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When it comes to purchasing a first car on DoneDeal, especially for young drivers or those new to car ownership, it's important to consider a variety of factors such as affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. Whether you have a limited budget or a bit more flexibility, finding a car that suits your needs and is within your budget is crucial for both your safety and peace of mind. Here in Ireland, we are lucky in the sense that the car market offers a wide range of options for first-time buyers at various price points. Here, we’ll take a look at some great first car options for people with low, medium, and high budgets, keeping in mind the typical needs of new drivers. Low Budget: Under €5,000 If you’re on a tight budget, the most important factors to consider are the car’s reliability, running costs, and insurance affordability. Used cars are often the best option in this price range, as they provide better value for money. However, it’s essential to have a trusted mechanic inspect any used vehicle before buying and make sure it has a valid NCT. 1. Ford Fiesta (2008-2012) The Ford Fiesta has long been a favourite among new drivers in Ireland. This compact and affordable hatchback is easy to drive, has a low running cost, and offers decent fuel economy. With a range of engines to choose from, the Fiesta offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. In the €4,000–€5,000 range, you can find a well-maintained example with a reasonable mileage. It's also easy to find parts and repair services, making maintenance costs relatively low. Click HERE   to see our examples. 2. Toyota Yaris (2006-2010) Toyota is renowned for building reliable cars, and the Yaris is no exception. Known for its compact size and durability, the Yaris is an excellent choice for first-time buyers. In the low-budget range, you can find models with decent service histories that will offer good fuel economy and low running costs. Additionally, the Yaris is easy to park and manoeuvre, which is perfect for a beginner driver. Click HERE   to see our examples. 3. Volkswagen Polo (2006-2010) The Volkswagen Polo is another excellent option for first-time buyers with a smaller budget. It has a strong reputation for quality, and the interior is more refined than many of its rivals in this price range. The Polo’s 1.2-litre engine offers great fuel efficiency, and its reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair costs. You can find a well-maintained model in the €4,000–€5,000 range. Click HERE  to see our examples. Medium Budget: €5,000 – €12,500 With a medium budget, you have a wider selection of newer and more reliable used cars. You can focus on cars that are not only affordable to run but also offer more modern features such as better safety ratings, more efficient engines, and possibly more space. 1. Honda Civic (2013-2016) The Honda Civic is a great choice for those with a medium budget looking for a reliable, well-built first car. The Civic offers more space than the compact cars mentioned above, making it a good option for someone who may need to transport passengers or cargo regularly. It’s known for its longevity, strong resale value, and relatively low maintenance costs. The 1.6-litre diesel engine provides excellent fuel economy, and the car is fun to drive while remaining practical. Click HERE   to see our examples. 2. Renault Clio (2013-2017) The Renault Clio is a stylish and practical hatchback that is affordable for new drivers. With an efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre diesel engine, the Clio offers excellent fuel economy, making it ideal for daily commuting. Its modern design and technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, make it a great option for those looking for a car with a contemporary feel without breaking the bank. Expect to find a well-maintained model in the €8,000–€10,000 range. Click HERE  to see our examples. 3. Peugeot 208 (2014-2017) The Peugeot 208 is another great option for those with a medium budget. It offers a comfortable and smooth drive with low running costs, making it perfect for new drivers. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is efficient and inexpensive to run. In this price range, you can find models with relatively low mileage and modern tech, including Bluetooth connectivity and air conditioning. The Peugeot 208 has also earned good safety ratings, which is an important consideration for new drivers. Click HERE  to see our examples. High Budget: €12,000 and Above With a higher budget, you have the luxury of choosing from newer models that offer the latest technology, safety features, and improved performance. These vehicles will typically come with a manufacturer warranty or extended warranty, reducing the worry of unexpected repair costs. 1. Mini Cooper (2016-2019) The Mini Cooper is a fun and stylish choice for a first car, offering a unique driving experience. While it may come with a higher initial price, the Mini is a premium vehicle that offers low maintenance costs, good fuel economy, and a reliable engine. The Mini Cooper’s compact size and agile handling make it ideal for urban driving. It also has a solid reputation for build quality and safety. In the €12,000–€15,000 range, you can find a well-maintained model with low mileage and a full service history. Click HERE  to see our examples. 2. Ford Fiesta (2017-2020) While the Ford Fiesta is an excellent choice for lower budgets, its more recent models (2017 and later) are an even better option for buyers with a larger budget. These newer models offer improved technology, including SYNC 3 infotainment, better safety features, and more modern styling. With a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the Fiesta provides great performance and excellent fuel efficiency, while still being fun to drive. Expect to find a low-mileage model with a good warranty for around €12,000–€14,000. Click HERE  to see our examples. 3. Audi A3 (2016-2018) For those seeking something more premium, the Audi A3 offers both style and practicality. It is well-suited to new drivers who want a luxurious driving experience without the hefty price tag of a brand-new car. With a sleek design, refined interior, and an efficient 1.6-litre diesel or 1.0-litre petrol engine, the A3 provides excellent comfort, driving dynamics, and a host of modern tech features. With a higher budget, you can easily find a well-maintained example of the A3 within the €12,500–€17,500 range. Click HERE  to see our examples. Insurance When you have found your first car on DoneDeal be sure to seek insurance quotes before the final purchase. Consider factors like your driving experience, the car’s make and model, and your annual mileage. Opt for a policy with comprehensive coverage where possible, including third-party, fire, and theft. Compare quotes from different providers, and inquire about discounts for young drivers or if you install security features or driver monitoring systems within your first car. DoneDeal Conclusion Whether you're working with a low, medium, or high budget, there are plenty of great options available for a first car in Ireland. While it's important to consider factors like affordability, fuel efficiency, and insurance costs, it’s equally crucial to ensure the car is reliable and safe. By choosing wisely, you can find a car that fits your budget and your needs while giving you peace of mind as you begin your journey as a car owner. Always take the time to research, inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and even consider getting a vehicle history check to ensure you make the right choice. From all of the team at DoneDeal  we wish you happy car shopping.

