Helpdesk

THIS WEEK:Size matters in upgrade from 2005 Nissan Note

 From LO’S: We’re looking at changing from a 2005 Nissan Note to a larger family car. It needs to be automatic as my wife only has a licence for autos. It need not be too big – we don’t need seven seats – but I want something that will get us around in comfort. Any suggestions?

There are a couple of cars that fit the bill, but all come with more punitive motor tax charges, given the higher emissions for automatics. If you’re looking for more space, the Ford C-Max should fit the bill. It’s available in 2-litre diesel with automatic, but it is €29,387 and carries an annual tax bill of €330. That’s lower than many of its automatic rivals and the car is certainly big enough. If you want something smaller – similar to the Note – Ford is introducing its new B-Max later in the year. No prices have been released.

Elsewhere, the Opel Meriva is worth a look. For €25,000 you get the 1.7-litre diesel, but the motor tax is €481 a year. In the long run it might save a tidy sum if your wife could learn to drive manual. From MT, Dublin 6:

Have any of your readers shipped their car to Australia? I would like to hear of their experiences – delays, cost and pitfalls.

Having done some – albeit limited – initial research on the matter, you need to think long and hard about this. If it’s a classic, I can understand you don’t want to part with it, but there are quite a large number of requirements and paperwork at the Australian end to be dealt with, aside from the issue of shipping. There are also stipulations about who can import a car into Australia and restrictions on non-citizens who are just going there on visas.

Some blogs I looked at, particularly from UK immigrants to Australia, suggest that, while many European cars are cheaper here than in Australia, by the time you pay all the inspections and so on, the car can prove more costly than simply selling up before you head out and buying over there.

Of course, if the car’s your pride and joy – particularly a classic – then expenses are always relative. If any of you have experience of this matter or tips for this reader, please email us and we will pass them on.

Got a query? Send it to motorshelp@irishtimes.com