Irish drivers would prefer an Audi to a Porsche

Irish motorists do not support moves to link motoring fines with a person's income. The survey of 6,255 motorists in Ireland by insurance firm 123.ie found just 21.7 per cent supported such a move, while only 23 per cent believed that people earning over €100,000 a year should pay more in fines for motor offences.

The survey also found that, when money was no object, the most sought-after car brand was Audi with 43.8 per cent, followed by BMW with 40.7 per cent. Next up was Mercedes on 34.3 per cent, Land Rover on 25 per cent and Lexus on 21.6 per cent.

Despite the limitless budget, sports car brand Porsche only featured on the wishlist of 15.3 per cent of motorists, while supercar brand Ferrari only topped the list for 12.5 per cent people, Lamborghini with 11 per cent and Rolls Royce with 7.5 per cent.

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Renault: least considered by Irish drivers

Bad resale value

At the opposite end of the scale, motorists were asked which of the 10 best-selling cars they would least consider buying.

Renault garnered 25.3 per cent, ahead of Volkswagen with 11.4 per cent, Kia with 11.1 per cent and Seat with 10.9 per cent. Bad resale value was the main reason for avoiding particular brands, followed by the view they their models were "not reliable" or "not stylish".

The cost of repairs has a strong impact on brand loyalty, according to the 123.ie Great Irish Car Review. Almost half (49 per cent) of those who spent €2,000 or more on car repairs in the last year are likely to be brand loyal, but of those who spent less than €100, 71 per cent are likely to be brand loyal. So the more you have spend on repairs, the less likely you are to choose the same car brand again, it would seem.

In terms of brand satisfaction, Mercedes and Skoda topped the list for overall satisfaction, closely followed by Kia and Honda. Skoda owners were most impressed with fuel economy and cost of ownership. For satisfaction in terms of reliability, Toyota ranked highest amongst brand owners.

See 123.ie