When purchasing a car, whether new or used, one of the most important steps in ensuring a safe and secure investment is conducting a thorough vehicle history check. DoneDeal’s built in Greenlight car history check is an invaluable tool for anyone in the market for a used car. It offers a comprehensive report on the car’s background, helping buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls that could arise from purchasing a vehicle with a problematic history. But why is it so important to verify the history of the vehicle before finalising your purchase? Let’s take a look. What is DoneDeal Greenlight Car History Check? DoneDeal Greenlight car history check is a service that provides an in-depth analysis of a car’s past by examining key details that can uncover hidden issues. The service checks several aspects of the vehicle, including its registration, previous owners, accidents, outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or involved in any theft. In some cases, it can even reveal whether the car has been clocked (a term used when a vehicle’s odometer is tampered with to show fewer miles than it has actually traveled). By providing this crucial information, DoneDeal’s Greenlight history check helps buyers assess whether a vehicle is a sound investment or if it has hidden issues that could lead to expensive repairs or even legal problems. Why is a History Check Essential? Avoid Buying a Stolen Car One of the most critical reasons for conducting a vehicle history check is to ensure that the car you are purchasing is not stolen. A car could be legally registered and appear in good condition, but if it was stolen at some point, it could be confiscated by the authorities after the sale, leaving the buyer with no recourse. DoneDeal’s Greenlight vehicle history check provides you with confirmation that the car’s registration details match the vehicle’s identity, helping you avoid unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle. Uncover Accident History and Damaged Cars Accident history is another essential aspect of the vehicle’s background. A car that has been in a serious accident may have structural damage, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Over time, this damage can affect the car's safety, reliability, and value. DoneDeal’s Greenlight history check reveals whether the car has been involved in any major accidents or whether it has been written off by an insurance company. This allows you to make a more informed decision, particularly if you are considering buying a vehicle that may have hidden repair costs down the road. Check for Outstanding Finance Buying a car that still has outstanding finance can be a financial nightmare. If a car is financed through a loan, and the seller has not fully paid off the loan, the car could be repossessed by the finance company, even after you’ve paid for it. The DoneDeal Greenlight car history check reveals whether the vehicle has any outstanding finance, ensuring that you won’t be left facing the hassle of dealing with repossession or being financially responsible for someone else’s debt. Prevent Odometer Fraud Odometer fraud is a common issue with used cars, where the odometer is tampered with to show fewer miles than the car has actually traveled. This deception can lead to buyers overpaying for a car that may have significantly more wear and tear than expected. DoneDeal’s Greenlight car history check can identify whether a car has been clocked by cross-referencing mileage records from previous owners and checks with service history. This ensures that you know the true mileage of the vehicle, helping you assess its real condition. Our in house research states up to 15% of cars have had their odometer tampered with. Peace of Mind for the Buyer Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of conducting a Greenlight vehicle history check is the peace of mind it provides. When you invest in a car, it’s crucial to know that your money is well spent. DoneDeal’s car history check gives buyers a comprehensive overview of a car’s history, ensuring that they are fully aware of any potential risks. With this knowledge, buyers can negotiate a fair price or decide to walk away if the car has red flags, ultimately avoiding unforeseen problems down the line. In Summary The DoneDeal Greenlight car history check is an essential tool for anyone looking to buy a used car. By offering an in-depth look at a car’s past, it helps prevent issues related to stolen vehicles, accidents, outstanding finance, odometer fraud, and more. It’s a small investment that can save you from costly mistakes and ensure that you drive away in a safe, reliable car. Whether you're purchasing your first car or looking for an upgrade, always make sure to conduct a history check – it’s an easy step that could save you a lot of trouble in the future. To check any vehicle using this service simply click HERE.

