Expert answer

Hi Jemima,

It really depends on which model you're talking about. Assuming it's the all-new Qashqai launched this year, the 1.5-litre dCi diesel are in Band A2, costing just €180 per year to tax; the 1.6-litre diesel (manual or automatic) is in Band A4 at €200 per year; while the 4x4 Qashqai with the 1.6-litre diesel is in Band B1, costing €270 per year. The 1.2-litre petrol versions are also in Band B1.

Hope that's of some help

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We asked Volkswagen's tech people about this:

"I've never heard of a complaint like this before, but I'm guessing it's something in the adjustable lumbar support feature fitted to the seat that may not be operating correctly or secured correctly. Depending on the specification of the car this may be manually adjustable or electrically adjustable.

Without any knowledge of the mileage or previous use of the car it is not possible to determine if this is manufacturer defect or from an outside influence.

We would recommend the car is brought to a main dealer for inspection and advise on recommended repair."

Sounds like good advice to us Brendan. Here's the Volkswagen dealer locator.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Sean, 

We asked Audi in this case and it has a timing belt. The change interval should be shown in your user manual.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

The CO₂ emissions of that model are 139g/km so the annual motor tax is going to cost you €280. VRT is much, much harder to calculate as it's down to the spec more than the year and mileage, and the mandarins of Revenue are famously arcane in their calculations. Prices for that model seem to hover around the €15,000 mark so, assuming Revenue accepts that as being the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), then the VRT would be 19 per cent of that, which is €2,850.

Please don't take that as gospel though!

Expert answer

Hi Anna,

There are several versions of that car, and there as a model year change in late 2009 so it depends which it is exactly. Here are a few examples, assuming you're not talking about the estate:

- 1.8 TDCi saloon with 100hp and five-speed manual gearbox: 149g/km CO₂ (Band C): €390

- 1.8 TDCi saloon with 125hp and stop-start (called 'Eco') and five-speed manual gearbox: 139g/km CO₂ (Band B2): €280

- 1.8 TDCi saloon with 125hp and five-speed manual gearbox: 154g/km CO₂ (Band C): €390

If you give us the registration number we can give you the exact price of tax.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

We put this to Kyle Fortune, one of our UK-based writers, as he's the only one of the team that has driven both cars:

"The Jaguar will undoubtedly feel like more of an event initially, the V6's engine and exhaust note are superb, though in some ways it's extrovert sound does promise more than the engine ultimately delivers. It's agile, fast and easy to drive, with an edge that makes it fun, too. The Cayman GTS is a different proposition; it's mid- rather than front-engined, which immediately makes it feel more exotic, even if familiarity - there are lots of Boxsters and Caymans out there, and less F-Types - does lessen its impact. Neither will disappoint, but the Porsche is the more engaging, more polished drive. It's arguably the best sports car you can buy, though the Jag runs it close. Clincher for me would be that the Cayman GTS is available as a manual, the Jag only an automatic."

Hope that's of interest!

Expert answer

Hi Graham,

It depends which model you are referring to. Our records show the following:

- RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (petrol) automatic: 212g/km - Band F, €1,200 per annum

- RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (petrol) manual: 202g/km - Band F, €1,200 per annum

- RAV4 2.2 D-4D (diesel) manual: 173g/km - Band E, €750 per annum

Come back to us if it's something else and we'll look into it.

Expert answer

Hi Tanya,

Actually, both cars have exactly the same engine - BMW's long-serving 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. The first generation X5 is little short of excellent, with terrific handling and a gorgeous, comfortable cabin. Reliability isn't the best though. The engines have occasional problems with fuel injectors and developing cracks in the inlet manifold, while steering and suspension are also prone to damage and wear. X5s are also notorious for chewing through tyres at a ferocious rate. The engine's air mass sensor can also fail, leading to poor acceleration although you'll spot that easily enough on a test drive.

Basically, it's worth getting any potential purchase checked over by the AA for any faults, and just ignore anything that doesn't come with a full service history. Oh, and it's better to go for the 2004 one - that should have the newer six-speed automatic gearbox (ignore manuals - they'll be worth much less come trade-in time) that improves fuel economy to just over 30mpg.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The last-generation S60 got a bit unfairly hit by various Irish tax regimes (it never had an engine under 2.0 litres for instance), but it's actually a cracking car - well built and superbly comfy, as Volvos tend to be. Keep an eye out for minor electronic glitches (the cruise control and electric windows seem to be vulnerable points) and if the engine is 'lumpy' when you're switching it off, you're looking at injector issues - expensive ones.

In terms of day-to-day running costs, it should do 44mpg with a manual gearbox (a little less with the optional automatic) and emissions of 175g/km mean you can tax it for €750 a year. That's pricey, but better than buying a pre-2008 model (2008-2009 was the last full year of production) when the engine capacity would land you with a €1,034 tax bill. One running cost to keep an eye on is front tyres. The S60 is quite nose-heavy and has a massive turning circle, things that tend to banjax the front boots. Check any potential purchase for worn rubber and budget for at least a new set every year.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

In general it's used to describe an automatic gearbox that can also be switched into a mode where the driver takes control of the gear changes. There's no clutch operation needed. Most of the time, what is referred to as a semi automatic transmission uses the same components as a manual gearbox, but the clutch operation is done by electro hydraulic means. Some people refer to the latest generation of dual-clutch gearboxes as semi automatics too.

In summary, it's an automatic, but with extra functionality. Note that they're not usually as smooth to drive as conventional automatics.

Come back to us if you need more information.