VW Passat, Opel Insignia or alternatives

Pawwed Rig · 12-01-2015 11:39AM

All expenses considered I didn't get my Insignia for that much cheaper than would have done in Ireland. This is taking into account
Price
Exchange fees
Flights
Rental car over there
Food drink
Diesel
Ferry
VRT

That is ignoring time. That said the reason I did it was for a higher choice of cars allowing me to get the exact spec, colour, interior, model I wanted and I also wanted a low mileage one which didn't seem to be possible here.

Go ahead and do it but be aware of all the addtional costs. With an extra €650 on top of what I paid I don't think the trip would have been worthwhile for me.

skerry · 16-01-2015 06:50PM

Sat in a Mondeo Titanium X today and I must say I was impressed with the interior and the car all round, all looked and felt very well put together. It's from a local dealer which is infinitely handier than the UK option so I'm keeping an open mind on it cos the more I look at the price of Passat CCs the more I'm thinking I might have to get a bit more realistic. CC's are fetching quite a price and would have to go back a few years more that the Mondeo to get my mits on one.

The Mondeo is linked below, it's the 2L diesel 160BHP version so plenty of poke (he also had a Zetec spec 1.6L Diesel and a 1.8 too). 82k miles on it and coming in just over €13.5k but I'm presuming he'll budge a bit on price if I sell my car privately and go with cash.

Any opinions on these welcome, or anything I should be looking out for? Haven't test drove it yet as it's gonna be a few weeks before I get mine sold and I have a real idea of what budget is just wanted to put out the feelers and see if it's worth looking at in more detail.

http://www.davidmurphycarsales.ie/used-cars/Ford/Mondeo/titanium-x/127114210896633000/

Noccy_Mondy · 16-01-2015 07:23PM

Stay with the titanium X, it's as high as you'll realistically get spec wise. Nicer if you can get the integrated sat nav, but they don't seem to be in too many. If you like the mondeo then I don't see why not, don't know if it's the camera, but the inside could do with a valet. It's however, not a cc, whether you are ok with that or not I don't know.

skerry · 16-01-2015 07:53PM

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

Stay with the titanium X, it's as high as you'll realistically get spec wise. Nicer if you can get the integrated sat nav, but they don't seem to be in too many. If you like the mondeo then I don't see why not, don't know if it's the camera, but the inside could do with a valet. It's however, not a cc, whether you are ok with that or not I don't know.

Reckon the pic was taken when it was brought in first but it was spotless when I looked at it earlier, inside and out. Satnav would be nice but haven't seen them in many, plus I'd be probably paying more again for something my phone can do anyway.

As you said, it's not a CC but reckon I'd be going back to 2009 or maybe even 2008 to get one within budget and would most likely have pretty high mileage at that age. Don't want to put myself under too much pressure budget wise ,and regarding resale in a couple of years, then a 2011 high spec Mondeo would probably fetch more than a 2008 lower spec CC.

Gonna call out for a test drive and see how it feels. I'd imagine 160 BHP would be a whole new experience to drive coming from my 1.6L petrol Focus. Not anyway decided yet but it's definitely a lovely looking car and will be kept on the radar. Cleaned up it looked more inline with the one linked below. I'm guessing 82k miles isn't huge for a 2011 Diesel?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2011-mondeo-titanium-x-163bhp/7981585?offset=2

Noccy_Mondy · 16-01-2015 08:03PM

Naa, 82 is nothing really. That's around what mine had when I bought it at 4 years old. Them alloys aren't the normal ones, aftermarket stuff I think. It says they are 18, but they look 19 in comparison to the previous car, maybe just low profile tyres. Would you spend 11.5k on a private sale though?

skerry · 16-01-2015 08:10PM

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

Naa, 82 is nothing really. That's around what mine had when I bought it at 4 years old. Them alloys aren't the normal ones, aftermarket stuff I think. It says they are 18, but they look 19 in comparison to the previous car, maybe just low profile tyres. Would you spend 11.5k on a private sale though?

Agreed the Alloys on the Done Deal one are definitely bigger looking, was just linking to give a idea of how clean the one I was looking at earlier was. The Donedeal one is from a dealer of some sort from what I can tell, 11.5k is on a UK plate and €2450 to VRT it brings it above the price on the one I was looking at in the local garage.

Any idea if these have a timing belt or a chain, I had heard mention of a wet belt setup previously on these but not sure if that was on older models, apparently it's expensive to fix, mainly due to labour costs.

