[mailforkev]

Originally Posted by Gophur

It got the stigma of having a new car out of the way.

That stigma is well and truly gone around here, in a 2 min stroll to the shop I just saw four 12-Ds; Lexus RXh, LR Disco, 640d cabrio and the only reasonably priced one, a VW caddy.

The standard of new car deffo seems higher than previous years, looks like a higher proportion of fancy motors versus "regular" stuff.

[RoverJames]

Originally Posted by creedp

................ I can never understand why someone driving a 10 year old banger would continue to do so if they could actually afford a brand new car minus scrappage. Would they not have upgraded to something more decent?....................

I've only driven old stuff tbh, I can never understand why folks are happy to spend €20,000 to €40,000 + on a car

My folks availed of the first scrappage scheme back in the 90s, they scrapped an 85 Ritmo and bought a 1996 Hyundai Accent, they traded that 3 years later for a 1999 Accent which Dad still has, it's now a 13 year old "banger" and he has no intention of changing it despite having a few quid and modest enough outgoings.

[Voodoomelon]

Originally Posted by Anan1

I've only seen two and both were on loan to c-listers - I wonder how many were actually sold.

They put a lot of effort into building the hype around the car, wouldn't surprise me if 60 people ran out and got them in January. I've seen two in the last week in Louth of all places (sizewise).

[creedp]

Originally Posted by RoverJames

I've only driven old stuff tbh, I can never understand why folks are happy to spend €20,000 to €40,000 + on a car

My folks availed of the first scrappage scheme back in the 90s, they scrapped an 85 Ritmo and bought a 1996 Hyundai Accent, they traded that 3 years later for a 1999 Accent which Dad still has, it's now a 13 year old "banger" and he has no intention of changing it despite having a few quid and modest enough outgoings.

I've never bought a new car either .. normally 3-4 year old. Couldn't afford or justify anything newer Im afraid. The point I was making I suppose is related the constant claimed imaginery power of scrappage to get people to part with wads of cash that they didn't seem to have previously to buy a new car. Pretty persuasive character that scrappage lad - pity the same skills set wasn't used with the troika!!

[bazz26]

Originally Posted by RoverJames

I've only driven old stuff tbh, I can never understand why folks are happy to spend €20,000 to €40,000 + on a car

My folks availed of the first scrappage scheme back in the 90s, they scrapped an 85 Ritmo and bought a 1996 Hyundai Accent, they traded that 3 years later for a 1999 Accent which Dad still has, it's now a 13 year old "banger" and he has no intention of changing it despite having a few quid and modest enough outgoings.

If people were not paying €20k to €40k on a car then eventually there would be no old stuff for you or anyone else to buy. These people are also contributing towards the economy via VAT/VRT intake and making expensive new cars affordable for others a few years down the road. They are also slowing down the Government from getting VRT/VAT shortfalls from everyone via increased income tax, so I salute them.

[colm_mcm]

Originally Posted by mailforkev

There's a few surprises in that list.


362 VW (Passat) CCs is way higher than I would have thought, is more than the Mondeo.

Also 242 VW Golf cabrios. Surely that can't be right?

Passat cc is a misprint, there were only 20 passat estates sold just as a reference, and saloon not mentioned

[RoverJames]

Originally Posted by bazz26

If people were not paying €20k to €40k on a car then eventually there would be no old stuff for you or anyone else to buy. ............

I'm well aware of that, cheers anyway

My comments were in response to ........"I can never understand why someone driving a 10 year old banger would continue to do so if they could actually afford a brand new car minus scrappage. Would they not have upgraded to something more decent? "

[creedp]

Originally Posted by bazz26

If people were not paying €20k to €40k on a car then eventually there would be no old stuff for you or anyone else to buy. These people are also contributing towards the economy via VAT/VRT intake and making expensive new cars affordable for others a few years down the road. They are also slowing down the Government from getting VRT/VAT shortfalls from everyone via increased income tax, so I salute them.

So long as they just don't buy corolla's, micras, Jokes, etc

[bazz26]

Originally Posted by RoverJames

I'm well aware of that, cheers anyway

My comments were in response to ........"I can never understand why someone driving a 10 year old banger would continue to do so if they could actually afford a brand new car minus scrappage. Would they not have upgraded to something more decent? "

Ah right ok, in that context.

[For Forks Sake]

Originally Posted by -Corkie-

I cannot believe Fiat have done so badly.

Just for a quick point, your small family car (C1) accounted for over 25% of cars registered. Fiat have nothing on offer in this segment, I was surprised to still see the Bravo listed on their website, so by not having any model, they're not competing..on the plus side at least no-one's registered a f*cking Tiida either.

Rank Make Make / Range 2012 Units 2012 % Share
1 Ford FOCUS 1,281 20.35%
2 Nissan QASHQAI 729 11.58%
3 Skoda OCTAVIA 651 10.34%
4 Toyota COROLLA 644 10.23%
5 Volkswagen GOLF 596 9.47%
6 Toyota AURIS 571 9.07%
7 Renault FLUENCE 446 7.08%
8 Renault MEGANE 439 6.97%
9 GM(Opel) ASTRA 391 6.21%
10 Volkswagen JETTA 282 4.48%
11 Mazda MAZDA3 150 2.38%
12 Citroen C4 115 1.83%

[Dilbert75]

Of the first 6 12-reg cars I saw this year, 5 were VW's and the other was a Seat. Really noticeable. It also seems that the class of car being bought this car is different from last year - bigger & more expensive.

Really sad to see the further fall in Alfa sales - I wonder is that the reason for, or is it caused by, the progressive shrinking of the dealer network? The sooner the new Giulia comes the better.

[johnos1984]

I think Alfa and Fiat must be regretting down sizing the dealer network. Very few people have access to a dealer now and a lot of people won't travel further than their nearest dealer to buy

[colm_mcm]

Originally Posted by Dilbert75

Of the first 6 12-reg cars I saw this year, 5 were VW's and the other was a Seat. Really noticeable. It also seems that the class of car being bought this car is different from last year - bigger & more expensive.

VW bank may be a factor.

[Icepick]

Skoda, Hyundai and Kia are big winners.