Expert answer

Hi Dee,

It's possible that you may have legal recourse here, though that's never an easy route to go down. I'd suggest getting in touch with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to discuss the situation before you decide.

In terms of general finance rules, if you have paid more than half the PCP value of the car already, then you can by law hand it back and not have to pay anything else. You forfeit any potential equity in the car if you do that of course and if you've paid much more than half, you won't get a refund either. 

In your situation, including a good relationship with the dealer, I'd be tempted to ask for a formal meeting to discuss the problem. Indicate that you're not happy with the car and you want to change it, that you'd rather not explore legal avenues and you'd rather keep your business with the dealer (if that is true). Firmly state that you have no confidence in them fixing the car and that you want to change it. Then let them come up with a solution. If they don't, consider other options as laid out above.

Either way, please do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Ainsley,

In our opinion, the better EV out of the pair is the Tesla Model 3 - but there are caveats to that, and one very big one to consider. Subjective, of course, but the Megane E-Tech is nicer to look at outside and in, and the quality of its interior fittings are also better. It also drives very sweetly, so it's a strong contender.

However, the Model 3 has greater one-shot driving range (both official and real-world), is the more refined car at speed and, once you've tried it you'll realise just how much of a USP the proprietary Supercharger system is for Tesla; there is no finer public recharging experience than this.

The big caveat with the Model 3, though, is the placement of the indicators and the windscreen wiper controls on the steering wheel in the facelifted  version - it's a cackhanded piece of ergonomics if you come to it direct from a car with conventional column stalks.

On top of that, there's a vastly different customer service model at work, as Renault has a nationwide network of dealers you can just pop into, and Tesla does not.

We'd suggest you take all that into consideration while you go test-drive both cars for yourself.

Please do let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

I'm afraid we are no better-placed to make that decision for you as we know nothing about the car or the dealership. If the dealership says it replaced the belt then it's not likely to be lying about that, and you could pay an independent mechanic to take off the timing belt's top cover to inspect the belt. 

I'd be as worried about oil and filter changes, which are crucial for the long life of an engine.

If you have any doubts, walk away from the deal, as there will be other cars.

Expert answer

Hi Marko,

To be 100 per cent sure, look up your local motor tax office on this page and give them a call. Talk them through the situation and see what they say.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Officially, it should be replaced at least every 180,000km regardless of time. There's no harm in doing it more often if you want peace of mind of course.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I wouldn't say the market is being flooded with these cars - demand is still far outstripping supply. 

For the most part, these cars represent good value, but go into the deal with your eyes open. If at all possible, get someone in the know to take a detailed look around the car you're looking at, to make sure it's in good condition and that it's identical to a European-market model. 

I'd insist that the car was serviced on Irish soil before taking delivery, and make sure the tyres are ok as well, as these cars could have spent quite a bit of time at sea and at docks here in Japan.

Other than that, check out your insurance before you commit to buying, as insurers can be a little odd about imports at times. 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

That's trickier than ever to predict right now as prices of used cars have gone through the roof. A dealer would likely try to sell that car for around the €29,000 mark, which means they'd offer you a few grand less as a trade-in. 

Do yourself a big favour though: get offers from several different dealers, as the price will vary.

Let us know how you get on so we can pass the knowledge onto other readers.

The BMW i4 is a great choice by the way!

Expert answer

Hi John,

I drove the 3.0-litre diesel Quattroporte when it was launched in 2015 (read the full review here) and really liked it. Note that we compared it with cars in the class above the E-Class at the time. There's no doubt that it was a lovely car when new and it's certainly a change from the default options.

However, with our sensible hats on, we'd be slow to recommend you make a change from a known quantity such as the E-Class to an older car, especially as the nearest Maserati dealership is in Belfast. 

Some owners report no issues with their Quattroporte, but others have had no end of expensive and annoying faults and for that reason we'd probably steer clear.

If you are still tempted, go have a test drive and get it inspected by an expert. Also, ask to see full details of all work done on the car since new and look for anything unusual - plus you want evidence of a full service history.

Best of luck - do let us know what you decide to do.

Expert answer

Hi John,

We really can’t comment with any accuracy on a specific car, sight unseen. However… the charitable answer could be that the 1.6 TDI diesel is rather unfashionable, especially in a car as small as the A1 (the 1.0 TSI petrol engine was always the better seller), so it could be that the previous owners decided that diesel wasn’t for them and the dealership has since struggled to move it on.

That said, we’d tread carefully. Have you gotten an independent history check through the likes of Cartell.ie? It might also be worth getting an AA Inspection, which will go through the car with a fine toothcomb and find anything that’s wrong. In theory, buying a car that’s been idle shouldn’t present a major problem, but we always work to the rule that mechanical devices are at their best when used, and regularly serviced, rather than left to sit. 

Expert answer

Hi David,

The actual process of changing the tax status on a van from commercial to private use is relatively straightforward — you simply ring up your local motor tax office (you’ll find your nearest one here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1fc151-find-your-local-motor-tax-office/) and tell them what you want to do. They’ll then shift you onto the old engine capacity-based tax system (you’ll pay €710 a year for a 2.0-litre engine) and the job’s done.

Except it isn’t, quite. You will need proof of insurance first, and insurers are — for some reason — reluctant to switch policies over. It’s worth finding a good local broker to help you get the insurance sorted out first of all. 

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more info.