Expert answer

Hi Morgan,

We asked Cartell.ie to comment on this, as they're deeply involved in clocking legislation etc. Here's what they said:

"This is an interesting scenario. There are two issues here: 1 - On a legal level, in proposed legislation that Cartell drafted, seeking to criminalise vehicle clocking, we sought to accommodate this type of scenario in the drafting of the provisions. We certainly appreciate that a genuine attempt to represent fairly the mileage of the vehicle, where the original odometer of a vehicle no longer functions, should be accommodated by future legislation in this area. 2 - Practically, we feel this vehicle should be advertised with the true mileage, not the figure showing on the odometer. The seller can then clarify the issue of mileage where there is a query from a prospective purchaser. At Cartell we are happy to enter the correct mileage into the National Mileage Register for the vehicle, if the owner wishes to pass this along to us."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi, it's a little difficult to come up with a solid value for the vRS model as there just aren't that many on the ground here, but a reasonable valuation seem to be between €14,000 and 16,000 and you can knock off about €1,000 to get what you'll be offered as a trade-in from a dealer. Sorry we can't be more precise than that.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi David,

Lots. If you’re buying new, you can easily get into such models as a Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo, SEAT Mii, Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Fiat Panda, Fiat 500, Ford Ka+, Suzuki Celerio and many more . If you’re buying used, it all depends on what you want and how old a car you feel like buying. Could be anything from a Dacia to a Mercedes.

Come back to us if you want us to go into detail in one area.

Expert answer

Hi Pad,

There is an aftermarket spare wheel kit for the Rio, available from UK-based Kiapartsdirect.co.uk, but it only works as a full size spare if you've got the standard 15-inch steel wheels on your car. If you went for the option alloys, it only works as a space saver. Probably your best bet is simply to have a word with your nearest Kia dealer. They'll know what spare tyre options are available for your car.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

First off, we are massively jealous of you getting a Challenger. We drove an SRT8 version in San Diego back before Christmas and it's just a glorious lump of retro-styled Americana. Good enough to (literally at one point) stop traffic in downtown. Bringing one into Ireland of course means you're going to get hit for a lot of tax in the form of VRT - and potentially VAT.

You'll be paying the top whack rate of 36% VRT because of the car's emissions. Now, that's not 36% of the price you've paid, but 36% of what Revenue decides the car is worth. Fair? No, not even slightly but them's the rules. You'll have to pay VAT as well if the car is either less than six months old or has less than 6,000km on the clock. Within seven days of the car's arrival in Ireland, you have to make your appointment with the NCT people to have the car inspected and valued. Revenue has a very helpful FAQ page on VRT here: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/faqs-vrt.html

Let us know how you get on - and if you need help testing it...

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

OK, so what you need here is something spacious (kids, even just the one, take up a heroic amount of space, as you know), something economical for all that annual mileage and something comfy so that your buttocks survive all that mileage. I think you should stay with the current rough size of car, as some of the best bargains can be found in the mid-size saloon segment.

First up is a Volkswagen Passat. Ideally, you'd get the 1.6 TDI BlueMotion version, a car in which we once managed to drive from Galway to Glasgow and back on one tank of fuel. Or, what about a Ford Mondeo? You'll easily get a 2.0 TDCi model for that money, and there are very few cars quite so comfy on a long journey. Even BMWs and Mercs can't always match the Mondeo for seat comfort.

Of course, if you fancy the high life, and are prepared to compromise on space a little, then there's the BMW 3 Series. You'll get a 320d or 318d for that kind of budget, but shop around to make sure you get one in a dark metallic, with leather and preferably an automatic gearbox.

Finally, there's the Mazda6. Bit of an unsung hero of this segment, it's brilliant to drive, spacious, good looking and you should be able to track one down with Mazda's excellent 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet. Reliable as it gets, it should chomp through your annual mileage with nary a worry. Find the even more handsome estate version if you can.

Come back to us if you need help narrowing this down.

Expert answer

Hi Angela,

Clearly any such warning needs to be taken very seriously and we'd recommend not driving the car until it is fixed.

We do know, however, that the Stilo regularly suffers from damaged wiring under the driver's seat that can lead to such issues. It could be as simple as a single wire that needs replacing. Bring the car to a mechanic or auto electrician and suggest that.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

You need to tread very carefully here. Theoretically a vehicle must be inspected, registered and have its VRT paid within a maximum of 30 days of entry into the state. The Revenue Commissioners can, retrospectively, apply a penalty charge if they believe that the vehicle was late being registered. If your dealer has not had the car inspected and registered, you need to ask why.

And if they are unwilling to pay the VRT, you also need to be asking questions. Anyone can pay VRT and have a vehicle registered; you don't need any special licence from a business point of view. It could well be that the dealer in question knows that the likely cost of VRT will outweigh any potential profit from the car and so is trying to pass the cost on to you. I'd be very suspicious and ask some hard questions before proceeding with this deal.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

The low mileage on your car really helps, as most examples of the 325i on sale have considerably more on the clock. I'd say you're looking at a value of between €13,000 and €16,000, depending in spec, colour and whether or not your car has an automatic gearbox. A dealer will most likely pitch you about €12,000 on a trade in.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi there,

We're told that the new Skoda Yeti will be here in 2014 with a revised look front and rear (and we suspect on the inside too). There are no official or otherwise shots available though.

Thanks