Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

I've just recently driven the BMW 318d GT with an automatic gearbox in Irish specification (Luxury to be exact) on Irish roads and it's a fabulously comfortable car. It feels (and is) hugely spacious inside and in the boot too. Surprisingly, it's quite different to drive and in character to both the 3 Series saloon and Touring estate. It's even more comfortable on the road and more refined. However, if you're coming from one of those cars and you like how they drive you may not appreciate the reduced 'sharpness' in the dynamics. Most people won't care though and they'll relish the comfort.

The 318d engine seems to cope well enough with the car's weight and the eight-speed automatic transmission is a gem.

Which version are you considering?

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Hi Louise,

Well, in terms of reliability and solidity there aren't any major issues to report. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota and the most significant fact is probably that Toyota sells the current Terios under its own badge in Japan. Parts could be a small issue as Daihatsu has departed the Irish market following several years of falling sales, but independent retailers such as MicksGarage.ie can provide most of the major bits and pieces. Just check and make sure that any previous owner hasn't bashed panels and underlying mechanical parts in off-road use, and make sure that the cabin is in good shape as it's full of cheap plastics that mark and scratch easily.

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Hi Tricia,

The new Mazda6 is a fantastic car and definitely comparable to the Audi A4 of equivalent value. The Mazda comes with a powerful and economical 2.2-litre diesel engine, which is refined and decently fast when needed. The car itself is more spacious than the Audi inside, plus of just as good quality. It's also comfortable and good to drive. In all, we thoroughly recommend it.

Here's our Irish test of the Mazda6 Tourer for reference.

Let us know how you get on.

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Hi Ken,

OK, having combed the Revenue information booklets, as far as we can tell, the age of the vehicle in question means that it is not liable for VAT, but will, of course, be liable for VRT. It wouldn't hurt to double check with your local tax office to confirm this, though. Revenue tend to actually be very helpful with such inquiries, just be up front with them.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Ruairi,

OK, the good news: that model of 944 is probably the cheapest to run and maintain. The bad news: 944s are not cheap to run and maintain. 

Essentially, as with almost all Porsches, 944s are very much over-engineered and built to last. Which is great, and mileages of over 200,000 miles on these cars are not uncommon. But to keep them in fettle, you've got to maintain them carefully and use correct original, or at least very high quality pattern, parts. The problem is that many previous owners have tried to run one on the cheap, and the results can be disastrous.

More good news though is that these early model 944s had the indestructible cast brake calipers, which give much less trouble than the later alloy ones. 

The main mechanical weak point is the tensioner for the camshaft chain, which can snap without warning and the subsequent engine rebuild bill can often be far more than the value of the car.

It would be a good idea to get in touch with the Irish Porsche owners' club, www.porsche-club-ireland.ie, as its members will be able to point you in the  direction of a good one and will be more than happy to offer more detailed technical advice. 

Other than that, best of luck and send us a photo of your pride and joy when you get it!

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

We received some very helpful tips from Valerie, the Munster secretary of the Irish Caravan Club, on this one:

"Hope this is of some help in answering your query:  The Caravan Club recommends taking 85% of the kerb weight of the car and this is the max weight of caravan you should tow.  Most 1.6-litre cars are around 1,300- to 1,400kg in weight so there would be a good margin to play with in this case. Remember there will always be added weight to take account of to include the awning, BBQ, Cadac, bicycles, aqua roll, to name but a few items! Correctly loading the caravan is very important, balancing the weight between car and caravan, but all this comes with a bit of experience. Joining one of the caravan clubs and talking with experienced caravanners is the best way to learn the ropes."

Hope this is of help

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Hi Peadar,

Dacia Ireland told us it has no plans to introduce a seven-seat model to the Irish market at this stage.

Hope that helps

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Hi there,

There is no one-source fixed list, so it depends on whether you mean proper two-seat commercial versions or the ‘tax-dodge’ five-seaters with commercial status. Of those second category, they’re becoming thinner on  the ground as  the tax loophole closes, but Mitsubishi still offers an ‘Executive’ version of the Pajero, Volkswagen offers a version of the Touareg and you can get a dealer-converted version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. There are also independent convertors who can alter a great many larger SUVs to ‘business’ status with five seats intact, but obviously you’ll want to shop around and find the best and most reputable.

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Hi David,

We reckon the Impreza (and what a cracking car that was) should be worth between €2,000 - €3,000 to you, but getting a dealer to take it as a trade-in could be tricky - at least if you want to get the best price for it. It basically depends on the dealer in question. You might be better off going through the Irish Subaru Drivers' Club (http://www.isdc.ie) and seeing if one of its members is in the market for a car like yours. Subaru's appeal is still something of a niche thing and preaching to the converted may help you get a better price.

Whatever, it'll be worth it to get your hands on an RX-8. It's still one of the most fun, and coolest, cars we've driven in years and the day it went out of production (just recently) left more than a couple of damp eyes around here. Remind us to tell you some time about a late run across a deserted North Wales to catch the Hollyhead ferry in a 192hp RX-8...

Expert answer

Hi there,

We're told that the new Skoda Yeti will be here in 2014 with a revised look front and rear (and we suspect on the inside too). There are no official or otherwise shots available though.

Thanks