Noccy_Mondy · 16-01-2015 08:15PM

It's the older 1.8 that's troublesome with the 2 belts, and costs a fair penny to fix. The 2.0 Mondeo has a standard timing belt which can do up to 200k without any problems. It's cheaper to replace than the wet belt, around â‚¬300 from what I read.

bazz26 · 16-01-2015 09:15PM

The 2.0 TDCi engine is the best of the engines in the Mondeo. The 1.6 TDCi is only adequate but it's a heavy enough car. The 1.8 TDCi is ancient (dating back to the Escort) and unrefined.

Some of the Mondeos were speced with larger 18" or 19" Focus ST type alloy wheels. They fit the arches well but just be aware that tyres will be expensive for them and the roads you drive may not be too kind to them.

skerry · 16-01-2015 09:38PM

bazz26 wrote: »

The 2.0 TDCi engine is the best of the engines in the Mondeo. The 1.6 TDCi is only adequate but it's a heavy enough car. The 1.8 TDCi is ancient (dating back to the Escort) and unrefined.

Some of the Mondeos were speced with larger 18" or 19" Focus ST type alloy wheels. They fit the arches well but just be aware that tyres will be expensive for them and the roads you drive may not be too kind to them.

Cheers Bazz, I'm not overly pushed about the big big alloys, like you said its a lot more when you go changing tyres.

Any idea if there's a noticeable difference between the 2.0 TDCi 160 BHP and the 140 BHP? Also, would you reckon the price in the local dealer in the first link is reasonable for that car? I'm guessing he'll budge a bit if I go with cash. Noticed main dealers are looking for a whole lot more on Carzone?

Not decided yet but it's definitely a nice machine so gonna wait to test drive until I have cash in hand and am ready to talk money with him (or whoever else I decide to go with)

bazz26 · 16-01-2015 10:21PM

There will be a bit of a difference in power alright but it really depends on whether it makes a difference to you. Main dealers will always be that bit dearer but you are really paying for the extra peace of mind knowing that their warranty might be more comprehensive versus the potential of trying to get a smaller outfit to sort issues out under warranty.

Just make sure that you don't end up with one of those 3rd party warranties from the likes of Mapfre where they have a long list of things they will not cover the cost of under the warranty. I see these type warranties as insurance policies to protect the dealer from having to deal with a customer afterwards and they just fob you off to the warranty company who then tell you it's excluded from their warranty. These warranties are deal breakers for me.

skerry · 16-01-2015 10:33PM

bazz26 wrote: »

There will be a bit of a difference in power alright but it really depends on whether it makes a difference to you. Main dealers will always be that bit dearer but you are really paying for the extra peace of mind knowing that their warranty might be more comprehensive versus the potential of trying to get a smaller outfit to sort issues out under warranty.

Just make sure that you don't end up with one of those 3rd party warranties from the likes of Mapfre where they have a long list of things they will not cover the cost of under the warranty. I see these type warranties as insurance policies to protect the dealer from having to deal with a customer afterwards and they just fob you off to the warranty company who then tell you it's excluded from their warranty. These warranties are deal breakers for me.

Thanks for that. I heard of the Mapfre warranty of they sound like a waste of time. Wouldn't be settling for anything less than the dealer warranty. What type of warranty should I expect on a 2011 car, would a 6 month warranty be reasonable to expect or do garages try fop you off with a 3 month these days.

Not sure if I need the 160BHP, might see if he can get a 140 BHP (if I go the Mondeo route). I was trawling through forums and the impression I got was that the 160 is slow enough to take off and has potential to stall of not revved very high at low gear, whereas the 140 seemingly is suited suited a bit better at lower gears but still has plenty poke, at least thats what I gleaned from it anyway. Also thinking 160 might be a bit much to insure.

George Dalton · 17-01-2015 01:00AM

I reckon there is very little difference between the 140 and 160bhp Mondeos. The 140bhp is fine but the 160 is a bit of a disappointment compared to a 160bhp Insignia or a 170bhp Passat.

For an independent dealer warranty that they are standing over themselves 6 months would be average. That's what we offer on cars up to 5 years old, 6 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Any independent offering more than that is probably outsourcing the warranty to the likes of Mapfre so be careful on that front as those warranties generally aren't worth much if you do encounter issues. Main dealers are a different story, many will offer a proper 12 month warranty but obviously you will pay more for the car in the first place from a main dealer.

skerry · 17-01-2015 01:12AM

George Dalton wrote: »

I reckon there is very little difference between the 140 and 160bhp Mondeos. The 140bhp is fine but the 160 is a bit of a disappointment compared to a 160bhp Insignia or a 170bhp Passat.

