Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Pascal Lynch:
I bought a new car in May 2001 and, while browsing on the internet recently, found that the AA's British website lists a number of recalls for it. One of those recalls is for a potential steering column bearing problem, and the website lists the ranges of VINs affected.
The VIN on my car is within the ranges listed by the AA but my car was never recalled for repair. How do I find out if my car should have been repaired by the Irish importer? Is there a government department responsible for vehicle recalls in this country?
Ultimately it's the responsibility of the importer to ensure that appropriate measures are taken regarding recalls. If there are problems arising from a failure on the part of the retailer then it is an issue that can be brought to the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.
At present there is no central information source for details on recalls, although the British AA site is a good starting pointt . It's at www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/ recalls/index.jsp . . . or via the main British AA website at www.theaa.com
From Mr Fitzsimons:
I've been looking at a new 2.3lt 250 bhp Saab 95 Aero saloon. In Britain it starts at £26,795 (€39,321). Here, the very same model costs £39,152 (€57,450). Where on earth does the €18,000 go?
Surely we would all be better off hopping on a Ryanair flight for €1, buying a car and driving it back via the ferry. Then we could register it for VRT et al - surely doing this would cost less than €18,000?
Your ire should be directed mainly at the Government. Unfortunately VRT et al does indeed come to about €18,000. Just to go through the maths. We contacted Saab's Irish distributor to run us through the figures. According to Anthony Neville, the price breaks down as follows:
The price in Britain for the 9-5 Aero is £26,795, which converted at the rate for a sterling draft last week (66p to the euro) works out at €40,598.
If you were to import this car you would deduct the British VAT, which comes to €6,046. That gives you a net price for the car of €34,552.
Unfortunately to import it into Ireland you would have to then pay VAT at 21 per cent (€7,256) and the dreaded VRT (€15,511). All that brings the final total to €57,319. This compares to an Irish price €57,450. That's a saving of €131. Some may think it's worth it, but remember that largely depends on the exchange rate at the time - only a few months ago the same calculation showed the car after tax to be cheaper here than in Britain.
As for those tempted by the €131 saving to run off to book their flights, Neville reminds us of some hidden costs of the grand plan. Add handling charge, airport tax, credit card fee to the plane ticket, not to mention the fact the ferry back will cost about €195 plus petrol, meals and a possible overnight stay.
The trick it would seem is to watch the exchange rate. But is it all worth it in the end?
From David Egan, Blackrock:
My wife and I have six kids but our Voyager has only seven seats. We are anxious to avoid a "van/mini-bus" type of car and wonder if you are aware of any other alternatives in the price range of between €40,000 and €45,000.
We admit defeat on this challenge. First off there is nothing on the market that we are aware of that carries more than seven people and does not resemble a mini-bus/van. In fact, in the car category, including MPVs, there is nothing that can comfortably seat eight. Even the seven-seaters are cramped when everybody is aboard.
As it is, you are driving arguably the best-looking MPV on the market. Our only suggestion is that you look towards "cars" such as the Mercedes V-Class range.
It may just squeeze into your price range, but may come cheaper on the used market, though be sure not to buy a used taxi.
The Mercedes does resemble vans to a certain extent yet it's more elegant than, say, a Toyota Hiace. However, people mistaking you for a taxi may occasionally wave you down.
Another point to note is that, with one more passenger, you'll have to re-sit your driving test and apply for a D-category, or bus, licence. Still, it may pay off if they ever do privatise the bus services in Dublin.
Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie