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Previously answered questions

Who can sort my Mazda6 problem?

I currently drive a 2006 Mazda6 TD Sport with 260,000km on the clock - I'm a taxi driver so I do big mileage: over 200,000km in two and a half years. Needless to say I've had problems with the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and had to have it regenerated six or seven times. Now the DPF has run it's course and can no longer be regenerated. The price is very prohibitive to get a new DPF, as it costs about €2,500 before fitting.

I couldn't afford to go for this option so decided to have the DPF removed and get the ECU remapped. This has worked to a certain extent, economy has improved and power has been increased. Only problem is that the DPF light is still flashing and engine management light is on.

Would you be able to recomend somebody who can sort this problem for me?

Ronan Laverty (Bettystown )

Mar 2011 Filed under: taxi

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New Honda Civic or Opel Astra diesel?

I have a three-year old 2.2 CTDi Honda Civic. Should I trade it for a 2.0 CDTi Opel Astra or wait a year for the new diesel Civic?

Donal Walsh (Clonmel)

Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

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What recalls were the Volvo S80 subject to?

Thank you for your advice re Volvo S80 (see this question). Could you let me know what are the faults that you refer to? Also, I am consious that the BMW is rear-wheel drive and couldn't locate a four-wheel drive 520d. I can get a 2007 Volvo S80 D5 AWD Tiptronic for the same price as a BMW 520d SE auto. Thanks for all your help.

Justin Mc Elwee (Sligo)

Mar 2011 Filed under: recall

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Mitsubishi Colt or Toyota Yaris?

Just looking for advice on which is the best small automatic car. My wife is looking at a Mitsubishi Colt versus a Toyota Yaris. I've heard some bad reports on the Yaris automatic and I am wondering if these are unfounded. She currently has a Nissan Micra 1.2 Auto.

Tom Brady (Drogheda)

Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

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What do you think of the Volvo S80?

What do you think of a 2007 Volvo S80 AWD D5 Geartronic? Is it as safe and reliable and economical as others in its sector? I have had Volvos and BMWs (530d and 520d) and found the Volvo better for comfort, safety reliability and the BMW better as a driver's car with great engines...

Justin Mc Elwee (Sligo)

Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car

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Scrappage conundrum

I have a customer with a scrappage question that I can't answer. Her daughter passed on her car to her 12 months ago and now the mother would like to scrap this car. Is it possible? Her daughter has had it for a few years and the mother has had it since 12 months ago. Does the car qualify?

Paul Lyttleton (Clonmel)

Mar 2011 Filed under: scrappage

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Will home servicing affect my warranty?

My car is due in for warranty work.  When booking it in the woman asked if it had been serviced.   Obviously I have had it serviced, but not at the main dealers. I have a friend who is a mechanic who I trust. He serviced it for me for a fraction of the dealer cost, using genuine parts.  

Unfortunately, because he serviced it at my house rather than at the garage where he works he hasn't stamped my service book. Is this likely to affect my warranty? I have the receipts for the original parts used but no stamp!

Any help would be appreciated. 

Chris Burke (Barnsley)

Mar 2011 Filed under: servicing

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Toyota Avensis or VW Passat Estate?

Hi guys,

I am looking at a 2006 Toyota Avensis Estate D-4D 130bhp six-speed. It is €5,700 in Northern Ireland from an after market dealer. What sort of economy does this manage? Is it a good buy or not? Or would a 2005 VW Passat Estate with 130bhp be better?

Jim O'Sullivan (Co.Cork.)

Mar 2011 Filed under: choosing used car

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Can you recommend an MPV as a second car?

Can you recommend an MPV as a second car?

Reilly Sean (Longford)

Feb 2011 Filed under: choosing new car

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Will the new driving licence rules affect me?

Do the new rules that are coming into force in April apply to people with learner permits or do you need your full licence to avoid these new rules?

Adrian Noonan (Cork)

Feb 2011 Filed under: driving licence

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4,971 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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