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I have just moved back to ireland after living abroad, for 10 years of which I was driving an automatic - now I'm having to start the process from the beginning atin - theory test etc. What car should I get? Is it possible to take the driving test with an automatic car as I'd prefer? What would be the cheapest and most reliable automatic?

Cheers

Which one to go for? A 2006 Audi A3 2.0 TDI or 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi,both of which cost €6,000.

I read last year in a British review of the Duster 4x4, that the windscreen wipers are seriously inadequate, too small and too slow to deal with anything more than a light rain shower. I had been considering buying one until then. I drive a good deal on the M50 and even in a car with good wipers it can be a nightmare to get caught behind one of the thousands of HGVs using that road. It is akin to trying to drive while more than half blind, since the HGV creates its own mini Niagra of water and dirt.

So I decided to forget buying a Dacia Duster 4x4. Do you know if the situation is still the same now? The British site in question take cars on a week long test, and thus have a far better idea of what they are like long-term.

Cheers, DF Nolan, Dublin

Hi, does you know of any mechanical issues with the 2009 automatic Audi A6 2.0 TDI 140?

What is the general consensus on the 2005 Chevrolet Nubira 1.6 automatic?

What second hand car check options are there? The AA has a physical car check facility for €260 but are there any others to choose from and are they good? I have seen a few online car checkers but they don't seem to do a physical inspection only a paper trail.

Thanks again in advance.

How good is the Ford Focus?

I have a 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi diesel, the mileage is 211,000km. It has both a wet and dry belt; do I need to change both or either of these and if so at what mileage?

Pat, Mayo.

How do you rate the new Renault Scenic diesel 1.5 for comfort and relability against a 2007 Scenic 1.6?

Thank you.

John Hynes

I have a 2007 Mondeo that costs me €636 in tax per annum. I do very low mileage and most of my journeys are very short. What car would you recommend? My Mondeo is 1.8 TDCi and although I enjoy the power on the odd long journey I make, the tax is killing me on a car that I don't utilise to its maximum. I'd be looking at no newer than a 2012 model.