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!

Expert answer

Hi Alison,

The recommeded pressures should be printed in your car's manual and also on a plate, usually located on the door frame when you open one of the front doors. Sometimes it's inside the fuel filler cap too.

Based on the information you've given, we'd assume that you have 185/65 R14 tyres. If so, the fronts should be 2.3 bar/34psi and the rears should be 2.1 bar/31psi.

If you can't find the recommended values on the car and we have the tyre size wrong come back and let us know.

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

Obviously all trade-ins are only worth what the dealer thinks they're worth, so take this as a guideline only. From the information you've given us we reckon you should get round and about €11,000 on trade-in.

Please do let us know how you get on with it.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

This isn't quite an exact science and you can't really "work it out" but instead you can guess based on evidence from the past. Take a look at what the cars retail for after one year, two years, three years and so on and see what percentage of the car's original value it has retained. There have traditionally been some brands that have kept their value better than others - Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen would be some that spring to mind.

Expert answer

Hi Aaron,

I'm afraid a dealer won't value such an old car so highly. They're selling at about €3,000 on dealer forecourts now so you can expect to be offered significantly less on trade-in. You may be better off trying to sell it privately. Advertise at a little under €3,000 and expect to let it got for a few hundred Euro less.

Please do come back to us to let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Well one obvious answer, given the length of your commute would be to charge it in work during the week. Failing that, while the ESB will fit a box to the outside of your house, this would mean a lead being attached to your car from this and this of course could be open to vandalism. You will find that the number of on-street charging posts will dramatically increase over the next 12 months and there may be one near where you live with a special parking spot for an EV. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

You didn't tell us what engine your car has so we're assuming it's the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel. You should get somewhere between €16,500 and €17,500 from a dealer on trade-in.

Please do come back to us to let us know how you get on.

Thank you

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

You've not mentioned the age of the Pathfinder. If it's newer than the Volvo, then it's not a bad deal, though doesn't strike me as amazing when you look at the prices being asked for similar Volvos and Pathfinders.

With regards to what we think of the Pathfinder... It's a fine rugged, capable off-roader, but you may suffer from culture shock moving from your Volvo. The S80 is far more comfortable on the road and, loud engine aside, more refined in general. Obviously the Pathfinder can do serious off-roading and has much more space. The Volvo is probably better on fuel too.

In your position, I'd shop around a little more to see what you can get for your money and, if you don't need the towing capacity or off-road ability, consider something more road-biased.

Do come back to us if you need anything else.

Expert answer

Hi there,

There's no black and white answer to that one I'm afraid. It takes a little research and some experience of the industry. Even so, it's never a factual figure, as different buyers or dealers will offer you different amounts for your car.

Have a good look through Carzone.ie and other car classifieds sites for cars that closely match yours in terms of specification, model year and mileage and make a note of average prices. Bear in mind that the prices advertised (especially those from the trade) are not what you'll receive for your car, so knock a few grand off for relatively new (up to five years old or so) models. Take that figure from your original purchase price to work out the depreciation.

It's an inexact science, but this method should give you a good gauge anyway.