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Previously answered questions
Am I being ripped off for a timing belt change?
Hi. I brought my car to a mechanic recently for a service as its NCT is up soon. He told me as I've over 60,000 miles on the clock my timing belt needs to be replaced, but between labour and parts it'll cost around €400. Is this true? He doesn't seem like the world's most dishonest guy in fairness, but I don't want to have to shell out another €400 unless it's completely necessary.
Brion Lynch (Dingle)
Apr 2010 Filed under: servicing
Scrappage or cash deal?
Can you tell me if the current scrappage scheme is really worth it? Surely a cash deal would have the same results?
Peter Maher (Ennis)
Apr 2010 Filed under: scrappage
Any automatic diesels in Ireland?
I've recently moved back to Ireland from Central Europe and can't believe the Irish motor trade's attitude to automatic cars. I've heard various salesmen say stuff like "they give trouble", "fuel consumption is very high" and "sure why would you want one of those?"
I had a deal almost done on a Toyota Avensis diesel until I asked for it with an automatic gearbox. 'Not available in Ireland' I was told. My questions are as follows:
What automatic diesels are available in Ireland? What would you recommend for a family of four? Can automatics be in a different tax band from their manual brothers?
Stuart Foley (Malahide)
Apr 2010 Filed under: automatic
How do I remove bird poo marks?
Hi guys. Any cheap fixes for my Renault Mégane? Bird poo has burnt the paint away in spots.
Maura Smith (Limerick)
Apr 2010 Filed under: cleaning
Will home servicing affect warranty?
Will home servicing affect my car's warranty?
Paul Hegarty (Dublin)
Apr 2010 Filed under: warranty
VW Golf or Ford Focus?
Which is better? VW Golf or Ford Focus? I can't seem to decide. I'm not talking GTI or ST. Just a basic economy model thanks.
Laura Thompson (Dublin)
Apr 2010 Filed under: hatchback
Should I buy a crew cab?
Hi guys. For years we have been a two-car family. My wife drove the family car and I had the van. We are seriously considering becoming a one-vehicle household and want to ask your opinion on crew cabs. I have heard so many different views that that I'm confused. Can you recommend a model?
David McNamara (Clare)
Apr 2010 Filed under: pick-up
Should Lada come back to Western Europe?
I have read that Lada are preparing to move into the Western European market in 2012. Is it really worth it, given their reputation and the fact that the budget end of the market is pretty heavily saturated already?
Paul Campbell (Irishtown)
Apr 2010 Filed under: budget
How much is the new Alfa Giulietta?
How much will the new Alfa Giulietta be in Ireland?
Brion Lynch (Dingle)
Apr 2010 Filed under: pricing
Are hybrids as environmentally friendly as manufacturers claim?
I'm becoming environmentally conscious in my old age. I am fortunate to have come in to a few bob and now have a budget of around €40,000 to spend on a new car. Are hybrids as environmentally friendly as the manufacturers claim or would I be better off spending my money on something like a Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI and keeping it for 10 years?
Martin Kinsella (Mayo)
May 2010 Filed under: hybrid
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