Just under 10,000 new Electric & Hybrid cars have been sold in the state during the first six months of 2019. This represents an increase of 3,911 units when compared to the same time period in 2018. 9,582 new Electric & Hybrid cars rolled off the nation’s forecourts over the last six months. A 69% year-on-year increase. Electric and Hybrid car sales are now the exclusive growth area in new car sales nationwide. The data was released as part of DoneDeal’s H1 2019 Motor Industry Review , sponsored by Bluestone Motor Finance that was published today. A total of 318,749 used cars traded hands during the opening six months of 2019, compared to 330,784 for the same period in 2018, a 3.6% year-on-year decrease. Volkswagen was the most popular used car make of H1 2019, with a total of 42,952 Volkswagen’s changing hands in the used car market. Toyota (38,880) and Ford (35,243) were next best with Nissan (19,761) and Audi (18,006) rounding out the top five. DoneDeal has also revealed the top used makes and models that have retained their value the best from when they were new in 2016. The car that maintained its value the most since 2016 is the Skoda Octavia with an average value depreciation of 33% in that time frame. Next best, was the Volkswagen Golf (35%), followed by the Ford Focus (48%). Meanwhile, the best selling new Electric car of 2019 is the Hyundai Kona which sold 728 units between January and June and accounted for 37% of all new Electric car sales in Ireland. The Nissan Leaf was the second best seller with 651 unit sales while the E Golf came in, in third with 135 car sales. During May and June DoneDeal surveyed over 1,000 people looking to purchase a car and found more than half (52%) of those surveyed were interested in purchasing a Diesel engine, however future buying preference for Electric and Hybrid vehicles is now at an all-time high of 26% amongst future car buyers. Elsewhere, 56% of people said they would trade-in their car when buying their next with 44% opting to sell privately. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “ Every month – one thousand six hundred new Electric & Hybrid cars are now rolling off the nation’s forecourts. In Dublin alone, over 4,000 have been sold in the opening six months of 2019. It’s a similar pattern across the major cities. In Cork 1,200 new Electric & Hybrid units were sold. Galway witnessed a 62% year-on-year surge with sales of 435 EVs to date. Meanwhile, Limerick (301) and Waterford (172) all witnessed substantial year-on-year increases .”

DoneDeal has donated €2,000 to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut from their #DrivingPride Taxi campaign during Dublin pride. Over the course of Dublin Pride, DoneDeal had a specially designed #DrivingPride Taxi on the streets of Dublin, offering free trips around the capital. As part of the campaign, Ireland’s favourite car website also committed to donating €10 to LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut for each trip that took place. Martin Clancy from DoneDeal said: “We are delighted to be able to make this donation to ShoutOut and to thank them for all the work they do in the community and in education. This year for Dublin pride, we were committed to giving back in a tangible way to the LGBTQ+ community in Dublin. Our #DrivingPride Taxi made a colourful addition to the streets of Dublin and offered everyone the chance to avail of free trips during a busy and celebratory time in the capital.” DoneDeal’s #DrivingPride Taxi ran from Thursday, June 27th through Sunday, June 30th.

DoneDeal, the online farming marketplace, has invested significant resources in its platform in the last week in an effort to empower farmers to trade online during level 5 restrictions. The move means that beef farmers who currently list their stock on DoneDeal can now accept payments securely online for their cattle through DoneDeal’s secure digital payments solution, powered by Stripe Payments. Rob Hume, General Manager of DoneDeal, explains, “We are seeing the demand for Cattle online accelerate significantly online with the views on beef cattle listings growing over 48% year on year to September. During the first lockdown in April-May, DoneDeal saw an even greater growth rate reaching as high as +107% in April. Early data following the most recent lockdown on Wednesday 21st October shows an increase of +18% in online demand in the 7 days after lockdown as compared to the 7 days previous. At DoneDeal, we wanted to quickly provide an easy way for our beef farmers to ride the wave of demand as Level 5 restrictions continue.” Private Negotiation and secure payment. Rob continues, “Farmers can negotiate privately within DoneDeal’s messaging service as usual. Once both parties are happy, the seller can request payment directly from the buyer within the messaging service on DoneDeal. The transaction will then be processed safely and securely with the payment flowing to the seller’s bank account using Stripe Payments.” Below: DoneDeal sees another acceleration of demand and transaction in Beef Cattle stock online due to Level 5 restrictions. Easy Set Up The Irish owned site says that getting set up with this world-class payment facility on DoneDeal.ie is easy, with farmers just needing to hit the ‘Connect with Stripe’ button in their DoneDeal Profile to accept fully digital payments online. Interest in Farming overall is growing 25% year over year on Donedeal, with over 13M ad views per month on the site’s farming section. Rob concludes,” After the last lockdown, you can see that the trend stayed steady with interest in beef cattle on DoneDeal staying at levels above 2019. We hope that this move will help farmers trade securely and easily online and capitalize on that demand.” About DoneDeal Employing over 50 people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell farming machinery and stock online. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing online. Stripe secure payments are just one of the ways that DoneDeal has been furthering this mission. Interest in Farming overall is growing 25% year over year on Donedeal, with over 13M ad views per month on the site’s farming section. DoneDeal has had over 40M unique advertisement views on listings for beef cattle so far this year. This post was originally featured by our friends in the News. #Farming

By Justin Delaney I recall my first drive in the BMW M235i back in 2015. It was a traditional BMW in the sense that it had a big straight six-cylinder engine and rear wheel drive. Although not a full M car from the motorsport division the 235i did produce 322hp and could certainly move. Now some five years later BMW have taken the new 1 Series hatchback and morphed it into a good-looking Gran Coupe and again borrowed some expertise from the motorsport division. For a start the engine size has dropped in favour a punchy turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder unit and it has been mated to an all-wheel-drive xDrive system. Prices kick off at €52,030 before you start ticking option boxes and our test vehicle also had the, M Sport brakes, 19-inch M V-Spoke alloy wheels, M Sport seats/steering wheel, Harman/Kardon premium sound system, adaptive LED headlights, two-zone climate control air-conditioning, power-adjusted front seats and a subtle rear spoiler. This pushed our test car north of €60k and firmly inline with its competitive friends in the form of the Audi S3 and Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG when you give them a little spec! The 2 Series Gran Coupe is a nicely proportioned car that borrows some design elements from 4 and 6 Series Gran Coupe including the frameless side windows. It doesn’t portrait that hardcore coupe line looking somewhat more saloon but its nicely styled and the new bold kidney grille actually looks really good on this car. Our test cars storm grey metallic paint looked great against the contrasting shadowline diffusers and fog-light surrounds and give it a modern and mean stance. Inside it’s a beautiful cabin with ample space especially up front. Although this M235i is technically bigger that the old E46 3 Series BMW inside, headroom is still a little compromised for rear passengers if you are anyway close to the six foot mark. Features Luggage space is pretty generous at 430-litres but like many cars in this sector, long objects can be a struggle thanks to the narrow aperture. The M Sport seats are a work of art and incredibly comfortable to spend time in with excellent side bolstering. On the tech side you get a modern 10.25-inch central display with an equal-sized screen used for the digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that no longer require the paid subscription are also included. For Waze navigation users like me, you now have the ability to project directions on the head-up display when using any navigation app. Like most new BMW’s you can also make use of the Intelligent Personal Assistant that allows you to perform various tasks via voice activation starting with the “Hey BMW” command. Power So what is it like to drive compared to that M235i of old? Well for this test we decided to put the 2.0-litre turbo, which is actually BMW’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine to the test in Mondello Park. First off lets look at the figures. Producing 301hp and 450Nm of torque through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission results in a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds. This is exactly the same as the turbocharged 3.0 litre 6-cylinder of old. It doesn’t feel earth-shatteringly quick, but throttle response is sharp and gear changes seamless and there’s a meaty exhaust note that lets out the pop of un-burnt fuel when changing gear. The all wheel drive system favours the front wheels and sends power to rear axle when needed but crikey, it doesn’t half grip! Even pushing hard through the twisties at Mondello there is huge traction. The M Performance suspension is incredibly compliant even on the big 19-inch alloys and it absorbs the rumble of an apex surface with ease. BMW M235i 2020 Prices Priced at €52,030, the M235i xDrive is considerably more expensive than the three-cylinder, entry 218i at €34,010 or indeed the diesel 220d at €44,180. Standard kit in all cars includes a head-up display, wireless phone charging, all the Connected Drive tech and a reversing assistant that will self-reverse about 50 metres in the same direction you just drove forward great for getting in and out tricky situations. The M235i’s 2.0-litre turbo consumes 7.6L/100km combined, compared the 218i’s frugal 1.5-litre three-cylinder’ 5.9L/100km consumption and the 220d does 4.9L/100km combined. Like all of the current BMW range, it is covered by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Safety As expected, standard equipment includes collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function. Lane Departure Warning with active lane return is also included, as is Cruise Control with braking function. The optional Driving Assistant additionally comprises the Lane Change Warning system, which prompts the driver to guide the car back into the correct lane at speeds from 20-250km/h by means of a visual warning and, if necessary, a steering input. The Driving Assistant’s other functions include the route-ahead assistant, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning, which reduces the risk of a collision when reversing into roads obstructed from the driver’s view, and Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function. Altogether it’s a strong safety package from BMW. Summary To summarise I’d say this is a strong offering from BMW in a sector they needed a new car to compete. The M235i offers a great overall package and drives very well. The ride comfort and suspension setting were just perfect in all driving modes, especially in COMFORT and ECO PRO for everyday use. In SPORT, the car becomes sharp and precise as we discovered in Mondello park making this the perfect week day commuter with a cheeky side, for weekends. It drives better than its predecessor of old but the big question is would you pay €60k for one or buy the 220d and a trackday toy? That’s a choice for you to make. You can check out DoneDeal's range of BMW's from Ireland's trusted dealer's here . #Motors About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing over 50 people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal.

Poor ventilation in existing facilities is usually because inlets and/or outlets are absent or too small. Inlets and outlet areas should be at least brought up to the sizes outlined in the DAFM specification S101. Inlets typically used in Ireland are vented sheeting and spaced boarding. These are effective as long as there is at least a 1.5 m depth along under each eave. Fabric mesh materials are also effective and have the added advantage of letting in more light. Another method of improving airflow entry is to angle out the side cladding, at the bottom. Moving out the side cladding to leave a clear opening between the side wall of the shed and the side cladding, just below the top of the side wall, will provide a good inlet. Air is deflected upwards from the side wall as it enters. This can be done easily enough with box section steel. The box section will make it secure and will allow the gap width to be maximized. Where sheds have a wall built right up, the easiest solution is to knock off a few lines of blocks to provide a continuous opening. Monitor how it works to see if any more needs to be done. Small, inexpensive, changes are the best approach, followed by careful observation for improvements during the following housing period. Perhaps the ridge outlet area can be increased by, for example, raising the ridge cap. Spaced sheeting is really not practical unless all the sheeting is being replaced. With round roofed sheds raising sheets (2 per bay) along the top by about 225 mm is effective. Raising sheets is a practical method to turn the roof into a “breathing roof”. One or two lines of sheeting per bay can be raised above the plane of the roof by about 100 mm to 150 mm with an overlap of about 100 mm to 150 mm, at each side, to prevent in-blown rain. The raised sheets run up along the slope of the roof (which is usually across the width of the shed) and possibly up and over a round roofed shed, as well, if one is present. The size of the outlet can be calculated by multiplying the total length of all the openings by the raised height and comparing them to the guidelines. Some new sheets will have to be used also. These are wider (960 mm or 990 mm) and may be used over the opening as a single line of sheets (most common way), or possibly could be cut into three strips to be used with existing sheets. The new sheets are available in the 750 mm width also. There are different ways to fix the raised sheets. The simplest way would seem to fix box irons (weld cleats on them and bolt to the purlins) above the purlins at the right height and secure the sheets to the box iron with tech screws. The box iron should be long enough to support the overhang of the sheeting at either side. Light is also very important in animal housing, mainly for the animals but also for the person looking after and observing them. Any improvements to natural light that can be made in conjunction with making improvements in ventilation should be availed of. Checklist: Water An adequate supply of clean water for housed livestock is essential. • To avoid water freezing. locate pipes underground. • Do not locate troughs on external walls. • Use heavy gauge piping and minimise the number of joints. • Consider feeding each trough individually with un-jointed pipe runs. • 20 mm bore piping will be provide adequate flow rates for most situations. • Proprietary anti-fouling troughs will minimise requirements for cleaning. This information is publically available as part of the Teagasc Beef Manual available on Teagasc.ie #Farming

This week on the DoneDeal YouTube Channel we're reviewing the all new Volkswagen ID.3. It's a very important car in the electric world as it's VW's first attempt at a proper EV, and a very good one at that! It will come in a 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh electric motor. The first edition which we reviewed has the 58kWh which was very impressive with over 200bhp giving it plenty of poke. For years the Nissan Leaf wore the crown for 'best affordable EV', then it was stolen by the Hyundai Kona Electric, however the ID.3 is probably the most up to date and respectable EV in the 'affordable' market. The standard equipment is phenomenal with lane assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, just to name a few. The car handles beautifully with all 4 wheels in their respective corners and being rear wheel drive. The ID.3 will be the platform the Volkswagen group will use the build the majority of their EV's and so this is a great glimpse into the future. Comparing it to the new MK8 Golf is difficult, the infotainment system is very similar however that's just about it. The styling is very different, the way it drives is completely different and it also has a much more futuristic feel to it. Check out the Volkswagen ID.3 on DoneDeal here #Motors About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal.

Collecting pen Where the handling facilities are located independent of buildings, the collecting pen should ideally be able to hold a number of cattle that fits in with group sizes within the herd. Where handling facilities are located in, or adjacent to, e.g. a slatted unit the pens in the slatted unit could be used for collecting and holding animals. The floor area required per animal will vary depending on size. As a general guide allow: • Young cattle: 0.9 to 1.1 m² • Finishing cattle: 1.4 to 1.7 m² • Suckler cows with calves: 2.3 to 2.75 m² It is easier to control and move cattle in a long narrow pen rather than a wide square one. Pen widths of 4.5 to 6 m are recommended (depending on herd size). The entrance to it should be at least 3 m wide to allow easy access. Forcing pen The forcing pen leads from the collecting pen to the race. The forcing pen should be funnel shaped as it approaches the mouth of a race. One side of the funnel must be straight. The angle of the funnel is critical and should not exceed 30°. If the angles are wider, cattle may block or turn at the mouth of the race or two cattle may become jammed at the race entrance. The widest point of the pen should approximately be 3 to 4 m. The forcing pen should hold enough cattle to fill the race. Circular forcing pens leading to a funnel entrance to the race are preferred to rectangular ones. Animals should not be tightly packed into the forcing pen as they may need to turn to enter the race. Race • Length: The race or chute should be 3.6 m minimum. A race of 9 m will hold 5 to 6 adult cattle. Long races (e.g. handling over 12 cattle) are not recommended. • Width: the internal width of the race will depend on the size and type of the largest cattle using it. As a general guideline, allow: adult stock 700-750 mm clear internal width. Exceptionally