with a lot less miles than yours in Dublin for €2,650, so work backwards from there.
Trading it is probably the easiest. Let's say that you have a budget of €16,000 and see what is around that might suit.
One, perhaps rather obvious, choice would be to go for a Peugeot 407 Coupé. The diesel model sold really well and remains expensive, but I found a 2007 2.2-litre petrol version with just 21,000 miles on the clock and they are asking just €14,950. You can find it here:
That might work given the really small mileage that you do and since you loved your 406 Coupé then this could be a great buy.
If you want something very pretty and unique, how about an Alfa Romeo Brera? Here is a 2.2-litre petrol model for €17,950, but you could well haggle this price down further. There aren't too many about and while we cannot say that it won't give you the odd headache, it is a real head turner.
Even if you're not a BMW guy, it's worth considering a 2006 320d Coupé, which will be reasonably economical for under €16,000. This one is in Monaghan and the mileage is pretty good at 69,000 miles.
I don't think you need a diesel given your mileage. I'd pick a Volkswagen Golf GTI. I know it isn't a coupé, but it is a super car to drive. This one is a 2006 model, but you might sneak into a 2007 version for your budget too. The example we found has the brilliant DSG gearbox, has done just 26,000 miles and is loaded with kit. It is such a rewarding car to drive and, since you live in the city, the gearbox should suit you perfectly giving you the best of both worlds.
Please feel free to come back to us if we are way off the mark!