In: transport, technology. Also: electric-cars.
Backlinks: electric-car.
Articles
Passing the NCT test, NCT checklist
https://micksgarage.com/pages/nct
Citizens Information: Buying a used car (Ireland)
https://citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/cars/buying_a_used_car.html
SIMI: Advice for anyone buying a car
https://simi.ie/en/consumer-help/buying-a-car
Citizens Information: Problem with a used car
https://citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/common_consumer_problems/problem_with_a_used_car.html
Buying a car – What to look out for when buying a used car
https://rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/car-drivers/buying-selling
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission: Cars
https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/cars/
https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/cars/car-checks/
What kind of documents are needed for buying a used car? (Ireland)
https://myvehicle.ie/car-news/documents-needed-buying-used-car
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VRC - vehicle registration certificate, if the car is Irish
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V5C - if the car is imported from UK
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service history booklet
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car handbook, manual
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written warranty
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sales receipt from the dealer
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you must change of vehicle ownership
The VRC has a 10 digit number on the top right hand corner of the first page. It should look like “C061234567”. Take a note of this and use it when getting your car history check.
If the number does not match the car, the document could be forged and the car may be stolen.
The engine size, fuel type, date of registration and colour will be detailed on the VRC. Make sure the specification matches what the seller has told you about the car.
The DoneDeal guide to buying a car
Guide to buy a car, crazy amount of details…
https://hello.donedeal.ie/hc/en-us/articles/201121632-Buying-a-car
How to buy a used car
By identifying the pros and cons, this guide answers the important questions you need to ask before buying a pre-owned vehicle
https://caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a35772417/how-to-buy-used-car
No end in sight to high Irish car prices, whether for new or second-hand vehicles
By Sorcha Pollak, posted Aug 3 2022
https://irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/08/03/no-end-in-sight-to-high-irish-car-prices-whether-for-new-or-second-hand-vehicles
Car prices nearly 64% higher than just before Covid-19, with prices rising ‘at rates never before documented in Ireland’, report finds
The 8 most reliable cars from the past decade 2019
https://carquotes.ie/pages/8-reliable-cars-past-decade
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Toyota 4Runner
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Toyota Prius
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Toyota Camry
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Lexus IS
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Lexus CT 200h
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Mazda 3
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Honda Accord
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Nissan Leaf
Most reliable used cars in 2022
https://autolist.com/guides/most-reliable-used-cars
By Jason Collins, posted May 25, 2022
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Toyota Camry (2015) - Toyota Camry earns its spot among the top ten longest-lasting passenger cars
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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2019 and 2020) - sport car
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2012 Honda Civic - it was also the top-ranked vehicle of 2012 compact cars by US News
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2013 Honda Accord - has been one of the best-selling family-sized vehicles in the US for the last fifteen years
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2018 Mazda3
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2011 Toyota Prius - 2011 Toyota Prius has a perfect predicted reliability rating score of five out of five, the winner of their 2011 Best Hybrid Car for the Money and Best Hybrid Car for Families
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2010 Toyota Avalon - large car
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2011 Buick LaCrosse - luxury
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2010 Lexus ES 350 - luxury
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2009 Audi A3 - five-seat hatchback
The most reliable used cars 2022
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/most-reliable-used-cars
By John M. Vincent, posted March 22, 2022
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17: 2020 Hyundai Accent
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16: 2018 Hyundai Tucson
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15: 2017 BMW 3 Series
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14: 2017 BMW 4 Series
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12: 2019 Kia Soul
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11: 2020 Kia Forte
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9: 2017 Buick Regal
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7: 2019 Kia Rio
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7: 2019 Kia Sportage (tie)
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6: 2018 Nissan Maxima
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5: 2019 Genesis G70
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4: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic
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3: 2018 Porsche 911
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2: 2017 Lexus ES Hybrid
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1: 2017 Lexus ES
Top 50 most reliable used cars
https://whatcar.com/news/top-50-most-reliable-used-cars/n22116
https://creditunion.ie/blog/top-10-most-reliable-used-cars
Posted 8 Jun 2021
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10. Hyundai i20 (2015-present)
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9. Hyundai i10 (2014-2020)
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8. Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010-present)
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7. Skoda Citigo (2012-present)
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6. Dacia Duster (2018-present)
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5. Lexus NX Hybrid (2014-present)
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4. Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2011-2020)
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1. Honda Jazz (2008-2015)
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1. Lexus RX Hybrid (2016-present)
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1. Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019)
The used cars that are the most reliable and cheapest to repair
Posted Dec 18, 2019
https://forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2019/12/18/these-are-the-used-cars-that-are-the-most-reliable-and-cheapest-to-repair
Here are the 10 most reliable used vehicles that required the fewest check engine light-related trips to the repair shop, auto-parts store, or a new-car dealer’s service department over a 12-month period:
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2017 Honda CR-V
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2017 Subaru Outback
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2016 Lexus NX
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2017 Subaru Legacy
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2017 Honda Civic
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2017 Honda HR-V
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2015 Lexus NX
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2016 Subaru Forester
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2015 Acura MDX
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2015 Acura RDX
And these are the 10 models found to have the lowest average repair costs when the check engine light stays on:
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2017 Subaru Outback ($60)
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2016 Toyota Prius ($67)
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2017 Hyundai Tucson ($79)
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2017 Kia Soul ($82)
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2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($85)
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2017 Toyota Prius ($85)
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2017 Subaru Legacy ($86)
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2015 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class ($100)
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2016 Kia Forte ($107)
The 100 most reliable cars of the last decade
Posted May 21, 2006
https://newatlas.com/the-100-most-reliable-cars-of-the-last-decade-in-order/5657
The 10 most reliable cars according to Warranty Direct:
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Honda Accord - A classy package, well put together and feels more special than the average family car. Superb engines and value for money
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Subaru Forester - Not quite an off roader, much more than an estate with a sporty edge, making it the perfect combination. Great all round buy
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Mazda MX-5 - Blueprint for the modern roadster with sweet handling and engines to match. Extremely easy to live with
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Mitsubishi Carisma - Despite the name, not that interesting to look at or drive, but that’s not the point. Here is a no-nonsense hatchback that won’t let you down
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Toyota Yaris - Superminis don’t come better. Bags of room and perky engines. Probably the best small car buy
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Honda Civic - Solid build quality and good engines are just part of the appeal, the Civic is one of the most spacious small cars around. Great value
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Nissan Almera - A dull package, but that’s no reason to dismiss the Almera which is practical and perfect for the smaller family who need a big boot and utter reliability
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Honda CR-V - Proof that you don’t need an XXXL 4x4. Here is a four-wheel drive estate that is flexible, easy to drive and own
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Toyota RAV4 - So few four-wheel drives are fun to drive. This car is suitably sporty, but very practical. Expensive used buy but worth it
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Nissan Micra - The driving school favourite. Tough, fairly roomy, but with its light controls is easy to steer around town
123.ie car review 2017
Published 2 Feb 2017
https://123.ie/blog/irish-car-review
Renault was once again selected the least popular of the leading car brands sold in Ireland, 26% of drivers saying it is the car they would least consider. Kia (12%) and Seat (also 12%) were a distant joint second.
Toyota (3%), Hyundai (4%), Ford (4%) and VW (4%) are considered brands that consumers find attractive. They also happen to be the best sellers amongst Irish drivers.