large stock (e.g. pedigree) may require facilities up to 900 mm wide. Young stock require an internal race width of approximately 500 mm. Very wide races may have to be altered temporarily for young stock e.g. fitting panels/planks to the side. • Height: 1.4-1.5 m above floor level. All surfaces must be smooth. Avoid protruding objects. Uprights should be spaced about 2 m apart. Side bars are normally spaced 350-400 mm apart. • Floor: Non slip concrete surface. • Tailbar: It should be possible to use a tailbar at various points along the race to prevent stock reversing out. • Facilitates drainage, e.g. via split drains. • Incorporates opening side panels/gates for easy release of animals if necessary. Catwalk A catwalk running outside the race: • Reduces the risk of injury to the operator. • Improves access and reach when handling stock. • Prevents cattle’s feet slipping out under the bottom rail. • Catwalks should normally be 250-400 mm high. The width of the catwalk should be wide enough to facilitate a safe and efficient working area. The recommended width should be approximately 1.1 m. The catwalk can be omitted along side the crush section if it is seen to restrict the operator’s access to the animal. Crush The crush may be part of the race or a separate facility at the end of the race. A well designed crush should incorporate the following features: • Quick release restraining gate. Different designs of proprietary head gates are available and the choice depends on the frequency of use and type of work to be done. • Have a tailbar/gate to prevent and control backward movement. • All around access to the animal, including at the rear. • A secure gate to hold back animals in the race is essential when accessing the rear of an animal. The animal in the crush must also be prevented from backward movement. • Removable side bars/gate for access to feet, udder, etc. • Have equipment for hoisting and restraining limbs. • Facilitate weighing if necessary. The weighing facility can be in a separate section of the race behind the crush • Preferably be under cover. • Free from sharp edges. • Non slip floor surface. • Facilitate access of a vehicle for loading of animals. Purpose-built crushes are commercially available. Typical dimensions are: • Length: 1,830 mm. • Width: 790 mm. • Height: 1,625 mm. Dispersal Pen This pen holds cattle until all cattle are treated or handled. It can facilitate the sorting of stock afterwards. Handling facilities in or near housing can use the pens in the housing for holding and dispersal. And most importantly, we want YOU to be safe. Safety passes or personnel passes are narrow vertical openings in gates or fences. They typically provide 300 to 350 mm of clear space for people to pass through. Locate passes wherever it is expected that people would otherwise have to climb over a fence or open a gate on a regular basis. Have a least one safety pass in each pen and one every 7.5-8 m in animal movement and handling passageways to allow someone to exit quickly. Avoid locating passes where animal flow is directly in line with, or at the pass, as excited animals may try to use the safety pass as an escape route and become trapped. Safety passes also allow someone to get in front of or behind a group of animals safely and with relative ease. We wish you every success this Winter and all the Winters to come. This information is publically available as part of the Teagasc Beef Manual available on Teagasc.ie #Farming

Animal behaviour It is better to rely on animal behaviour principles instead of sheer force to restrain and control animals during handling. Fine-tuning the design of animal handling facilities will enhance animal welfare and reduce stress and injuries. Herd instinct Cattle prefer to remain in groups. Isolating individual cattle from the group (unless sick) causes stress and agitation and should be avoided. Keep back a companion animal if necessary. Vision Cattle are poor judges of detail and distance. They dislike dark or shadowy areas. Provide good natural and artificial lighting in and around handling facilities, particularly where the crush is. Handling facilities under a roof overhang will have plenty of natural light. Use extra rooflights for facilities within buildings. Use extra double fluorescent lamps for artificial lighting. Key facts • Cattle are wary of any changes in their path, e.g. abrupt changes in floor material, outside visual distractions, etc. • Cattle are less surefooted on downward slopes and prefer to move uphill. • Excessive noise e.g. shouting, machinery and dogs can alarm them and cause unpredictable behavior. About DoneDeal #Farming Employing over 50 people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell farming machinery and stock online. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing online. Stripe secure payments are just one of the ways that DoneDeal has been furthering this mission. Interest in Farming overall is growing 25% year over year on Donedeal, with over 13M ad views per month on the site’s farming section. DoneDeal has had over 40M unique advertisement views on listings for beef cattle so far this year.

Car models are continually being refreshed, renewed or reinvented. The best sellers from 2020 will continue to be best sellers in 2021 but we will also see cars launched in 2020 gain a foothold. Gems like the electric VW ID.3 , the multi-fuel Peugeot 208 , Ford Puma & Kuga , and a favourite of mine the all-electric Honda-e will all take off. A lot of motoring’s household names will be refreshed (new) with many more ‘all-new’ (really new) models arriving in 2021. Here are just a few worth looking out for: Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA This version of the stunning Giulia Quadrifoglio has been fed extra steroids. It is an incredibly exciting car to drive and will appeal to many and sadly only bought by the lucky few. The GTA represents the best in old school petrol power with its Ferrari sourced engine and deliciously fruity exhaust note. For many the GTA is performance perfection. Alfa will also give us the all new Tonale. It’s a great looking compact SUV crossover (based on the Jeep Renegade) and is powered by petrol, diesel and PHEV versions. Tonale will challenge the usual premium compact rivals: Audi Q3 , BMW X1 , Jaguar E-Pace , Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque . Like all Alfa Romeos it will be a niche seller. Audi Q4 e-Tron Audi’s all electric mid-sized SUV is set to be a very important car for the premium brand as competition in this class rises. The mid-size Q5 SUV range gets a sleeker model in the Audi Q5 Sportback . The Sportback shape has been a hit in the smaller Q3 and is a welcome addition to