Expert answer

Hi Gabriel,

We had a worth with our contact at Cartell.ie and this is what they said:

"Unit Stocking usually points to dealer finance. These types of issues can often be resolved, but as with any amount outstanding on a vehicle Cartell would advise caution until the matter is resolved. A Cartell.ie report provides a contact telephone number and account reference number for finance markers in the UK - so the customer can contact the bank directly and look to clarify the issue. If you are still having problems ring Cartell.ie customer service team on 1890 252331 or 01 5241517 and they'll be happy to talk you through the steps."

Hope that you get sorted

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Hi Martin,

Camping vehicles, no — you can drive them as much as you like (depending on any mileage agreed with your insurer of course). Classic vehicles, usually yes — again, each policy is different and you can always negotiate, but Irish insurers tend to view classic and ‘vintage’ cars as very much show ponies, and you’re usually stuck both with a 5,000km annual limit and the need to show proof of having a ‘normal’ car insured and taxed for day-to-day use. 

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Hi Lily,

We’ll very likely find out a good deal more about the new small Lexus crossover at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, or failing that the Geneva show in March. Here’s what we know for now, though...

It will be called the Lexus UX, and the company has already trademarked the UX 250h badge for the hybrid version. That suggests it may use the 2.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid assistance found in the existing Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but, as the UX will platform share with the smaller Toyota C-HR, it may be that it will get a higher performance version of that car’s 1.8-litre hybrid. Certainly, Toyota has been making noise about a higher performance version of the C-HR Hybrid so it’s likely that both models are being developed in tandem.

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Hi Michael,

The problem is that it’s not an open and transparent system. Because there is no official guide for second hand prices in the Ireland (such as the UK’s Glass’s Guide) it means that Revenue can set a value that they see fit, both for vehicles and for extras. Sadly, and I’m sorry that this isn’t much use to you, any value we might ascribe to such extras is a pure guess, and could be completely at variance with what Revenue eventually says. It’s an unpleasant quirk of an outdated vehicle taxation system.

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Hi Gavin,

Well the obvious answer for the first part is that there’s a 27hp difference — the 177hp 2.0-litre TDI engine has significantly more power and torque, but to be honest the 150hp version is pretty sufficient. S line and SE Tecknik are pretty similar in overall equipment levels, but the S line will have slightly lower, firmer suspension so may not be ideal for you depending on where you mostly drive. The knob below the gear stick is the MMI system, which controls the car’s setting and infotainment. If it doesn’t have that then it’s a pretty basic model, on which the original owner hasn’t spent any money on extras. 

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Hi Patrick,

It depends where on the window the crack is and how big it is. Click here to view the official NCT testing manual - go to page 26 and it clearly shows how cracks in the windscreen are assessed.

Best of luck

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Hi Sean,

It probably won’t. Opel confirmed at the Paris Motor Show last year that there won’t be right-hand drive production of the Ampera-e and that position has not yet changed. If there’s a sudden jump in demand from the UK and Ireland for electric cars, then Opel may well reconsider, but for now, we won’t be getting it. 

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Hi Gerry,

The new-look Skoda Octavia is now in Irish showrooms.

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Hi Tony,

How come the Prius wasn't used for a couple of years? That's the first question you'll be asked. If it's in good condition and still works fine, and you can show a current NCT, then there's no particular reason that a dealer wouldn't take it as a trade in, but you'll need to be honest and open about the history of the car. 

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Hi Anthony,

The thing is, it shouldn’t make a difference, but it probably will. Our advice to buyers, and it’s the sensible advice, is to basically ignore the mileage and concentrate on the paperwork. If a car comes with a thick sheaf of service book stamps and receipts showing that it has been properly cared for, then the mileage is more or less irrelevant. A well cared for car with huge miles will always be a better car than a low-miles one that’s been abused.

Unfortunately, not everyone listens to us and so, yes, high miles or kilometres can still be an issue. I think the best thing you can do is to go and have a chat with your local dealer and see what they say. If your car is impeccably kept and serviced, then they may say that mileage will only be a minor factor and you can keep the car you’ve got for a bit yet. If they say otherwise, then it may be time to swap.