Poor reputation: Renault (65%), Seat (48%), Skoda (45%)
Bad resale value: Seat (46%), Kia (45%), Skoda (39%)
Bad personal experience: Ford (41%), Opel (36%), Hyundai (28%)
Unattractive: Nissan (56%), Kia (47%), Skoda (44%)
Top tips to pass your NCT first time around
Posted Apr 21 2022
https://carzone.ie/motoring-advice/top-tips-to-pass-your-nct-first-time-around/2014
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Don’t miss the test date
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Know the price… and how to pay
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Clean the car up and check the lights
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Check all the fluids
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Act on any warning signs
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Check your tyres
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Paperwork and admin
How to transfer car ownership in Ireland
https://chill.ie/blog/how-to-transfer-car-ownership-in-ireland
How to find a car radio code
https://lifewire.com/how-to-find-a-car-radio-code-534604
Some car radios come with an anti-theft feature that kicks in whenever they lose battery power. This feature typically locks the unit until the correct car radio code is entered. The code is almost always specific to the make and model of the radio and to the exact unit.
The most expensive ways you’re accidentally damaging your car
https://motorbiscuit.com/the-most-expensive-ways-youre-accidentally-damaging-your-car
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Not using your parking brake
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Putting off repairs
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Not washing your car regularly
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Not paying attention to leaks
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Ignoring the warning lights
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Hitting potholes
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Not regularly checking the tire pressure
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Parking under trees
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Not keeping maintenance records
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Not getting regular oil changes
You’re supposed to change your oil every 3,000 miles (4828 km) for a regular vehicle. But it’s easy to lose track and go far too long without an oil change. -
Tinting your windows
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Having the wrong paint color
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Putting too many or not enough miles on your car
How to keep your car cool | Cooling guide
https://fastcar.co.uk/tuning-tech-guides/how-to-keep-your-car-cool-fast-car-cooling-guide/
Cooling is crucial for optimum performance, especially where forced induction is concerned, so let’s take a closer look at how to keep your car cool, and what’s involved with keeping those temperatures under control.
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typical damage caused by excess heat
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what is a cooler and how does it work
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what is a radiator on a car and how does it work
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what is an intercooler and how does it work
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what is a chargecooler and do I need one?
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what is an oil cooler and do I need one?
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what is a turbo cooler
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what is a transmission cooler
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does the size of a cooler matter?
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cooler pressure drop
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waterless coolants and water additives
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brake cooling
Keyless car theft - what you need to know
https://123.ie/blog/keyless-car-theft-prevention-tips
Relay attack: your car can be stolen in just 18 seconds
https://which.co.uk/news/article/how-easy-is-your-car-to-steal-a2f1K6E8iokw
Here’s how your car’s engine works
This is how the combination of an engine, fuel, and air makes your car move, explained in plain English, in case you’re not an engineer
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/here-s-how-your-car-s-engine-works
How often should you wash your car?
Hint: More often than you do now
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-often-should-you-wash-your-car
How often should you rotate tires?
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-often-should-you-rotate-tires
Hint: Don’t wait; rotate
Tire rotation is crucial to maintaining the tires performance capabilities and, best of all, saving you some cash
How to change your own oil
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-change-your-own-oil
How to change a tyre
https://carzone.ie/motoring-advice/how-to-change-a-tyre/2824
Stop right away
Take safety precautions
Locate your tools
Chock the wheels (recommended)
Loosen the wheel nuts
Jack up the car
Remove wheel nuts
Remove the wheel and replace with the spare
Reverse the process
Continue your journey
Tips:
Carry emergency puncture repair kit
Grease the wheel nuts
Carry an extension bar
What damage does a car suffer if not regularly used?
