Fourth Generation Renault Clio
Question
Hi there, I have a 2005 Renault Clio with massive mileage..nearly 200,000 km. The NCT is due but there are a few things that need fixing, radio broken, cap fuel tank broken off.. however it is a great little car and has never let me down.
My first question is whether you would advise me to keep the car until it falls apart or will I trade in this year?..I want a 2010 Clio if I trade it in?
Also how do Merlin car auctions work, do they take trade ins and how does that whole auction thing work.. Can I trade in a car and drive new one away on same day??..and what prices am I looking at…finally car finance?? Any advice lots of questions I know but I really don’t have a clue.
Mary Molloy, Dublin
Answer
Hi Mary,
There is no mention of engine size? So at a guess I’d say it’s realistically worth between €1,000 -€2,500 depending on condition and with that mileage….
If it’s just the radio and fuel cap that need fixing for the NCT that won’t cost much surely? If that’s all that’s wrong I’d nearly hold on until it goes bang as the money you get for it wouldn’t go too far on something else.
A 2010 Clio will be anything from €8,000 -€12,500 – if your own lasted another year you might get a 2011/12 for those prices. Or for 2k more, if you could stretch the budget, you would get a brand new Clio – with warranty etc.
Merlin don’t do trade ins as far as I know. You have 2 choices – either sell your own car at auction (which could take weeks) or use their cash sale service –
http://www.merlincarauctions.ie/car2cash/form – which will give you cash to bid at the auction. However, before buying at auction you would need to know about common faults and give the cars available a good check over! Possibly bring a friend who knows cars?
I’d recommend also visiting a Renault dealer and see what they would give on a trade in against a 2010/2011 car.
Finally for some links on the wheelsforwomen site that would be worth a read
Car Finance – http://www.wheelsforwomen.ie/index.php/financing-a-car-purchase/
Tips for buying a used car – http://www.wheelsforwomen.ie/index.php/tips-for-buying-a-used-car/
Car Terms Explained – http://www.wheelsforwomen.ie/index.php/our-jargon-buster/
Get Ready for the NCT – http://www.wheelsforwomen.ie/index.php/getting-ready-for-your-nct/
Best of luck and if you need anything else just give us a shout!.
Suzanne Keane
8th January, 2013
