Dealing with model-specific problems

HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries

From J Keenan: My daughter has a 2007 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 petrol with 20,000km and has been informed that the rear shocks need replacing. Upon calling her dealer she was informed that they were waiting for replacement shocks and she was way down the list. Do you know if this is a problem with the Qashqai?

It would seem it relates to a problem with a particular batch of cars that came through Nissan’s Sunderland plant. According to a company response to our query: “A rear knocking noise (rear shock absorber bushing) was discovered in an isolated number of Qashqais. This is not a model issue and does not affect all Qashqais produced in the factory and therefore does not require a model recall.

“A counter measure part has been put into production which will resolve this problem in affected vehicles. Unfortunately, however, as this is a completely new part there will be a slight supply delay for a while until Nissan Europe can manufacture the parts for affected vehicles. As with all matters relating to vehicle quality, Nissan Europe is dealing with the concern as a matter of urgency. Any affected Qashqai owners should contact their local Nissan dealer to arrange an appointment to have the new part fitted (subject to part availability) to rectify the issue.”

From T Quinn: I currently own a [Opel] Vectra and I was really impressed with the new Insignia. Now, with all the reports that its owners are in trouble, I’m wondering if buying an Opel is such a wise move.

If I was to buy one, would I be left high and dry if General Motors goes bankrupt?

In terms of buying a new Opel, according to a spokeswoman for the brand in Ireland, any new Opel comes with a guaranteed warranty and these will be respected.

In all likelihood, the European arm of General Motors, which has performed a lot stronger than its US siblings, will fall under the control of another investor or perhaps even the German government so you should have less to concern you than US buyers, although the US president has guaranteed to cover their warranties.

Whether this means that the White House will soon become an auto repair shop and President Obama and his team will be doing 24-hour recovery remains to be seen, but for Irish buyers the warranty seems to cover any concerns you may have.

The Insignia, for its part, is a very good car and earlier this year was awarded the much-coveted European car of the year title.

The real threat to Opel will be in terms of long-term residuals if the brand disappears, but no one is suggesting that is likely at present. The firm has a decent line-up of models and Opel is certainly one of the strongest brands in the GM stable.

From DC: I’m thinking of running a classic car as my main mode of transport in order to cut costs. I’ve got the chance to buy a 1980s Porsche 911 for less than €8,000. With classic insurance and no NCT, it should be relatively cheap to run. I’ve never owned a car over five years old before but I’ve always dreamed of a Porsche. Is there anything I need to be wary of?

Yes: buying a 1980s Porsche and thinking it’s a vintage car. The car is not officially recognised as a classic unless it’s 30 years old. After that, you don’t need NCT and the annual motor tax falls to €48.

If you can identify a Porsche in that category I would still be cautious, as you do need to have a certain degree of mechanical wherewithal to maintain a vintage car, particularly a Porsche.

If not, then you can quickly find that the bills start to pile up and the end of year motoring cost, including fuel, can be equivalent to running a small modern car.

That’s not to say that you should avoid following your dream, it’s just that you should get to know a little more about the world of vintage ownership – through a club or by befriending another vintage owner – before you take the plunge.

I’ve yet to meet any classic or vintage car enthusiasts who have found that running a classic sports car of the calibre of a Porsche is a good medium-term way to keep your motoring costs down.