For an independent dealer warranty that they are standing over themselves 6 months would be average. That's what we offer on cars up to 5 years old, 6 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Any independent offering more than that is probably outsourcing the warranty to the likes of Mapfre so be careful on that front as those warranties generally aren't worth much if you do encounter issues. Main dealers are a different story, many will offer a proper 12 month warranty but obviously you will pay more for the car in the first place from a main dealer.

Thanks for that. He has a few Insignias there too so I'm going to test drive both the Insignia and Mondeo once I get money together. He had a lovely CC also, 2013 though so waaaay over budget.

He did mention that he'd sold a few of the older CC's (2008 2009) and he reckoned they give a bit of trouble, in his experience of them anyway, so he said he was sticking with the more recent models from now on.

skerry · 26-02-2015 07:58PM

OK, I've finally sold my trusty Focus and I'm officially ready to go car shopping. Think I've my heart set on a Passat CC and can maybe stretch the budget to 14K. Have the option of using the missus car for the time being so I'm prepared to wait a few weeks for the right spec to pop up.

Seen the one below in Kylemore Cars, exactly the spec and colour I'm looking for but €15950 seems mad for a 2009 (maybe I'm wrong). Hopefully it's a trade price they're quoting and cash would be a bit lower. The €570 annual tax on the automatic is a concern too though as seeing as I'm trading up I was hoping to get cheaper tax than the 2006 Focus I just had. Have heard good things about the DSG but if it's resulting in much higher tax than the manual I might stick with manual.

http://www.kylemorecars.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1209473&r=

Seeing as 2010 can be had for 12 - 14k private I might consider that option too. Example below of a 2010 'Wolksvagen' Passat CC

. Would be concerned about people who don't go to the trouble of washing a car before listing it though (and pic in a car park) but just an example.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/wolksvagen-passat-cc/8728521?offset=8

Seen this one a few weeks back and would have fit the bill nicely but it's been sold since.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/passat-cc-2010-taxed-nct-2-years/6919685?offset=5

If anyone has come across anything similar the the CC in the first link within my budget in they're internet travels feel free to fire up a link. Might ring Kylemore to suss them out about that one, anyone know if they're reputable or not.

bazz26 · 26-02-2015 08:49PM

The second only only changed ownership before Christmas, something to be aware of but not unheard of these days to avoid paying motor tax arrears or it could be a wheeler dealer. It's also a UK spec GT model but has the lower Irish spec stereo fitted.

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat-CC/2.0-TDI/147614243490900390/

skerry · 26-02-2015 08:55PM

bazz26 wrote: »

The second only only changed ownership before Christmas, something to be aware of but not unheard of these days to avoid paying motor tax arrears or it could be a wheeler dealer. It's also a UK spec GT model but has the lower Irish spec stereo fitted.

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volkswagen/Passat-CC/2.0-TDI/147614243490900390/

Cheers, was just an example of private owned price vs dealer price on 2009 one. Any thoughts on Kylemore Cars regards reputation, seem to have a good stock of cars. Think they're asking a bit much on that 2009 CC, nicely specced and all as it is.

I had came across the one you linked last night but can't understand how a dealer can list a car with such poor pics and minimal details, looks nice but can barely even see the interior in it. Nice car from what I can make out and good mileage too.

Shiraz 4.99 · 26-02-2015 09:00PM

Remember the 1.9 Mondeos around that time had wet timing belts which were whores to get at.
Needed to be replaced @200,000kms Cost around a grand so factor that in.
The 2L however had a timing chain so no such issues.

bazz26 · 26-02-2015 09:01PM

No idea on the particular garage but they seem to be in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle of car dealers where dealers change names frequently. Make what you want of that. You might have to wait until the second half of the car for prices of decent one to drop.

skerry · 26-02-2015 09:10PM

bazz26 wrote: »

No idea on the particular garage but they seem to be in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle of car dealers where dealers change names frequently. Make what you want of that. You might have to wait until the second half of the car for prices of decent one to drop.

Is that the garage with the car you linked from driving.ie or Kylemore? I've heard of this bermuda triangle alright with small dealers but the Kylemore website seems to suggest they're somewhat established. Where in Dublin is this strip of not so reputable establishments?

Was drooling over this one when it popped up a few weeks back but wasn't ready to buy then unfortunately
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/passat-cc-2010-taxed-nct-2-years/6919685?offset=5

Not sure why they're asking so much for that 2009 in Kylemore site though, seems excessive.

bazz26 · 26-02-2015 09:28PM

I was talking about the first car you linked. The area I'm talking about is around the Naas/Long Mile Road area. As I said I'm not familiar with the garage in question so don't want to tar them all with the same brush.

skerry · 26-02-2015 10:01PM

bazz26 wrote: »

I was talking about the first car you linked. The area I'm talking about is around the Naas/Long Mile Road area. As I said I'm not familiar with the garage in question so don't want to tar them all with the same brush.

