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Hi Lorraine,

It shouldn't be a problem. A 'Service Update' is just a nice way of saying 'Recall' so the work should have been carried out by the previous owner, free of charge. Check the service history to see if it's been done, and maybe call the garage that worked on it to make sure. If it hasn't been done, it's still no problem - any Opel dealer should carry out the work free of charge.

Also, for UK imports in particular, we'd always recommend that you get a Cartell.ie car history check to ensure the mileage and history are legit and that there is no finance outstanding on the car.

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Hi David,

Do you mean in terms of fuel consumption? Then I'd say about 35- to 40mpg depending on your driving style. If you mean total miles, well it depends how you look after it and how it's been looked after. Cars are generally 'lifed' for between 250,000 miles (400,000km) and 300,000 miles. If you service it and care for it properly, you could potentially get even more...

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Hi Ollie,

A total of 82,000 miles is a slightly high mileage but it depends on the miles and it depends on the car. If it's got a full service history and has been well cared for then it's not a problem.

As for the SD card, these are available from Ford dealers but have a proper look through the navigation system - UK & Ireland maps tend to come bundled as a pair so it may just be a matter of changing a country setting.

It should be worth, in Irish terms, about €14,000. 

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Hi Niall,

Probably around €8k retail or €6,500 - €7,000 as a trade-in.

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Hi Sandra,

The rule of thumb is to never buy on year and mileage but always on condition and history. If one has a full service history, every receipt, stamp and cert in a neat little folder, go for that one.

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Hi Brendan,

If it's in really good nick you should get between €1,500 and €2,000 for it.

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Hi Teresa,

There's a pretty broad spread of values for 407s of that age - it depends on the engine, trim and above all condition and history. The ballpark is from €5,500 to €8,500. A diesel model will be worth considerably more than a petrol one and a full service history is essential.

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Hi William,

They're generally very solid cars, A4s, and the fact that this one comes with a full service history bodes well. The weak points are the electrics (so check to make sure that everything with a button or a wire works properly) and the cooling system (so try and go for a good long test drive and let the engine heat up properly to see if the radiator is doing its job). 

On the dynamic front, there's no doubt that a BMW 3 Series is a more engaging drive, but the Audi's robustness and practicality make it a very sensible second hand buy.

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Hi Paul,

It depends on condition and service history of course. We've seen Sharans priced up around the €6,000 mark at that age, which would suggest a trade in of €4-4,500. However that's a very good price for one and I suspect you'd get less than that. 

The good news is that Toyota currently has an offer in place that gives a €3,000 trade-in on almost any car. So, strike fast and you should get a reasonable trade in. More details on that here.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

I suspect that the sensor that reports a fault to your car's computer has been disturbed or possibly even not plugged back in after the work was done on the car. However, you really need to get the car back to the garage that did the work as soon as possible to have it checked over and rectified. It is their responsibility to make sure it's all ok.

Let us know how you get on