Import A3?

detoxkid

Any one have any experiences with Walsh Connolly Motors in Kilcolgan? I;m thinking of buying an import Audi A3 from them, advice would be appreciated before I part from the hard earned cash.

Atlantic Dawn

Check it has a full service history and also run a hpi check with the UK reg details, if anything comes out suspect avoid.

mondeo

Ye defo do the Hpi check!

Bluefoam

Is it something special? Why not buy an Irish model. There's good value to be had.... and more security.

Anan1

As above, i'd also ring the garages who stamped the service book to confirm that the work was done as per the book. Anything less than a full, verified by you, service history and a full clean HPI and i'd walk. Make sure to give HPI all the details, people often leave out the V5 serial number and issue date.

bazz26

The A3 is poor value imo. They are not cheap and most Irish spec ones are bog standard 1.6 litre petrol or the old 1.9 TDi models devoid of things like air con and alloy wheels.

UK A3s are better equipped but you still pay silly money for what it is.

Tropheus

As was said, Irish ones tended to be bog standard to keep the price down, but UK ones will potentially have more equipment.

HPI check is a must. Bringing a car from the UK to Ireland is a great way to hide a dodgy history. A lot of people have been stung by accident damaged ex UK cars sold as clean in Ireland.

If you can't get the UK reg number, then the chassis number will do. If the dealer refuses to give you the UK reg number, then walk away.

detoxkid

Bluefoam wrote: »

Is it something special? Why not buy an Irish model. There's good value to be had.... and more security.

It's higher spec and a better price. Not finding great value with the Irish models BUT I do know what you mean about the security. Thanks for the response.

detoxkid

Thanks for all your replies- really useful stuff. Much appreciated.

detoxkid

bazz26 wrote: »

The A3 is poor value imo. They are not cheap and most Irish spec ones are bog standard 1.6 litre petrol or the old 1.9 TDi models devoid of things like air con and alloy wheels.

UK A3s are better equipped but you still pay silly money for what it is.

You are not the first person to say that I me but I've wanted one and been saving for one for an AGE. Haven't changed my car for 7 years. Out of interest what would you go for- max budget 17,000 want something 08 or newer for low tax, and diesel. I've heard dodge things about BMW and am sick to death of Toyota which I drive now, and which are great cars but just want a change... Don't like Golfs either. Picky woman

PaulKK

Personally if I had 17k to spend on a car I wouldn't blow it on an A3.

You could get something pretty nice for that kind of cash.

I wouldn't get too hung up about the 08 low tax issue. You will find that the 07s will be significantly cheaper and I have a sneaky feeling that the low CO2 tax rates will be clobbered with a big increase in a year or two.

How about:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1516856

or
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/GT/1.9-BLAC/201101200804670/advert?channel=CARS

or even

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1732343

bazz26

Maybe something like a Volvo C30 might fit the bill:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201041199844061

or a Honda Civic:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201043200056948

detoxkid

Thanks, I wouldn't have even thought of the Volvo, the Civic or the Alfa Romeo, all very interesting..