Expert answer

Hi F D,

To be honest, we're not really the experts where wheelchair-accessible cars are concerned, so I think you'd be better off asking the experts at Motability Ireland, who you can find here: http://www.motabilityireland.com/advsearchresults.asp

Expert answer

Hi Kamal,

Right, first off, have you exhausted all options when it comes to getting the mechanic or garage in question to deal with the issue? Have you complained, in copied writing, to them? Have they replied?

If they've tried to fob you off, then you need to remind them that all work carried out is covered by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980, which states that all work carried out must be of merchantable quality – in other words, that the work should have fixed whatever problem you had, and if not then a refund or another repair should have been offered.

If all that's been done and you've still got nowhere, then you have two options. If the mechanic in question is registered with the Society of the Irish Motor Indsutry (SIMI) then you can complain to that body. Its contact details and complaints procedure are here: http://www.simi.ie/Consumer+Information/Consumer+Services/Contact+Complaints+Service.html

If the mechanic is not SIMI-registered, or if you get no satisfaction from that process, then you're best off going to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, who can be contacted here: http://www.consumerhelp.ie/

Best of luck - and let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Ram,

Should be fine. Kia has a good operation here with plenty of dealers so parts shouldn't be a problem and the car will only be finishing its original manufacturer's warranty this year. As long as it has a full service history you should be fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

It is a problem, right enough, but while Mercedes security systems are good, they're not infallible, and any car is vulnerable to this kind of electronic attack.The only thing you can reasonably do is to stand as close to the car as possible when flipping the lock, so as to minimise the signal spread and make it harder to 'capture' the signal between the key and the car. If it's a keyless-entry car, keep the key as far away from the car as possible when it's parked up outside.

Beyond that though, the sad and unpleasant truth is that if a determined and well-equipped thief really wants your car, they're going to have it... Maybe consider getting a tracking device fitted, and police forces are generally advising going back to the more old-fashioned methods such as a steering wheel bar or a driveway post. Anything that makes the crooks' life harder is a good idea.

(Oh, and no limit to the number of questions either. We are generally inundated with questions so once you don't expect an instant answer we'll all be happy.)

Expert answer

Hi Eamonn,

Auto petrol SUVs are hard to find in most manufacturers' ranges, but there are a few you can have a look at - Skoda Yeti 1.2 TSI DSG, Nissan Qashqai 1.2 DIG CVT or Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI DSG, for example. All frugal, good to drive and well under €40k even with options.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The BMW 330e is, I have to say, a hugely impressive car and based on a recent drive you can squeeze as much as 65mpg from it. You can charge it from a domestic socket if that's any help, but if you're put off by the charging thing then the Lexus IS a great choice. Aside from the occasionally irritating CVT gearbox it's delightful to drive and, with a bit of practice, you can get decent economy from it. It should be staggeringly reliable too. Here are our reviews to help you choose:

BMW 330e Saloon review

Lexus IS 300h review

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

Depends on the year. If it's post-2008 and especially if it's a GTC coupe then yes, it's lovely - nice to drive, punchy and frugal. If it's an older model then it's going to be pricey to tax and it'll be hard to shift on again as the market doesn't generally like hatchbacks with big engines. The coupe version kind of sidesteps that issue a little. 

Reliability should be fine, but test the electrics (especially the central locking and alarm) and check the boot for any signs of water getting in through leaky seals.

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

Are you sure you mean 3,200? That's incredibly low mileage so I'd be suggesting something small such as a Volkswagen up! or a Hyundai i10.

If you mean 32,000km then I'd say you need a compact diesel. A SEAT Leon 1.6 TDI DSG would seem to fit the bill.

Expert answer

Hi Sally,

Generally speaking, automatics and small engines don't go well together, but there are a few good ones. Any Volkswagen Group cars using a combo of either 1.2 TSI or 1.4 TSI petrol with the DSG gearbox should be pretty smooth and there are some Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D diesels around with self-shifters. The Auris, while not exciting, is certainly smooth and comfy.

Actually, your best option could be to go hybrid or electric. The Honda Insight has a 1.3-litre hybrid powertrain and is an automatic and is surprisingly good to drive. Or what about the Nissan Leaf? If the roughly 160km electric range suits your lifestyle, there's nothing smoother than an electric motor.

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

That's quite specific and we don't offer a car finding service I'm afraid, but we'd highly recommend spending some time refining searches on Carzone.ie.

Best of luck