How to find out what your old car is worth

HELPDESK:Answering your motoring queries

From TA: I’ve got a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.5d SVE to sell with 30,000km on the clock and I’ve been offered €16,000. I’m not really into cars and I’m just wondering if you think that’s a good offer or not?

Without seeing the car it’s hard to judge but it does seem a little low. One of the best ways to find out is to check what similar cars are going for in advertisements and used-car websites. It’s also worth checking used prices in the North and using the Revenue’s online calculator to estimate what it would cost to import that car. Increasingly import prices influence used values here.

We did a quick check and you should be looking to secure another €2,000 on this. If you have another car in mind, it’s worth taking it to a garage selling the sort of car you want and seeing what trade-in deal they will do. You have an offer so that’s the starting price for your search. Previously it was harder to work out values but the internet has made price checks much easier.

From Robert O’Hagan: Is there any benefit to stop-start technology? Surely all that stopping and starting damages the engine in the long-run. I’m looking at a new car and the salesman is making strong claims about its fuel efficiency.

In this technology the engine shuts down instead of idling, for instance at traffic lights, and stores enough energy to start up again when the driver depresses the clutch.

A specially adapted starter, revised engine management system, and a battery sensor are added to the regular powertrain. The sensors ensure that there is enough charge to start the engine again before letting it stop. The system started to appear from about 2007, with Bosch one of the leading advocates.

Manufacturer claims vary as to the savings in fuel consumption, usually suggesting between five and eight per cent in urban driving. More significantly is the impact it has on emissions ratings, with several models fitted with start-stop moving down a tax band, with the consequent savings in VRT and motor tax.

It’s a pretty useful solution for urban driving but hardly the answer to our energy needs. Just as significant savings are being made through valve management systems and the like, but it’s harder to catch the public’s attention and understanding of these. If you look at the breakdown of savings over a regular model, I suspect you will find that the car also features low rolling resistance tyres and some bodywork tweaks that contribute just as much to the overall fuel and emissions savings.

I wouldn’t be concerned with wear and tear and if it’s cheaper to buy and tax then go for it. But it’s not going to save the planet, whatever the advertising campaigns might have you believe.

Send your queries to Motors, Helpdesk, The Irish Times,

24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, or email motorshelp@irishtimes.com