the otherwise predictable looking Q5. A new Audi RS3 arrives too – yum! BMW will have a busy year in 2021 expanding its ‘i’ electric sub brand range. The all-new BMW i4 EV is a four-door electric car that promises to challenge the Tesla Model 3 for range and power and is a game changer for the Bavarian brand. SUV buyers can go electric too with the BMW iX3 SUV . This car annoys the anti-SUV brigade who won’t be able to argue with its manageable size and zero emissions from its non-existent tailpipe! The petrol engine powered 260hp 128ti compact car will find a few homes in 2021 with it iconic ‘ ti ’ badge. A new 2 Series Coupe is due too. At the other end of the size scale the all-new BMW X8 will certainly catch the eye. The 5-seat coupe-ish version of the huge 7-seat BMW X7 SUV won’t be easily lost in a carpark, that’s for sure. Citroen C4 The new multi-fuel compact crossover should turn a few heads and represent good value for money. We think the electric powered version will attract most attention and interest. Cupra El-Born The all new El-Born is a Spanish twist on Volkswagen’s ID.3 electric car, but with more attitude. Cupra is SEAT’s sub brand and SEAT is owned by the VW Group. As the nursery rhyme goes “The El-Born’s connected to the ID.3 ” – sorry I couldn’t resist. In every sense the two VW Group EVs are inter-connected. Like all Cupras the El-Born will be a rare enough sight on Ireland’s roads. The all new Cupra Formentor (in picture above) will be a relatively popular car as it is a mid-size SUV. The engine choice has petrol, diesel or PHEV. Depending on your spending power you can get modest or loads of power. The all-wheel drive version is the one to covet. DS 4 The second generation of the posh Citroen will be a niche seller but oh so stylish. FIAT 500 The 500 returns in all electric form. This version will join the list of cute EVs that people will find near irresistible like the 2020 launched Honda-e, MINI electric and Peugeot e-208. Ford Puma ST The hybrid Puma launched in 2020. When you add ST sports performance to any Ford the car becomes a lot more interesting. Ford Mustang Mach-E Ford’s first all-electric car will be a game changer for the US brand. Ford has been slow to embrace electrification - but it is catching up. Hyundai Ioniq 5 This electric powered SUV is part of a newly announced ‘Ioniq’ electric only sub-brand from Hyundai. A number of new models will be released in the coming years. Not sure if we’ll see the Ioniq 5 here in 2021, but we might! Jaguar refreshed its range late in 2020 with new technology taking centre stage. The compact Jaguar E Pace and its sister car the Jaguar XE along with the larger Jaguar F Pace mid-size SUV and its sister car the Jaguar XF all received facelifts and tech-lifts (I may have made that word up, but you know what I mean). The all-new flagship Jaguar XJ arrives in 2021. The once gas-guzzling barge has gone all electric! Wonders will never cease with this dual motor, all-wheel drive, luxury saloon. Lexus UX300e The compact Lexus UX SUV now comes with an electric only version. This will create a good battle among premium rivals in the compact EV market. Mazda MX-30 This electric SUV may be low range but is great to drive and looks the part. Urban EVs (a nice way of saying low range) can make sense and are more affordable than large range EVS due to their smaller battery packs. The MX-30 is very impressive. Mercedes-Benz C-Class The latest version of Merc’s excellent business machine arrives in 2021 with new hybrid technology. Also coming our way from the Germany brand is the full-size luxury SUV Maybach GLS , CLS Coupe , AMG GT four-door and SL. The ‘EQ’ electric MB sub brand range is expanding rapidly in 2021. The compact SUV Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQV full size people carrier arrive first. An EQS and EQE are due at the end of the year. The daddy of the company carpark the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives also in 21 and is a technological tour de force. The CEO’s parking space will look very smart with this new and tech loaded super saloon – there is a Mercedes -Maybach S-Class version also – good news for multi-millionaires. MINI Countryman The new PHEV plug in hybrid version of their popular compact SUV will be built for the first time in BMW’s ultra-efficient Leipzig plant in Germany. Nissan Ariya This exciting electric powered SUV crossover is due in late 2021. 2021 will see the new Nissan Qashqai continue to be a significant vehicle for the Japanese brand. At its launch Qashqai was a game changer as it brought SUV styling to the masses at an affordable price. The new car has countless more rivals to deal with but has a deservingly loyal customer base. Opel Mokka The new baby SUV will shock and delight Opel buyers as it shows a new journey for the now French-owned German brand. The Opel Zafira E as the name implies is an electric car that thanks to being van-based has loads and loads of space. Perfect for large families or as a shuttle or taxi. Range Rover A new electrified flagship is due later in the year and promises to be a lot greener. Renault Arkana This stylish SUV crossover will attract a lot of attention when it arrives. Renault is making very stylish machines these days and has also added new E-TECH hybrid technology to its range. The Zoe EV will continue to grow in sales as will the new Mégane . The Mégane Sport Tourer E-TECH Plug-in hybrid has a 50km electric-only range and ultra-low emissions. Skoda Enyaq The all-new electric-powered crossover SUV from Skoda is in high demand. Two versions arrive in June 2021 with different ranges. The Enyaq uses VW’s ID.3 electric car platform and its running gear under its skin. The new Skoda Fabia is one to watch. The petrol-powered supermini from the historic Czech carmaker will deliver more than the sum of its parts. A sister car of the VW Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Audi A1, Fabia offers a lot - for less. Suzuki has partnered with Toyota and this year two close collaborations will go on sale in Ireland. Suzuki Across PHEV plug-in hybrid is basically a Toyota RAV4. The Suzuki Swace is a hybrid estate car and essentially a reworked Corolla SW, hence the name SW-Ace. Tesla Model Y The SUV version of its Model 3 will eventually go on sale but when it comes to Ireland is anyone’s guess. We tend to be last on the list. Toyota Highlander The 7-seat hybrid all-wheel drive SUV was launched late in 2020 and will become a more frequent sight on Irish roads in 2021. The Toyota RAV4 PHEV Hybrid is an impressive and powerful plug-in hybrid version of the popular SUV. The Yaris launched late 2020 and some variants will be added in 2021. Toyota Yaris Cross is a