Expert answer

Hi Shane,

First of all, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) utilises the ABS sensors to operate, so if you have DSC then you have ABS. We checked with MINI Ireland about standard equipment on the Cooper S and they confirmed that the September 2008 to 2009 model year version did indeed have DSC as standard, which incorporates ABS, as well as Anti Skid Control (ASC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).

Hope that helps.

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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.

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Hi Donal,

We're not 100% certain is the truth. We've been told that an announcement is imminent regarding Chevrolet sales in Ireland in 2012. It seems logical enough that the Cruze would be sold here in that case.

As soon as we hear for sure we'll let you know.

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 Noel,

Depending where you are in the world people refer to winter tyres as that or snow tyres. However, there are also more extreme tyres available specifically for driving on snow and ice that have metal studs in them.

Winter tyres that are suitable for Irish roads could be used all year around, though they do wear quicker in warmer weather. Likewise, in warmer weather they have less grip than a normal tyre. However, they come into their own in temperatures below +7 degrees centigrade (yes, that warm), as they don't harden. That means they're of use even if you're on a bone-dry road in low temperatures. On top of that they have 'sipes' cut into the rubber that massively increased grip on snow and ice.

Whether it's worth fitting them in Ireland is up for debate. Historically we only have a few days a year in which these tyres would be the best option, but the past two years have certainly increased the perception that we have cold, snowy winters. They are invaluable in such circumstances. Not only do they enhance traction to make it easier to climb hills, they also make it safer and easier to turn and stop.

A good value alternative to have in the boot that'll keep you going (at lower speeds) is snow socks.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

We put this question to official vehicle records experts, Cartell.ie, and this is what they said:

"Ideally, yes it would be advantageous to have CAT D on the logbook. However, in the UK, only CAT A to C is shown on the logbook as these cars require a Vehicle Identification Check (VIC) post-repair and before being used again on the road. The fact that the vehicle passed the VIC will be shown on the V5 (UK log book). In Ireland there is no legal obligation for insurers to notify the Department of Transport (DoT) of the write off. However, Cartell has been working with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) since 2007 to bring about legislation requiring insurers to notify the DoT. Cartell also introduced the Motor Insurers Anti Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) Ireland, which allows insurers to notify the DoT using a Category system which had not been available until MIAFTR came into operation. The proposed legislation may well have CAT D (the lower of the write offs) put onto the log book. Cartell wrote a report on Irish write offs in 2007 and UK write offs in 2008 for the RSA and subsequently all imported cars now have to undergo an NCTS inspection (not a full check). Furthermore, if the V5 has a CAT stamped on it then this will be transferred to the Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC) or Irish log book."

Hope that clears it up?

Expert answer

Hello Jose,

The Toyota Avensis has been a top seller in Ireland for years because it has always proven to be reliable and good value to run, so you are safe enough to assume that this 2008 model would be the same. Obviously as is the case with any use car purchase we would recommend that you buy from a SIMI-registered dealer or even better, to do a Cartell.ie check on the car's history as this can add peace of mind. Given that you do 12,000km a year, which is well below the average, then the petrol model should be fine for you, as a diesel model would most likely cost you a lot more to buy in the first place. Here is an example of a really good one with low mileage. You would pay around €2,000 more for a diesel and you might not get it back over the course of your time with it.

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

We spoke to a technical expert within Skoda Ireland. He confirmed that there's likely to be something else up, as no car would require servicing on that low mileage. The variable indicator works off an oil quality sensor and also takes into consideration length of time between services. It works off two years between services though so if you're doing only 8,500 kilometres every two years that may well be the issue.

With that information to hand, it might be worth popping into your local Skoda dealer and talking it through with them. If you're racking up 8,500 kilometres quickly then there could be a faulty sensor somewhere.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

It will most likely be called the Hyundai ix45 and it should make its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. I doubt we will see it here until the second half of 2012 at the earliest. 

Expert answer

Hi Lorcan,

We spoke to Kia Ireland and they said that your car should be serviced at 20,000km intervals so you have another 8,000km until you need to do it again according to them!