Expert answer

Hi William,

Ford is swearing blind that the all-new Mondeo (which has already been on sale for two years in the US as the Ford Fusion) is finally coming to these shores in the autumn of this year. The delay is being explained by the need to move the Mondeo's production line from the Ford factory in Ghenk, Belgium (which is being closed down) to Valencia in Spain.

Many of us car critics have pondered though whether or not Ford is simply stalling to try and let the European passenger car market recover before it introduces such a significant new model. If so, job done it would seem.

The new Passat is a little further away, but should be here by mid-2015 at the latest. Prototypes of the new car are already pounding the roads and test tracks of Europe racking up mileage and it's likely that we'll get a first look at the new car (which will be based on the same MQB chassis system as the current Golf) at the Paris Motor Show this September.

In the meantime, it's worth pointing out that the current Mondeo and Passat are still cars operating at the very top of their game and with new models on the way, it's likely you could argue yourself a decent deal on one.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

The car could well have been off the road or traded in to a UK dealer before sitting around for a while and then coming to Ireland.

Nonetheless, it's best to be safe. We recommend a Cartell.ie history report. It can pick up mileage discrepancies, even on UK cars.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Paul,

Yes, it does. The iQ has disappeared off the price lists in Ireland, but it's still available in the UK and across Europe. It's a shame that Irish buyers never really took to it as it's an immensely clever car and actually really quite good to drive. It was always expensive for such a small car though, and that's probably what scuppered its chances in this market.

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Hi Gerard,

OK, it's basic consumer law at work here. Assuming your contract was made with the dealer when he was still a Citroen main dealer, then he must honour the original deal that was made. If not, you've been supplied with the car either as a mistake or under false pretences. It doesn't matter that he doesn't have the Citroen franchise any more - he can still order a car from them under the EU's block exemption rules. If he tries to fob you off saying that his new franchisee won't let him, don't buy it - he must still fulfil the original contract. If there's still no joy, contact Citroen Ireland directly - they're located in Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin and explain your situation.

Do let us know how you get on.

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Hi there,

I’d be slightly careful. Remapping can unleash more power and torque, but you need to be very careful that the chip comes from a reputable source and that it won’t unduly affect the reliability and fuel consumption of the engine. I’d have a word with the guys at the Volkswagen and Audi owners club of Ireland, VAGE, as they tend to know their onions and would be able to give you more precise advice.

Expert answer

Hi William,

The new Lexus NX will be unveiled in public for the first time next month (April) at the Beijing motor show in China. It is possible that we'll get a static preview of the car ourselves in May in London before driving it in September for review. The NX goes on sale in Ireland in October.

Let us know if we can help with anything else

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The new Ford Focus is expected to begin deliveries here in Ireland from July of this year, although that was a provisional date given to us at the preview of the car last month, so that date could move back by a month or so. The new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine sounds like it will be a great choice for the new Focus, and should be available straight away in 150hp guise - there will also be a 180hp version. If you're planning on getting one of the new versions straight away, I'd advise paying a visit to your local dealer soon, as allocations are likely to be small when the car first goes on sale. 

Hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

You can indeed get a lower rate of VAT and VRT when importing a commercial vehicle from the UK. For VRT you'll pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) - the price that Revenue reckons the car is worth in Ireland, not what you paid for it. Buying second hand in the UK and having the car converted is also a fine idea, but best to have the conversion done in the UK so that the car is already in commercial form when it lands here.

By the way, all this only applies if you're bringing in a commercial vehicle to use for work purposes. If you're using such a vehicle for social, domestic or pleasure use and paying VRT, VAT and motor tax at the commercial rate, you're technically breaking the law.

Here's our full guide to importing a car from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

Hachis are notoriously hard to price as there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Gone are the days of cars being sold fresh off the boat for €12,000 - €13,000, but they still do command more of a premium than other cars of the vintage. The most important consideration of the AE86 is not the presence of a rebuilt engine but the lack of rust. Sill, floorpans and inner arches are all prone to rust and these are the first places prospective buyers will be interested in. There is also the UK/Ireland vs Japan consideration with original European cars being that bit rarer and more coveted than their Japanese cousins. All things considered somewhere between €7,500 - €8,500 seems to be the going price with some exceptional cars going for closer to €10,000.

Hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We asked Audi Ireland about this one. Here's the answer:

"The standard screen for the MMI system is automatically retractable. It electrically pops up upon engine start and reclines upon engine cut.

It only operates for satnav if that is fitted to the car. If the screen does not automatically retract then the Audi owner should get his car checked by an authorised Audi service centre.

There is a button that you can click to retract the screen, but this is only once the car has started. It should automatically come up next time the car starts regardless."

Sounds like you need to bring the car into Audi I'm afraid. Let us know how you get on.