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How much is a Peugeot 307 estate worth?

Hello,

Thinking of selling my car but price on the websites vary quite a lot for a similar car so finding difficult to see which price to ask. It is a red Peugeot 307 estate (five seater) diesel with 74,000 miles on the clock and in very good condition, with full service history and NCT until August 2017.

Thanks for your help

Asier Pagaza (Trim)

Aug 2016 Filed under: used car values

Expert answer

Hi Asier,

It would of course depend on the year, which you haven’t given us I’m afraid, but the ballpark runs from €1,400 for a 2004 model to around €6,000 for a 2008 model. 


BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes E 220?

Which would be a better car: BMW 520d, Volvo V70 or Mercedes-Benz E 220?

Willy Boland (Ballinasloe)

Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Willy,

Each has its charms – the BMW is the sharpest to drive (although not by the margin you’d imagine), the Volvo is lovely, comfortable and people won’t hate you for owning it and the Mercedes really is built like the proverbial Panzer again these days.  If we’re talking new and current models, then it’s the latest Merc E-Class that gets my nod – I’ve rarely driven a car so all-round competent as it, and the interior is just gorgeous. Worth holding on a couple of months for the estate version though...

Relevant reviews:

BMW 518d review

Mercedes-Benz E 220 d review


A classy car that'll fit in three child seats?

Hi,

I want to fit three car seats (3.5-year-old twins and 1.5-year-old) into the back of a new used car. Estate type of car only - no people carriers! I'm looking at Audi Avants, BMW 5 Series, Volvo V60s - can these fit three car seats in the back? Also am I missing any other make of car with similar class that will last me 10 years+ that will fit the three rug rats?!

Thank you in advance :)

Twins Rule Mac (Cork)

Jul 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats

Expert answer

Hi Valerie,

The problem is that you’re going to struggle in a premium-brand car to find the sort of rear-seat width that you need. The sad fact is that most sporty, expensive estates are designed around four passengers and the middle rear seat is usually an uncomfortable perch that’s often too narrow to comfortabley fit a car seat into.

So, I’d suggest you broaden your remit a little. Of the premium cars, realistically only the Volvo V70 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are going to offer the kind of cabin space you need. If those are too expensive, look instead to the more workaday brands – Ford  Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Avensis, Mazda6 and Peugeot 508. You may not get the premium badge you crave, but you’ll get the interior room you need and at a much lower cost.


How popular is the 1.4-litre TSI Passat?

Hi,

Can you tell me how many of the 1.4-litre Volkswagen Passats were registered in Ireland in 2015 and 2016?

Thanks.

Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)

Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

According to the figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 57 Passat 1.4 TSI models were sold in 2015 (53 saloons and four estates) and 42 so far this year (37 saloons and five estates). There were also two Passat GTE plugin hybrids registered so far this year, which also use the 1.4 TSI engine.


Is the Kia cee'd estate a good buy?

I've found a 2012 Kia cee'd 1.6 diesel estate for sale for €10,000. It's an import and has about 90,000 miles on the clock. I had a Citroen Berlingo but need to switch to a car now. Do you thimk this would be a good buy? I'm mainly looking for something economical and reliable with plenty of room.

Thanks

Emer Holmes (Mayo)

May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Emer,

The cee'd is just about perfect for you, so. Reliable, comfy and actually pretty good to drive, plus the boot is massive on the estate. Just make sure it has a full service history and that it has always been serviced by a Kia main dealer so that the warranty is still active. 


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. 


Which cars are best for comfort?

Hi,

Can you tell me which SUVs offer a driver's/seating position most like a standard car's? My wife and I currently both use her Opel Zafira and I find the seating position very upright and uncomfortable as the seats will not move back far enough. Effectively it means I have to lift my feet completely to operate the pedals instead of just pivoting on my heels as with a more reclined position. I have recently had a hip replaced and the other one is painful if I drive any reasonable distance.

We test drove a secondhand C-Class Estate and I wanted to buy it but she finds the seating position very cramped (in particular did not like the large console between the seats). We sat in a Honda CR-V after and she much preferred the space and lack of clutter between the seats but I found the seating position uncomfortable. Essentially we are looking for something that has the high ceiling, big windscreen and lack of clutter of most SUVs/MPVs,  but with a seating position that gives good enough leg room for somebody over six-foot like me to pivot my feet on my heels rather than having to lift them to operate the pedals. Maybe we need two cars, which is a waste given we are city dwellers and do very small annual mileage between us.

Thanks

Kevin

Kevin McCormack (Dublin 8)

Apr 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

That’s almost an impossible question for me to answer I’m afraid as, as you’ve pointed out, a car that many might consider comfortable and pleasant (the Honda CR-V) is uncomfortable for you. Mind you, you’re right about the C-Class Estate being small inside – it was never the biggest car around.

The best I can suggest is the cars I find the most comfortable, which have a slightly elevated SUV-style driving position. In that I can recommend the Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Nissan Qashqai (especially the current model) and the Volvo XC60. A Volvo may actually be the best car overall for you (even a lower-slung one) as the Swedes tend to have the best seats and the comfiest driving positions, but I’m afraid, given your every specific requirements, there’s going to be no alternative to getting out there and seeing what fits you comfortably.


When do I change my Ford Focus timing belt?

Does my 2008 Ford Focus Titanium Estate 1.6 TDCi have a timing belt? If so, when should it be changed?

Jorg Lenk (Clonmel)

Apr 2016 Filed under: servicing

Expert answer

Hi Jorg,

Yes it does and the recommended change interval is 125,000 miles (210,000km) or every 10 years. 


Can I retrofit Bluetooth to my Skoda?

Hi there, do you know if I can get factory Bluetooth fitted retrospectively on a 2012 Skoda estate and if so who would do it?

Thanks,

Karen

Karen Cahill (Naas)

Mar 2016 Filed under: Bluetooth

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

We asked Skoda Ireland about this for you and such a kit does indeed exist. It costs €176 plus VAT from your Skoda dealer and all fitted it should be under €300 + VAT. Contact your local Skoda dealer to confirm the availability and pricing. Full list of Skoda dealers here.


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