Sound, I might give them a bell and sound them out tomorrow. Any other links welcome.

Just seen this one pop up on DD, 2011 14.5k. Would 2 owners from new be anything to be concerned about?

Not sure how that brown leather interior looks in the flesh.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/passat-cc/8794604?offset=1

bazz26 · 27-02-2015 12:45AM

skerry wrote: »

Sound, I might give them a bell and sound them out tomorrow. Any other links welcome.

Just seen this one pop up on DD, 2011 14.5k. Would 2 owners from new be anything to be concerned about?

Not sure how that brown leather interior looks in the flesh.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/passat-cc/8794604?offset=1

Lad, I traded a 2011 Passat CC with similar spec last November and got a hell of alot more for it than that price. It's about 3-4k too cheap imo. You simply cannot buy a genuine 2011 Passat CC for that sort of money. The motor tax of €168 is nonsense too. If something looks too good to be true then it usually is. I'm very suspicious of the validity of that advert.

Noccy_Mondy · 27-02-2015 01:00AM

And that brown leather is minging. If for no other reason, stay away from it because of that!

skerry · 27-02-2015 09:17AM

bazz26 wrote: »

Lad, I traded a 2011 Passat CC with similar spec last November and got a hell of alot more for it than that price. It's about 3-4k too cheap imo. You simply cannot buy a genuine 2011 Passat CC for that sort of money. The motor tax of €168 is nonsense too. If something looks too good to be true then it usually is. I'm very suspicious of the validity of that advert.

I'd noticed the tax thing alright. It does sound waay too good to be true. Reckon a 2009 might be much more realistic on my budget, maybe a 2010 if I get very lucky.

And yeah, the missus had said she wouldn't be sure if she could get in the car with that brown leather interior

Hard to know if it looks any better in person but pics don't suggest it will. The cream/ black leather interior is the nicest IMO, that or straight black.

lukaszd2007 · 27-02-2015 07:58PM

Hi guys, I also want to buy a used car, but around May and I came along this thread with the same cars I'm considering. A lot of great information for me and a quick question, what about Peugeot 508 as its the one missing in this thread from my "list". What you think about it?

skerry · 01-03-2015 02:43PM

Been looking at this one a bit more and, despite bad pics, it's growing on me. Doesn't have the leather interior but appears to have the nicer stereo, good mileage and doesn't have that weird fake wooden finish on the dash. Think I might give them a bell tomorrow and try get more info on it as the info on the site is scant.

Would be buying cash now that I've sold my own car so hopefully be a bit of movement on price.

http://www.hbdennissales.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1211012&r=%26amp%3Br%3D

bazz26 · 01-03-2015 03:32PM

It's an original UK car so the spec is different to Irish ones. Do a full history check on it, as it's an ex UK car there should be information available on that, ring the garages that serviced it to verify what they did.

skerry · 01-03-2015 05:28PM

bazz26 wrote: »

It's an original UK car so the spec is different to Irish ones. Do a full history check on it, as it's an ex UK car there should be information available on that, ring the garages that serviced it to verify what they did.

Can you tell it's a UK car from the spec? I'm guessing I'd have to ask the garage that's selling it for the original UK reg, is it a HPI check I do then?

I was hoping for leather interior and satnav if possible, not sure how the standard interior compares, I'm sure it's still nice but leather would be nicer.

Fortunately I'm not 100% stuck for a car to get around in while I look, so not going to rush into anything and can afford to wait a bit for the right car to pop up.

bazz26 · 01-03-2015 06:11PM

The first thing is Irish models had half leather seats as standard. The silver trim around the centre console and on the doors are usually another sign. I don't think I've every seen an Irish model with that. Irish models tend to have the fake wood look though some UK models have it too. The other tell tail sign is the larger 18" alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and touch screen stereo.

A full car history report is important but you also need to examine the service history and ring the garages that stamped it to verify what they did. That car has at least 100k miles on it so at that mileage it is due a timing belt change if it has not been already done. Also make sure there are no problems changing gears or any vibration through the clutch as the DMFs (flywheels) start to wear out on these cars usually upwards of 100k miles. You will be looking at around €900 from an indy for a new clutch and flywheel fitted.

bazz26 · 01-03-2015 06:28PM

It's also a GT model which was never sold in Ireland.

VW Passat, Opel Insignia or alternatives

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