Expert answer

Hi Chris and thanks for your enquiry,

We asked Ciaran Lowe, an ex-service manager for Nissan Ireland, to answer this one for us. He said, "In order to avail of the warranty franchised dealers require vehicles to be maintained according to manufacturer standards using genuine parts.

However, by law, if the car has been serviced at the correct intervals outside of the franchise network and there is proof that GENUINE parts were fitted then the warranty should not be affected.

The genuine parts fitted is the key (if parts are not of merchantable quality it's a different story). There should be no problem as you have all the receipts of genuine parts fitted. Some service advisors can make it difficult depending on the approach."

Hope this helps

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

The combined economy figure for that car is about 50mpg (5.6 litres/100km) and it has CO₂ emissions of 149g/km. I would say that this would be a better buy than a 2005 Passat Estate because there will probably be less wrong with it and it will be easier to put right if it has a few issues. The Passat of that year wasn't VW's finest work, so I'd plump for the Avensis. The usual rules apply in terms of proper history checks.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

We asked Ciaran Lowe, a former service manager for Nissan Ireland, to answer this one. He told us. "I can understand your reasoning for removing the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) because of the excessive cost of replacement. However, the DPF on diesel vehicles plays an important roll in reducing vehicle emissions. In fact these filters can reduce diesel soot emissions by up to 80 percent, so by removing the DPF it is interfering with the emissions on your vehicle. By re-mapping the ECU it is only tricking the engine management  system to see emissions within spec regarding the DPF system. However even with the ECM re-mapped the vehicle will still fail any future emissions tests. The fact your light is on indicates the system has identified out of range emissions."

I'm afraid the best solution all-round is to seek a used DPF filter.

We've talked to a few people in the industry and short of messing with the actual lights in the dashboard there is no way around this. We can't recommend this route, but it could be done by any auto electrician.

Expert answer

Expert answer

Hi Jerome,

I have been on the wrong side of buying 'cheap' premium cars and thinking that I was very clever and to be honest it isn't that clever at all. Once things start to go wrong with some of the German models they can end up costing you an arm and a leg. That might not necessarily be the case with the Lexus IS, which, despite all the bad press the company has had of late, are incredibly reliable. 

However, if you are at all worried about running costs then there is a lot to be said for buying something new, say like an Opel Astra and getting three years of free servicing.

Come back to us if you need some help choosing.

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

I guess it depends on how bad your Ibiza is. You will generally get a better deal as a cash buyer, but it will also probably cost you money to get rid of your Ibiza if you bring it to a scrap yard. Sadly you don't qualify for scrappage. but there are lots of good offers around, especially from the likes of Renault, who will give you a great scrappage price on a car eight years old or over. You could have any Renault Mégane within your budget. We recently drove the GT Line version of the Mégane and it looks great with tons of equipment including a built in TomTom navigation system. 

The Mazda3 diesel is €19,995 and you get air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and alloy wheels as standard and it is a cracker of a car. I think given your budget that this would be an excellent choice. It has low emissions too, so annual road tax is just €104. 

Feel free to come back to us if any of these suggestions don't work. 

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

From April 4 2011 all new first time learner permit holders for cars will be required to undertake mandatory essential driver training (EDT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The course will be 12 hours. The learner will be able to take the lessons at any point during the learning process and can practise with an accompanying driver during the time while taking lessons. Evidence of completing the lessons will be signed off in a learner's logbook by the ADI. Evidence of having taken the lessons will have to be presented before taking a driving test.

Hope that clears it up

Expert answer

Hi David,

According to the NCT website:

"All cars should be tested on or before the anniversary date of first registration of the car in the country of origin. There is no link with motor tax or insurance expiry date.

PLEASE NOTE: NCTS can issue your certificate up to six months early for a first time NCT and three months early for subsequent NCT tests. For example, a car was first registered on the 5th June 2006. The car was due for its NCT on the 5th June 2010, the car is brought for its NCT on the 26th January 2010 and it passes. An NCT Certificate is received with an expiry date of 4th June 2012"

If your car is eligible for the NCT (please refer to the testing chart) then please phone us on 1890 412 413 or you can check our on-line service by simply typing in your car registration number and date of first registration of the vehicle (which can be found on your vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate."

So, it would appear that you need to contact the NCT to check if your car is eligible for a test. 

I hope this helps. 

For more visit the National Car Test Website.

Expert answer

Hi Sharon,

Earlier Renault Méganes were not without their problems, but the latest ones have improved a lot. If you could let us know what year your Mégane is we can investigate your problem with Renault and see what they say.

Let us know.

Expert answer

Hi Trish,

In general, the later Saabs are pretty solid. They are generally based on General Motors platforms and the engines are tried and trusted. As they get older they can become a little expensive to repair but since you are looking at 2007 models or newer then these should be good. It is true that there have been some reports of failed turbos in the past, but they are quite rare. 

There was a recall in 2007 for a problem with the handbrake but in general this car has been good. Depending on your needs, we would say you should get the cabrio, because this has brilliant resale value. This example is nice and comes from a SIMI dealer. 

Otherwise, I would probably go for this 150hp diesel, which has low mileage and would have good fuel economy. 

I hope this helps.