Planning on buying a 2014 Nissan Qashqai.
Hi,
I am planning to buy a 2014 Nissan Qashqai with 109,000 miles on the clock. What's it worth and also is it a good bet after so many miles on?
Arun Rak (Dublin)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Arun,
It depends. If it’s the current-shape model, then it should be worth around €14-15,000. If it’s the last of the old-shape models (which were on runout in 2014) then it should be more like €11-12,000. That mileage is a little on the high side, right enough, but it should be fine as long as the car has a full and complete service history.
Thoughts on this used Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Thinking of buying a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 manual five-door with side steps, a boot spoiler, window tint, alloys and fog lights, with 120,000 miles on the clock.
Andree Cushion (Pafos Cyprus)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Andree,
Well, the good thing about Vitaras is that they tend to be rugged and reliable, but from the description you’ve given us, I’d tread a little carefully. A Vitara with that much extra body kit may well have been in the hands of an owner who cared more about how it looked, and less about how it was looked after. Study the service history very carefully, and make sure it’s in good nick.
Value of a 2015 Kia Soul diesel?
What is the used car value of a 2015 (151) Kia Soul EX CRDi with 100,000km on the clock? It has a full service history and was recently serviced.
Mary Kinsella (Dublin)Jun 2018 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Sounds good, although that mileage is quite high. It’s a nice car though, so as long as the service history is solid, and it still has its Kia seven-year warranty, then it should be fine.
Electrical issues with the Volvo S60?
I am considering buying a second hand Volvo S60, approx year 2014. I've heard negative remarks about the electrics and that issues are expensive to repair. Would electrical issues be common?
David Heffernan (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi David,
Should Audi cover my A3 chain fix?
Hi,
I have a 2011 Audi A3 1.2 TFSI with 74,000km on the clock and am advised that engine noise means new timing chain and guides need to be replaced. This seems to be a problem with the A3 of this year. Should Audi cover the cost of the defective timing chain, parts and labour?
Thanks
Michael Quirke
Michael Quirke (Dublin 18)Apr 2018 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'm afraid Audi is under no obligation to do so, as your car is out of warranty. If you've had your car serviced at an Audi dealer throughout its life then you may be able to negotiate a little to bring the cost down, but don't expect much better than that.
Value of a 2009 Citroen C4?
Value of a 2009 Citroen C4 with 200,000 kilometres on the clock?
Bali Bhao (Kilkenny)Apr 2018 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Bali,
A lot hinges on the service history and general condition of the car, of course, but it should be worth in the region of about €4,500 to €5,000, maybe €3,000 as a trade-in.
Will Skoda's 1.0 TSI engine be reliable?
Hi.
We have been looking for a good reliable quality practical family car and deciding to go with a Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI, as petrol suits our mileage - very short during the week and longer drives on weekends. My question and only reservation about the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI Octavia is its durability. Skoda and Volkswagen have a good reputation, but my only concern is how many years can be got out of a small engine in a big car? Have you any background into the work the manufacturers have put into this technology. and how durable do you reckon they will be? I've only heard great things about it, but I've heard a few non-Skoda drivers dismiss this engine.
Thanks
Mark Yeatesy (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Well, it is — in effect — impossible for us to say with any authority as to how the 1.0 TSI engine is going to perform in the longer term, as the engine hasn’t been around all that long. What we can say is that, so far, there have been no horror stories emerging of any major reliability issues, and that Skoda has (a) good quality control systems and (b) a good reputation for high quality and reliability. After all, when people ask about the most reliable cars, we generally say Japanese, Korean and Czech — in that order. As long as you keep it properly serviced, I don’t think you’ll have any major problems.
What to look for buying 2011 Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I am thinking of buying a 2011 Lexus CT 200h with 180,000km on the clock. It would be my first hybrid vehicle. What should worry me before buying? Would I need to change anything?
Regards
Emil
Emil Mchaki (Maseru)Mar 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Emil,
As far as reliability and solidity go, there’s nothing to worry about. As long as it comes with a full service history and has been looked after by its previous owners, it should prove to be one of the most reliable cars you could possibly buy. Now, things to worry about — space; the CT 200h is very comfy and nice up front, but space in the back seats is quite poor and the boot is small, so bear that in mind. Secondly, economy. The CT 200h uses an older hybrid system, derived from the third generation Toyota Prius, and it’s quite tricky to get the best economy from it. As long as you drive gently, and mostly in town, you should be fine, but longer journeys, especially on the motorway, will seriously hit your fuel consumption figure.
Which of these 2010 SUVs to go for?
Hi,
What would you choose betweeen 2010 Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery? Reliability; safety; and family functionality are the main criteria. I know all would have high running and service costs in particular the Disco and Q7. Image isn't important to me! I have 16, 15 and 6-year-olds and new baby soon, and a nutcase of a labrador havs to be accomodated!
Many thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
If reliability is a key factor, then leave out the Land Rover. We love the Discovery to bits, but they just have a poor reputation for reliability. Of the other two, the Audi would likely be the most reliable overall, but we have a big soft spot for the XC90, which isn’t far behind on reliability and has the edge when it comes to safety, plus there’s a little more room in the third-row seats. Make sure it comes with a full service history, and if it’s a four-wheel-drive model, get it checked to make sure that the clutch that controls the system hasn’t burned out.
Should I worry about outstanding finance?
I am purchasing a used car imported from the UK by a dealer in Dublin who appears to specialise in this type of car sales. I have paid a small deposit to the dealer but have discovered via a Cartell.ie check that the vehicle has outstanding finance of a type called 'Unit Stocking' from a UK finance company. Interestingly the start date is shown as 01/02/2018 with a term of six months. I was told there was no finance outstanding on the car and the vendors appear to be respectable and trustworthy.
What steps should I take to protect my interests prior to completing the purchase?
GH, Tullamore
Gabriel Hannon (Tullamore)Feb 2018 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Gabriel,
We had a worth with our contact at Cartell.ie and this is what they said:
"Unit Stocking usually points to dealer finance. These types of issues can often be resolved, but as with any amount outstanding on a vehicle Cartell would advise caution until the matter is resolved. A Cartell.ie report provides a contact telephone number and account reference number for finance markers in the UK - so the customer can contact the bank directly and look to clarify the issue. If you are still having problems ring Cartell.ie customer service team on 1890 252331 or 01 5241517 and they'll be happy to talk you through the steps."
Hope that you get sorted