Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

We've done some ringing around for you based on extra information you provided us with (2010 Volvo S40 1.6 diesel). First of all, you can't do anything about different brands charging different amounts; that's a fact of life. We talked to several Volvo dealers around the country to compare pricing and they all quote similar amounts to the numbers you gave us. It seems expensive for the first service for sure, but at least you know it's standard across the network.

While we didn't ring every dealer in Ireland, we did get a quote from Bandon Motors (www.bandonmotors.com) that was much cheaper for the first service - though the same after that. Best bet is to ring all the Volvo dealers you are within easy driving distance of.

Of course, failing all that you could take the car to a non-Volvo garage, but I'm guessing you'd like the main dealer stamp in your service history.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

The Nissan Skyline saloon did not really get caught up in the upsurge of popularity experienced by other rear-wheel drive Japanese four-doors towards the end of the Celtic Tiger era so is still a fairly rare model. This would go some way to explaining why the Revenue Online Service (ROS) value seems so low. The Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) is based on an 'average' for that particular model, but with so few cars having been imported it can be difficult to determine a true average.

Regarding the car you have highlighted, and taking into account current exchange rates and the VRT calculated by ROS that car would cost €5,824, which seems expensive to our eyes.

A thorough search of all the classified adverts we could find revealed a few similar cars, albeit with higher mileage, in the region of €3,500 - €4,000.

The one you're looking at does have some nice additions such as the wheels, suspension and spoiler, but whether they and the low mileage warrant a near €2,000 premium is a question only you can answer.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Greg,

For your €5,000 budget (I'm assuming that's in total, even after you've sold the SEAT) you could get your hands on a late example of the first generation A-Class in A 140 or A 160 guises, both with an automatic gearbox. While the later versions improved, this car does not have a great reputation for reliability so make sure you properly inspect any one you're considering buying and ensure it has a full service history. They're costly to repair.

My money would go on a Honda Jazz. It's compact enough, but has decent space inside. There seem to be plenty on the market at your budget and most of the automatic examples have just 1.3-litre engines to keep costs down. On top of all that the Jazz has an incredible reliability record.

As ever check a car you're buying over thoroughly, but there are a few things to look out for on second-hand versions of the Jazz, as they can be expensive to fix. Check that the adjustment for the door mirrors works and that the car isn't jerky to drive at low speeds.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi David,

That sounds reasonable enough from a dealer. As always, shop around though. Don't settle on the first offer you get.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi James,

This is a difficult one to diagnose from afar. There's either something wrong with the control and its signal to the ventilation system or with the actuator that diverts air to the windows. Have you confirmed that air does blow out as fast as ever via the face/feet vents when in those modes?

I'm afraid we'd have to recommend bringing the car at the very least to a good mechanic, but probably best to a Hyundai service centre as it's more likely they'll have seen it before.

If you are hoping to tackle it for yourself, you can start by removing the glovebox, which is relatively easy. The unit sitsbehind that. Just don't expect it to be easy to work on...

In the meantime I'll contact a Hyundai service technician and will let you know if we can tell you any more.

Best of luck.

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

You've not told us the model year of your A4, but given that mileage we'd guess it's a 2004 version. If so then it's likely to be worth less than €10,000, despite the condition.

Obviously all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only.

Please do let us know how you get on with it

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

If you were to sell it privately, you should ask about €6,500. You should perhaps take €5,800 at a push. On the other hand, as a trade-in you will probably be offered about €5,500 by a dealer against a new car. I hope this helps?

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

The specification will help, but when you are trading it dealers tend not to pay too much attention to extras on the car, but in this case the climate control and double sunroof are a decent selling point. If you were to trade it in against a new car I would expect you to be offered around €9,000 for it and you could ask perhaps €10,500 if you were to advertise it privately, obviously to take less. 

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

I spoke to Volkswagen about this and its retailers will do this job in about an hour for a total price of €350. That includes VAT, parts and labour and they'll even wash and vacuum the car when it's in.

If you decide to go this route please do let us know how you find the service.

Expert answer

Hi Elizabeth,

i would expect you to get offered around €6,500-€7,500 for this as a trade-in. If you were selling this privately you could get €7,500 - €8,000 given the low mileage. A car dealer may be willing to buy this car from you as it would be very sellable. 

I hope this helps.