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Hi John,

We asked Toyota Ireland about this and here was the response:

"We would need a lot more details. However, it sounds like a multi mode transmission issue. This car need to be pluged into a diagnostic tool. I recommend that it's taken to a Toyota dealer for a diagnostic check."

Hopefully it doesn't prove too expensive to rectify...

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Hi Roy,

The Mustang went on sale in Ireland earlier this year and prices start from €55,000 for a 2.3-litre EcoBoost coupe. Here are our reviews:

Ford Mustang 2.3 EcoBoost Convertible review

Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 Coupe review

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Hi Surinder,

Yes, it's possible but don't. Never, ever buy a car with outstanding finance because the previous owner can simply default on their repayments as they please and then the finance provider will equally simply repossess the car. There's nothing you will be able to do about it and precious little legal comeback even if you can track down the former owner. Don't do it.

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Hi Micheál,

As 2005 is the year Ireland changed over to km/h and kilometres it's difficult to know for sure. We'd expect it to be in miles. No matter, in every car it should be quite obvious. If the bigger writing on the speedometer is mph then the odometer is in miles.

Hope that helps

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Hi Gary,

There is no adjustment to be made. We spoke to Honda Ireland about this and it's suspected that fuel contamination and/or a blocked fuel filter is to blame.

First thing to do is change the fuel filter, clear the code and try it again. Honda says it would normally look at what is in the old fuel filter before running the car again, as it may reveal a need to drain and clean the fuel tank.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Michael,

Sorry to tell you that, as far as we know, you only can get boot rubbers that fit over (e.g. no split), and you need a special tool as well. It might be easier to bring the car to a good mechanic.

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Hi Mark,

May I suggest you consult the SIMI website for this? Here are the recommended price guides.

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Hi Kevin,

We've done a bit of digging into this and... there is no good answer. As a general rule of thumb, a USD$2 fall in the price of a barrel of oil should translate into a fall in the price at the pump of between 1.5c and 2c. Since June, the price of a barrel has fallen by, as you point out, USD$18 so where's our 18c cheaper litre of petrol? Answer: no-one's saying.

All the oil industry analysts are pointing to a weaker global price for crude oil, in spite of the recent and current turmoil in the Middle East. US reserve stocks are up, usage in China is down a little, all of which puts the price of oil under pressure. 

In fact, the price of a litre of petrol in the UK, which takes its feed from the same Brent Crude contract as us, has fallen by a few pence per litre recently, but in Ireland the price has actually gone up by 2c on average. Inflation? Nope, that's not the cause - the Central Statistics Office has inflation pegged at a lowly 0.4 per cent right now.

So, are the oil companies and distributors just gouging us? Possibly, yes. None of those contacted for an explanation deigned to respond, and there has been no increase in fuel duty nor carbon tax from the government side so the only logical explanation left is... yup, gouging.

All we can suggest is to do the usual - shop around and try and find the best price you can. There's no point in popping across the border, sadly - the UK's price of around STG£1.29 for a litre of petrol equates to around €1.64 and that's before bank transaction charges.

Come on Apple Green, Texaco, Maxol, Topaz et al; your input cost has fallen significantly. Why aren't we consumers getting the benefit?

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Hi Roland,

Learning to drive and need an automatic? Frankly, you can't go wrong with a Nissan Micra auto and there are lots around. I just spotted a nice, old-shape one from 2006 with an auto box for just €4,995. As reliable as the day is long, nice to drive and perfect for a learner.

One thing though, yes, it's entirely possible to take your test with an auto, but then you will be only licenced to drive automatics from then on. It might be worth your while braving the transition to a manual for the test, just so as you're not restricting your car choice further down the line.

Best of luck with it

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Hi Aidan,

Hyundai Ireland quotes 6.0 litres/100km, which is 47.1mpg.