rugged looking version. The Toyota Yaris GR Gazoo Racing is a stunning 260hp performance hatchback wrapped in a car designed to take people to bingo. The new Golf arrived mid 202 and will continue to be popular in 2021. The niche Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake will turn heads from the start of the year. The 8th generation Volkswagen GTI is the definitive hot hatch, arrives in early 2021. The most significant VW next year will be the Volkswagen ID.4 This all-electric SUV crossover will really hit the spot. It uses the same platform as the VW ID.3 but is package in a way that is on trend. Even if it wasn’t an EV it would be attractive and desirable, so it is a win win for the German firm. Fun fact: VW designed the ID.4 before the 3 but decided to release the more affordable ID.3 first. The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first carbon neutral car at the point of manufacturer. This is an impressive list and far from comprehensive but if I were to choose one car from it that will define 2021 and the direction carmakers and buyers wish to go? It has to be the Volkswagen ID.4. This article is an independent review by Journalist Michael Sheridan. Michael Sheridan has been a Car of the Year Judge for 20 years, more recently a judge for Van of the Year. Note to Reader: The links in the article are filtered to show cars with a reg plate no older than 2020 . Simply adjust the filters in our search panel if you would like to broaden your search for cars or research cars in a different year range. About DoneDeal DoneDeal is for premium car deals to feel great about from Ireland’s local trusted Car Dealers. Employing people in Ireland across Dublin and Wexford, DoneDeal has quietly emerged as Ireland’s number one destination to buy and sell premium cars online. DoneDeal has onboarded Ireland's trusted car dealers to become the number one touchpoint for Irish consumers when buying premium cars. To put this in perspective, when scaled for Ireland, DoneDeal is comparable to AutoTrader in the UK. DoneDeal's central mission is to empower Irish consumers by removing all uncertainty when it comes to purchasing a car. The result has been the development of products and services that empower the Irish consumer, e.g., free basic history check on verified cars, in-depth history checks, warranty, and finance options. Buy Premium cars confidently with DoneDeal. #Motors

Not long after the Irish launch of the ID.7 which, we recently reviewed on the DoneDeal YouTube channel and Volkswagen are back expanding the ID.7 portfolio in Europe with the introduction of an estate car. This all-new ID.7 Tourer is set to be one of the first all-electric estate cars in the upper mid-sized class segment. It differs significantly from saloon variant at the rear thanks to its long roof line and its elegant transition to the boot lid.  In many ways this Tourer is a fusion of a classic estate with inspiration from the Passat, and perhaps the modern shooting brake style that VW have used with the Arteon. Thanks to the increased height at the rear, the luggage compartment volume is more substantial and even with five people on board, the ID.7 Tourer has a luggage capacity of up to 605 litres. When loaded up to the backrests of the front seats and up to the roof, this figure rises to up to 1,714 litres which is super impressive! Features As this is a preview article we have been told that the ID.7 Tourer will be launched with innovative technological features, including an augmented-reality (AR) head-up display equipped as standard. This projects information relevant to the journey into the driver’s field of vision, so their eyes can stay focused on the road. At the same time, the AR head-up display changes the cockpit architecture because it allows classic instruments to become compact. Comfort levels inside are set to make a big jump forward with details such as vents that are automatically operated by small control motors, and ergoActive seats with a new pressure-point massage function and automatic air conditioning. Another innovation buyers can expect on board is the panoramic sunroof with smart glass. These glass layers can be electronically switched to be either opaque or clear. The Wellness In-Car app is also completely new. This allows various vehicle functions to be adjusted by means of three preconfigured programmes (Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break) which can help to enhance wellbeing during the journey or breaks. Depending on the vehicle equipment, the app accesses the background lighting, sound, air conditioning, smart glass function, seat air conditioning and seat massage as well as the ID.LIGHT and the infotainment screen. All very clever stuff! Power As expected theID.7 Tourer is equipped with the latest-generation electric drive system which we have seen in the saloon variant. Volkswagen will offer two different battery sizes for the ID.7 Tourer. Depending on the battery energy content, the electric touring car is expected to achieve WLTP ranges of up to 685 km. The largest battery is designed for a maximum charging capacity of up to 200 kW at DC quick-charging stations. At this power level, the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in significantly less than 30 minutes. Safety Not leaving any safety elements to chance the ID.7 Tourer will be launched with state-of-the-art assist systems. These include the optional Park Assist Plus and the memory function for the Park Assist system - this function enables fully automatic parking over distances of up to 50 m - for example, in the parking space at work or the carport at home. The optional Travel Assist has also been further developed and is now called Connected Travel Assist with Online Data in the latest version. The other assist systems equipped as standard include the autonomous emergency braking system Front Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display. Costs It’s early days yet with the first ID.7 Tourer not due here until late this year. We estimate a few will be on the road late 2024 but most orders will be submitted ahead of the 251 registration period. With that said we have yet to review Irish pricing but we will keep you informed. Summary The new ID.7 Tourer looks set to combine the emissios advantages of electric mobility with long WLTP ranges (up to 685 km) which will make it highly desirable. The new high-quality cockpit landscape, outstanding travel comfort and superior spaciousness will no doubt make it an ideal business car for the people of Ireland. Europe-wide pre-sales are scheduled to start in the first quarter of this year but as we get more info we will bring you the latest details. For now, watch this space!