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/18148/what-damage-does-a-car-suffer-if-not-regularly-used
Reviving a vehicle that has been idle for a long time
https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/125/reviving-a-vehicle-that-has-been-idle-for-a-long-time
How to from WikiHow
https://wikihow.com/Park-a-Car
https://wikihow.com/Park-in-a-Parking-Lot
https://wikihow.com/Park-on-a-Hill
https://wikihow.com/Reverse-Into-a-Car-Parking-Space
Videos
In Ireland
https://youtube.com/user/AdiDriving/videos
https://youtube.com/c/DarraghDunne-adidriving/videos
https://youtube.com/c/DaneTygheletsdrive/videos
How to service your car
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YmE2gFTaqmg – volkswagen golf
Change oil, oil filter, fuel filter
How to change a wheel on your car
https://youtube.com/watch?v=46snzh87QeY
How to change the air filter
https://youtube.com/watch?v=FKXH7KEDoh8 – volkswagen
How to do an Oil change
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lqd1rl30eBs – MicksGarage, drain & change
https://youtube.com/watch?v=PeqhlXbsM7Y – MicksGarage, with a 12V pump
https://youtube.com/watch?v=O1hF25Cowv8 – ChrisFix, change oil
Replace clutch
https://youtube.com/watch?v=QcWELyTbdP4 – How to replace a clutch in your car or truck (full DIY guide)
Re-install the front suspension
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mQ2fJ_aM_T0 – Rebuild the entire front suspension in your car or truck
https://youtube.com/watch?v=V_g1-WHD4rw – How to install a completely new front suspension in your car or truck
Basic car tuning
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OM8l6fuzg_c
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oil & filter
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wheels & tires
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suspension & springs
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new battery
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new air filter (red!)
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exhaust pipes & muffler
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rear lights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=65bLLlpS3gE
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wheels & tires - michelin pilot sport 4
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exhaust
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coils & springs
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body kit & lip
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intake filter
Hyundai
I have a Hyundai i30 (Elantra Touring in US), so I’m collecting specific links.
Headlight bulbs replacement
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eGKNe15aDjo – Lights for driver and passenger
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1ktymnjR8 – Hyundai i30 - Front left lights replacement
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2ORw19HYvy0 – Hyundai i30 - Front right lights replacement
Fuel door actuator replacement
https://youtube.com/watch?v=h1kdhiSDnR4 – Fuel door doesn’t stay closed or won’t open
Garage
Parts & hardware
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https://eurocarparts.com – UK/ Ireland car PRO tools & parts
Buy cars
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https://adverts.ie/for-sale/cars-motorbikes-boats/cars/2/price_3000-6000/year_2011-2015
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https://carquotes.ie/used-cars/search?price=7&mileage=500&year=2010-2022&model=&sort=cheapest
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https://cars.ie/used-cars?sort=price_asc&max_price=6000&min_year=2012
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https://carsireland.ie/search#q?range[year][min]=2010&range[price][max]=6000&page=1&toggle[poa]=true
Insurance
Car popularity Ireland jan 2023
Year 2011-2013
Model | DoneDeal | CarsIreland | Cars.ie | Adverts | CarZone |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audi ALL | 905 | 396 | 393 | 241 | 216 |
Ford ALL | 778 | 318 | 313 | 190 | 101 |
Ford Fiesta | 152 | ||||
Ford Focus | 310 | ||||
Ford Mondeo | 74 | ||||
Honda ALL | 234 | 165 | 161 | 60 | 70 |
Honda Fit | 75 | ||||
Honda Insight | 25 | ||||
Honda Jazz | 11 | ||||
Hyundai ALL | 436 | 212 | 210 | 117 | 61 |
Hyundai i20 | 40 | ||||
Hyundai i30 | 90 | ||||
Hyundai i40 | 69 | ||||
Opel ALL | 288 | 137 | 135 | 68 | 52 |
Vauxhall ALL | 231 | 50 | 56 | ||
Open Astra | 86 | ||||
Open Corsa | 75 | ||||
Open Insignia | 84 | ||||
Toyota ALL | 560 | 385 | 373 | 172 | 125 |
Toyota Auris | 70 | ||||
Toyota Corolla | 45 | ||||
Toyota Prius | 78 | ||||
Toyota Yaris | 92 | ||||
VolksW ALL | 1655 | 812 | 838 | 404 | 295 |
VolksW Golf | 607 | ||||
VolksW Passat | 274 | ||||
VolksW Polo | 326 |