Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

Odds are that this is being caused by the switch that operates the warning. Open the door and take a look for a spring-loaded switch and inspect it for damage. After that it's worth checking the wiring to it. Then it's probably best to consult a mechanic or auto-electrician.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

Well, if you could tell us the exact make and model you’re looking at,  we can tell you. All motor tax rates since 2008 are calculated on the CO₂ emissions of the car (unless it’s a commercial version) and that can be affected by everything from the engine to the gearbox to items of trim and equipment. The more detail you can give us, the more precise an answer we can give. For reference, read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

We spoke with someone from BMW and the official line is they were testing their system with rates that they've predicted. The figures were not due to stay live. However, you can be full sure they're close to the real thing! If you are truly interested in a price we can put you in touch with someone in BMW to discuss it with.

Following our discussion via email, best of luck with your new purchase. I hope the new VRT rate doesn't shaft you unduly...

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

Despite the premium image, the Lexus IS isn't all that bad. Servicing rates are generally cheaper than other premium brands, which helps offset more regular service intervals. It's also a highly reliable model, so you should only be paying for routine maintenance. It's not too bad on fuel either considering.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

The Nissan Skyline saloon did not really get caught up in the upsurge of popularity experienced by other rear-wheel drive Japanese four-doors towards the end of the Celtic Tiger era so is still a fairly rare model. This would go some way to explaining why the Revenue Online Service (ROS) value seems so low. The Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) is based on an 'average' for that particular model, but with so few cars having been imported it can be difficult to determine a true average.

Regarding the car you have highlighted, and taking into account current exchange rates and the VRT calculated by ROS that car would cost €5,824, which seems expensive to our eyes.

A thorough search of all the classified adverts we could find revealed a few similar cars, albeit with higher mileage, in the region of €3,500 - €4,000.

The one you're looking at does have some nice additions such as the wheels, suspension and spoiler, but whether they and the low mileage warrant a near €2,000 premium is a question only you can answer.

Let us know how you get on.

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.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

According to Ciaran Allen, Sales Manager of Mercedes-Benz, "Stop/start is the main factor in reducing CO₂ and is available now on manual models. We are not expecting full availability on stop/start including seven-speed auto until August production - September arrival. Because of our market seasonality August and September are not big production months for us, so while it will be available we really consider E-Class seven-speed as a 2012 car. The model price won't be reduced but the auto road tax will go from band C to band B."

Hope that answers your question?

Expert answer

Hi John,

It was developed in-house by the Hyundai-Kia Group for fitment in a wide range of future vehicles. It is a six-speed unit. The driver can choose from two operating modes - fully automatic or ‘Sport’.  For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal, while ‘Sport’ mode allows for clutch-less manual gear changes for greater driver involvement - either using the centre console selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted ‘paddles’ (standard on all automatic models). 

The paddles  enable the driver to change gear without taking his/her hands off the steering wheel.  Pulling the right-hand paddle towards the driver changes ‘up’, while pulling the left-hand paddle changes ‘down’.

Although the six-speed transmission is a regular ‘torque converter’ automatic, it incorporates a unique ‘flat’ torque converter, with three planetary gear sets and four pinion differentials - ensuring, according to Hyundai, ultra-fast, smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the engine speed range - and it weighs just 78kg - 20 kg more than the manual gearbox.

Its layout makes this transmission the most compact six-speed unit currently available anywhere in the world according to Hyundai.  It is 54 mm shorter and weighs 12kg less than a regular five-speed unit and boosts fuel economy by up to 12 per cent.  Like the i40’s six-speed manual, the automatic is a ‘filled for life’ maintenance-free unit. 

Automatic transmission-equipped i40s will feature cruise control and Hyundai’s ‘Active Eco System‘ economy indicator to assist with fuel-efficient driving.

Hope that's enough information?

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

We spoke to Volkswagen Ireland about this and this is what it had to say:

"Direct lenders (banks) and credit unions are supplying money (if at all) at around 9 percent - 10 percent.  Volkswagen are offering 5.9% so significantly under standard rates and hardly a rip-off. SEAT and Skoda for tactical reasons have decided to offer exceptional rates on certain model lines to push sales even harder and you can see that Volkswagen have also done that for Polo.  The rate is a decision by each Brand and used as tactical tool where appropriate."

I hope this helps!

Expert answer

Hi Shay,

This kind of question is difficult to answer definitively, as there is a massive variation in rates charged by different mechanics and garages. It also depends on which engine your car has, as some take more time than others.

However, it's worth knowing that the work should take between three and five hours to complete and that you will have to pay for a water pump as well as a timing belt kit.

I'd be surprised if you get much change from €400 - 500 no matter where you get the work done.

I hope that's of some help.