Second Hand Sense:GIVEN THE current state of the second-hand car market and the period of adjustment that follows the introduction of the emissions-based tax regime, I have met quite a few people who are prepared to hold on to their current cars for as long as they can and then change for a newer, more environmentally-friendly model down the line, writes Donal Byrne.
This seems a logical enough step. Others are prepared to buy a well-priced second-hand to tide them over to a time when the market for environmentally-friendly cars has settled and they have a better feel for the market.
In today's market, the shrewd thing is to look for cars that are not over-valued and can still be had for a bargain price. In this context, I would be drawn to a car like the Kia Rio, a car which has managed to build up a following among those who appreciate value for money - as distinct from branding.
The first Rio I drove was shoddy enough with bland styling, layers of plastic and an indifferent driving experience.
However, the model that has been around since 2005 has been something of a revelation.
The better styling goes with the hatchback - the saloon is not quite as bland as the one that went before, but is bland nevertheless. The Rio is a pleasant car to drive and handling and grip are surprisingly good.
Seats are good, the headroom is good and there are no major complaints to be made about the general feel and finish of the car.
The 1.4-litre petrol is the most common Rio (the 1.5-litre diesel did not come on to the market until 2006) and with 100hp is adequate. The Rio has an excellent maximum five-star crash rating in the EuroNCAP test programme and only a small number of Rio cars have ever been recalled, so reliability is good.
A 2005 Rio with CD player, twin airbags and electric windows is on offer for €8,995. My own choice would be the 2006 1.5-litre diesel with alloys, air conditioning, multiple airbags, side impact protection, MP3 facility and metallic paint and 20,000km costs €14,750.
STAR RATING: 7/10