Helpdesk

THIS WEEK:Reimbursement for a common car problem

From SG: I bought a used 2006 Audi A6 2.0 TDI DSG a few months ago and shortly after it developed an issue where the engine would rev and shake when idling and while it got up to temperature. I had it checked and the loom was replaced but the problem persisted. I have now heard it is a common problem related to injectors and that Audi has recalled these cars to replace the injectors and looms free of charge and will reimburse anyone who paid for this to be done. This is mainly in the UK but I have heard of people getting it done in Ireland. I contacted my local Audi centre who said there is no recall for my car. Can you advise if the recall standards for the UK apply here and if there is any further action I can take?

We contacted a very helpful spokesman for Volkswagen Ireland who told us that Audi has identified on some vehicles with 2.0-litre TDI engines, "deposits can settle on the Piezo pump injector elements because of dirty engine oil". "This can lead to running problems, and in certain cases, when this complaint occurs, an inexperienced driver may react in a manner that may affect other road users," he says. "Volkswagen Group Ireland launched a voluntary product callback for customers who own products with a 2.0-litre PD TDI engine within a specified production range. “Anyone who we recently felt needed to come in was covered, but if a customer did have such work undertaken in the past then, depending on whether they had the work done at an authorised Audi dealer or independent, they could, on proof of receipts, be due a full or partial refund." Hopefully this should sort the issue.

From DW: I'm looking for a small runabout and my son suggested I look at an electric car. I read your test on the electric Renault (Motors, May 9, 2012) but it’s bigger than I need. I have seen a little electric Mitsubishi around Dublin

- is it worthwhile?

The technology in the Renault is better than that in the Mitsubishi i-Miev, which was one of the earlier iterations of electric cars. Similarly the Citron C-Zero is a derivative of the Mitsubishi. When we tested the Mitsubishi we were underwhelmed by its range and performance. It's also prohibitively expensive for what it is. I don't think these electric city cars are the answer to your needs, but Renault will have a new model, the Zoe, next year, that's roughly the size of the current Clio but will have more useable range than the Mitsubishi or Citron. If you can't wait, I suggest the Fiat Panda or VW Up! might be more sensible choices.