Ask Us Anything

I have a 2002 BMW 3 Series worth about €4,500. I bought it a few months ago but things are already starting to go wrong with it. Should I take it to a BMW dealership for service and repair, which could cost a fortune or should I go to the cheapest mechanic I can find to get it looked at? I don't want the work costing more than the car is worth but at the same time I'd like to have a good service history for the car and repairs well done rather than a sticking plaster effort. What would you advise?

I'm thinking of buying my first car but I don't know much about cars so I don't really know what I should be shopping for. I'm a 20-year-old student and I have about €1,000 to spend. I'm a learner driver so I'd like something small, easy to drive and cheap to run. I found a nice second hand Ford Ka and wondered whether this would be suitable for me?

I have a ten-year old car and I am thinking of taking advantage of the scrappage scheme. I travel quite far, to and from work, so would require an economical car that packs a bit of punch. I have been looking at the Mazda2, Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta, which would all be around my price range. Please could you recommend which of these might be the best car for my needs?

Many thanks

AM

I've seen the new Audi R8 V10 (blue) about the place. Is it likely to be a press car or are there still people forking out 1/4 million for a car these days?

Hi. I brought my car to a mechanic recently for a service as its NCT is up soon. He told me as I've over 60,000 miles on the clock my timing belt needs to be replaced, but between labour and parts it'll cost around €400. Is this true? He doesn't seem like the world's most dishonest guy in fairness, but I don't want to have to shell out another €400 unless it's completely necessary.

Can you tell me if the current scrappage scheme is really worth it? Surely a cash deal would have the same results?

I've recently moved back to Ireland from Central Europe and can't believe the Irish motor trade's attitude to automatic cars. I've heard various salesmen say stuff like "they give trouble", "fuel consumption is very high" and "sure why would you want one of those?"

I had a deal almost done on a Toyota Avensis diesel until I asked for it with an automatic gearbox. 'Not available in Ireland' I was told. My questions are as follows:

What automatic diesels are available in Ireland? What would you recommend for a family of four? Can automatics be in a different tax band from their manual brothers?

Hi guys. Any cheap fixes for my Renault Mégane? Bird poo has burnt the paint away in spots.

Will home servicing affect my car's warranty?