Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From F Slattery:
I'm still very confused over the new rules regarding new car prices and road tax. The new taxes come into effect on July 1st, but I don't know how much CO2 my car puts out, so how will I know how much road tax I'm going to be paying? What's this going to do for used car prices?
The new tax rules only apply to new cars purchased from July 1st or cars imported from that date. You don't need to bother with your CO2 emissions for tax purposes. The Government has made clear that it will operate two tax systems: one for cars registered prior to July 1st and based on engine size, the other on CO2.
This will have a serious effect on resale values as well. Since our advice to reader N Delaney, several readers have contacted us on the issue of changing residuals. As one reader stated, it's likely that dealers will pass on any losses to the customers if they even suspect they will be stuck with a car that has the tarnish of a high tax bill.
Another reader with industry knowledge suggested that dealers will be taking a very conservative estimate on used cars with low or medium CO2 figures, as some people will consider the savings to be made on a new car in terms of tax will tempt buyers to opt for a new car if it means lower annual tax.
From D McHale:
I've been reading several positive reviews of the Subaru Forester, although it doesn't come in diesel - I'm not a fan of that particular type of engine, so I'd be happy to stay with petrol. Is it a good buy, or would you recommend something else?
The Forester is a fine crossover vehicle, something less traditional yet reliable and capable. A new version is on the way later this year, so I would wait for it to arrive before purchasing.
I would, however, seriously advise you to try some of the new diesel engines on the market.
They offer loads of low-end torque that surges you forward as powerfully as any petrol unit, and though the rev range for that power is rather limited, most now come with smart automatic transmissions. Give the Land Rover Freelander 2.2-litre diesel a go, for example.
If you do opt for the petrol versions, be sure to buy before July 1st as they have relatively high CO2 emissions, and will face increased taxation.
If you want to stick with petrol, and are prepared to pay a little extra, I'd also consider the Mazda CX-7. It's a bit more expensive than the Forester at €49,000, but it's the nearest thing you get to sports car driving characteristics in a car this size.
From R O'Brien:
Following on from your information last week to the couple travelling the world, my wife and I are going somewhat closer to home next year - to France - but have not driven on the Continent before.
Is there anything we need to know regarding different laws, or websites we need to read? We will be taking our own car. Is that a good idea?
The laws are very similar to Ireland, except that the drink driving rules in France are 0.05 per cent of alcohol in the blood compared to 0.08 per cent here. Also there is a rule about speeding that should be noted: if you are exceeding 40km/h over the limit, the police will confiscate your licence.
Also, forget about taking any equipment such as speed detecting radars or the like. The French police take a very dim view of these, and may go so far as to impound your vehicle. Speeding fines are also paid on the spot, and can be quite hefty.
As for the car, opinions differ but I believe you are better in a left-hand-drive car than trying to depend on your passenger to keep look-out for you.
You will also have to adjust your headlights if you take your own car, for our lights are slightly focused towards the left and away from oncoming cars, but in France that means they will point directly at the other drivers.
From TB:
Is there any issue in fitting rear DVD screens to a car after it has been purchased? The mechanic who has offered to do it says it will be fine, but a colleague at work has warned me that it may invalidate my warranty (there is a year left on it).
Yes, that may well be the case, particularly as the screens may have to be wired into the car's electrics, and that may not be an approved entry into the system. While your mechanic may well be very competent, we have come across cases where retro-fit stereos were not properly installed and, as a result, when the car's electrics went wrong, the manufacturer disowned the car and sent a repair bill to the owner. Check with the manufacturer before you go any further.
Alternatively you could just buy a couple of portable DVD players that can be hung off the rear headrests of the car. This would seem the most sensible solution.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2 or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie