Second hand car

[elroy]

In the market for a 07/08 car at the moment, anyone experiences (good and bad) on the following:
Focus
Golf
Corolla
Audi A3.

Focus seems to be the best value out there at the moment, get a 08 for about 12-13k whereas the other models at best Id get a 07 for the same price.

[dahamsta]

You couldn't really go wrong with any of them to be honest, they're all very good makes (Toyota, Audi) or models (Focus, Golf) for reliability and most will hold their value pretty well. If I had to choose I'd go for the Audi, but I wouldn't choose.

If you do buy the Focus, please try not to drive like a Focus driver. They're almost as bad as Skoda drivers, I've been stuck beside a good half dozen this week alone; trundling along at 50mph, oblivious to the world around them.

adam

[elroy]

Thanks, The A3 and Golf would def seem to hold its value better than the focus, the market is saturated with them.

Am also considering going up north and purchasing up there and then paying the VRT here if it works out a bit cheaper etc, anyone experience with this?

[gaiscíoch]

Go North for your motor.
I did it got a 320d Bmw beautiful near full spec.
€2,500 cheaper than Irish dealers.
By all means ring some of them and make an offer but they seemed very stubborn with me so I just went North.

If your buying a diesel you will save more as it is calculated on Emissions and market value.
Check the VRT at this site.

https://www.ros.ie/VRTEnquiryServlet/showCarCalculator

Had a Golf myself hated the thing it holds it's value but it quite literally fell apart. Alternator, Battery, Wishbone RHS. Child lock stuck on in the back door. Seat belts broke.
Just an awful experience.

Brother and Father both have Focus's and they have never had a problem with them.

But if I was you I'd get an A3.

[forza rovers]

don't go for the focus they have no power in them as some one said go up north

[elroy]

Thanks for the advice guys, have only started to look at deals up north and there def is a good different. My only worry is that for the VRT, the OMV of the car seems to be at the discretion of the Revenue so they could screw you there. Axe man did you have much hassle getting the car registered etc, did you also have to pay VAT?

I have heard the focus lacks power but am looking at a 1.6 diesel and a 1.9 hybrid at the moment,both for about 12.5k. Has anyone any experience with hybrids?? Good saving tax wise obviously.

[Lionel Ritchie]

don't go for the focus they have no power in them as some one said go up north

I drive a focus and I'll partially agree. Plenty of shift in lower gears but little enough in fourth (which is probably the main gear most use overtaking no?).

That aside they are a very fine car indeed.

[endabob1]

Check Autotrader in the UK as well, a mate brought an A4 back on the ferry, reckoned he saved 3-4k even after paying VRT
Make sure if you buy a car in the UK you get the HPI check done, you know what you're getting then.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/vehiclecheck/vehiclecheck.jsp

http://www.hpicheck.com/newfrontend/

[dahamsta]

My only worry is that for the VRT, the OMV of the car seems to be at the discretion of the Revenue so they could screw you there.

VRT should be pretty standard for a modern car, it's only the classics they tend to waver on. Here's the official calculator:

https://www.ros.ie/VRTEnquiryServlet/showCarCalculator

You will have to pay VAT, but many dealers will throw it in as part of a deal.

adam

[gaiscíoch]

My only worry is that for the VRT, the OMV of the car seems to be at the discretion of the Revenue so they could screw you there. Axe man did you have much hassle getting the car registered etc, did you also have to pay VAT?

I have heard the focus lacks power but am looking at a 1.6 diesel and a 1.9 hybrid at the moment,both for about 12.5k. Has anyone any experience with hybrids?? Good saving tax wise obviously.

Have a look at the Ford Fusion beautiful car. Plenty of space aswell the 1.6 diesel engine in it great.

I know F-all about Hybrids only they look awful (Prius). But if your an eco type person I'm sure the VRT is very low

I didn't pay any VAT just the VRT. You can pay it in the local tax offices.
I actually found it really easy, sure it takes a bit of time and effort.
As someone said get a HPI check-up and ask the owner of the car if you can take it through a Pre-MOT test.
If you want a better explaination PM me.

What I will say in the Irish Garages defense is they can offer a guarantee for greater peace of mind.

this is where I got my car.

https://www.usedcarsni.com

Also look on www.autotrader.co.uk (Use this area code GU50AJ Guildford London)