Expert answer

Hi Rob,

It's tempting to save money on tyres, but it's impossible to understate how important they are. As you've found out for yourself!

Personally I like the security of having winter tyres on at this time of year. I acknowledge that there are extra costs involved, plus some inconvenience in terms of changing them twice a year and storing the other tyres. However, I was converted last year when I experienced the difference first hand.

Saying all that, and despite two bad winters, the statistics still say that Ireland's climate is too mild to warrant having winter tyres on for a long period. If we do get heavy, sustained snow then snow socks will get most people out of a tricky situation at low speeds, but they have limitations.

So, assuming you'd rather not fork out on two sets of tyres in the next few months, what are your options? Well Bridgestone offers a good compromise called the A001 All Weather tyre. Sounds like it'd be perfect for you? I spoke to Bridgestone and there are limitations on the size they do - or have in stock - but take a look for a stockist though www.bridgestone.ie and take it from there.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Toyota Ireland has confirmed that the plug-in Prius will go on sale here in June 2012. No word on pricing as yet though.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

We have a preliminary price list:

BMW 316d: €34,180

BMW 318d: €37,160

BMW 320d: €38,710 (320d EfficientDynamics the same price)

BMW 320i: €37,710

BMW 328i: €42,450

BMW 335i: €56,800

Note that those are RRP prices, not on-the-road and it's 'from' in all cases. There'll be SE, ES, M Sport, Modern, Sport and Luxury trim levels.

Click here to read our first drive of the new BMW 320d.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

On the face of it this is a great deal for sure - especially if you do not plan on doing excessive mileage. The terms and conditions (see here for the document) seem reasonable enough. One thing you have to realise though is that you're giving up any potential discount on the new car. Essentially you're offsetting that against a year of depreciation.

In your position I'd first of all go into a Nissan dealer and get the best deal on trading in your car against a new Qashqai as normal. Only ask about the Twice is Nice Deal after you have a price to compare with.

Please note that some dealers may have elected to have a limited quota of cars to sell on the Twice is Nice Deal as well so you may not get what you want from the first one you visit.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi David,

That sounds reasonable enough from a dealer. As always, shop around though. Don't settle on the first offer you get.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

I don't have a strong opinion for or against the idea. I can see merit in the technology, but also major hurdles and potential issues. First, some good points:

• Potential to significantly reduce collisions caused by careless or distracted drivers
• Big gains in efficiency and fuel economy - on average
• Long-term could be used to transport people that cannot drive
• Could help ease congestion, especially on motorway networks
• Could eliminate drink-driving once and for all!

Some negatives:

• We all know that computer systems are far from infallible
• If something goes wrong, who is responsible? Legal minefield
• Would breed a whole generation that may never learn to drive for themselves
• I love driving and would hate for that choice to be taken away from us

We already have aspects of this technology in our cars right now, with things like Volvo's City Safe system (it can brake the car with full force if it detects a pedestrian in the car's path and the driver does not react) and Honda's Lane Keep Assist (where the car gently steers itself back on course if it thinks you're distracted) and it's likely they'll become more commonplace. Self-driving in really slow traffic may be next, though at all times a sober, responsible driver will have to be behind the wheel.

Fully autonomous cars are a long way off.

What are your thoughts?

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

We are not aware of any issues with this engine as yet. Most problems would have been rectified under warranty so far in any case, making it too early to say for sure.

Prices vary around the country and of course between dealers and private sellers, but the car you're describing is worth somewhere in the region of €13,000 to €15,000.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Ruairi,

As we say to all readers with similar questions, all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only.

There seems to be a massive variation in pricing on the the 116i from 2005, varying from €7,000 - €9,000 on dealer forecourts. That indicates you should ask for in the region of €8,000 and be prepared to go down a little, though not much.

Make sure you try a few places to get the best deal.

Please do let us know how you get on with it

Expert answer

Hi James,

This is a difficult one to diagnose from afar. There's either something wrong with the control and its signal to the ventilation system or with the actuator that diverts air to the windows. Have you confirmed that air does blow out as fast as ever via the face/feet vents when in those modes?

I'm afraid we'd have to recommend bringing the car at the very least to a good mechanic, but probably best to a Hyundai service centre as it's more likely they'll have seen it before.

If you are hoping to tackle it for yourself, you can start by removing the glovebox, which is relatively easy. The unit sitsbehind that. Just don't expect it to be easy to work on...

In the meantime I'll contact a Hyundai service technician and will let you know if we can tell you any more.

Best of luck.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I put your question to Paul Healy, our News Editor, but also a very experienced man in the way of Japanese imports. Here's his response:

May we first commend you on your choice of choice of cars? There is little that can offer the kind of thrills the MX-5/Eunos Roadster does for the money.

In regards to your question; yes the Eunos Roadster is essentially just a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) MX-5, but there are a few differences between the two cars. For the most part these are cosmetic or inconsequential differences such as the shape of the number plate surround or the fact that the speedometer will be in km/h instead of mph (which is actually handier). The bigger issues relate to the likes of the thinner windscreen that would require a new surround rubber should you need to replace it with one from a MX-5 and also the engine management system (ECU) differs between the cars, but failure of this system is rare so the likelihood of it being a problem is minimal.

While air conditioning was offered on both models many MX-5s do not have it whereas most Eunos Roadsters do. This means that the power steering belt that would also drive the air conditioning compressor will be different between the two cars. So too will be the radiator, as the Eunos almost certainly (the Japanese like their air conditioning) will have additional mounting points for the unit.

None of these issues present any real problem though. Such is the appeal of the MX-5/Eunos Roadster that a whole industry has sprung up to supply parts for both cars that are sometimes unavailable through official channels. Websites such as mx5parts.co.uk and mx5ireland.com are good resources.

Hope this helps!