Any advice on buying a used BMW 5 Series?
Hi,
I am planning to buy a 2011 or 2012 BMW 5 Series M Sport auto. Any advice and price range please?
Susan Jacob (Cork)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Susan,
You should be fine - that's the current model and it hasn't thrown up any major reliability issues. BMW also seems to have fixed a long-standing concern over the reliability of the timing belts on its 2.0-litre diesel engine, as well as some weaknesses around the turbos. That said, unless the car has a pristine and fully stamped service history (preferably from a BMW main dealer) then avoid it - they're complicated things and any skimping on maintenance by a former owner will come back to haunt you.
I'm looking at buying a 2010-2011 Audi A6.
I'm looking at buying a 2010 or 2011 Audi A6. How reliable do they tend to be and is there anything in particular that I should look out for please?
Darren Colgan (Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Darren,
There aren't any major reported issues, but check to make sure that all the electrics are working properly and don't buy without a full service history.
Is this offer on a new Audi A4 worth going for?
Hi,
I am the owner of July 2011 Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE with 39,000 kilometres on the clock and metallic paint. The car is in pristine condition and has been regularly serviced at the local Audi dealership. On a trade in my local Audi dealer is requesting €25,000 in part payment for a new Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE with metallic paint. I should be grateful if you would advise me should I accept the offer?
Regards Martin
Martin Moran (Kiltimagh)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Well, it's a little hard to tell without actually seeing your car and seeing the car you're buying. But, with values for 2011 Audi A4s hovering around the €20k mark (or a little less as a trade in) and assuming that the one you're buying is listed at about €40-45,000, then I'd say it sounds like a reasonable deal.
What servicing does this Skoda Superb need?
What are the service cost of a Skoda Superb 1.6 TDI Elegance (1.6 TDI CR DPF 77kW GreenLine)? I am interested in buying a 2012 model with 100,000 miles on the clock. What maintenance will or should having been carried out on the car? E.g. timing belt, etc?
Denis O'Gorman (Galway)Jan 2016 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
We asked Skoda Ireland for help with this one and here was the response:
"Going on the assumption that we are talking 100,000 miles (160,000km) it would be due a timing belt based on our four-year recommendation. A brake fluid change and a pollen filter would also be due. Everything else would be checked and assessed for replacement during the vehicle's annual maintenance service."
How much is a 2008 Skoda Octavia worth?
2008 Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel, registered after June: how much?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Dec 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
I'd say in and around €7,900 as long as it comes with a full service history.
How much to change to a new Ford Focus?
What would it cost me to upgrade from a 131 Focus, five-door hatchback, diesel with 60,000km and 60k service completed to a new similar Focus? Also what is the price of the new Focus five-door hatchback?
John Keating
John Keating (Carrigaline)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Your Focus is probably going to be worth about €17,000 as a trade in, maybe a little less. New Focus prices start from €20,295.
Am I mental to go for an old Megane?
Am I mental to be looking at a 2003-09 Renault Megane? I have heard they are very unreliable, but I currently drive a 1999 Renault Clio and apart from minor items it has been trouble free. What's your view on the Megane?
Aaron Mullane (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Aaron,
I'd tread very carefully. Although the engines in the Megane II are pretty robust, any and all of its electrical and electronic systems are suspect to say the least, and the suspension is prone to failure too. Only buy if it has a seriously flawless service history and appears to be in perfect condition - and even then I'd be wary.
When to change my Mondeo's timing belt?
Hi,
I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre flex-fuel. When do I change the timing belt?
Alan Doolan (Dublin)Dec 2015 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Alan,
Actually, our information is that your car should have a timing chain, not a belt, which has no scheduled maintenance interval. To check this, call a service department of any Ford dealer with your registration number and they'll tell you for sure.
Which Toyota Avensis estate to go for?
I'm looking at getting a Toyota Avensis estate between 2010 and 2012. I'm just wondering about the mileage on them. Would I be better to go for a 2010 model with lower miles or a 2012 version that may have higher mileage?
James Matthews (Waterford)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi James,
The secret is not to worry about the mileage, especially on a car as inherently reliable as an Avensis. Simply buy the one that is in the best condition, has been cared for the best and which comes with a full and complete service history. If both cars are identical in those respects, then simply buy the one your prefer.
Help me change from Passat to C-Max.
I have a 2008 Volkswagen Passat diesel with 120,000 miles on the clock. I am looking at a 2012 diesel Ford C-Max with 60,000 miles. How much should I expect to pay and would you recommend the Ford?
Many thanks.
Catherine Davis (Louth)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
The Ford's not bad actually, but make sure that it has been fully serviced and that the 1.6 diesel has had a steady diet of high-grade oil.
Your Passat should be worth about €7,000 to €7,500 as a trade-in.