HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries
From B McGinn, Co Meath:
In relation to previous letters about problems with headlights on some Toyota Avensis models, the headlight bulb housing on my wife's 2004 Avensis melted. Toyota refuses to entertain replacing them.
Unlike some of the other Avensis owners who have written in, we bought the car second-hand from a Toyota dealer in 2007 and have had it serviced at that dealership. We are the second owners, there are only 52,400 miles on the clock and it passed its NCT in April 2008. Two independent mechanics have said that headlights should not have to be replaced on a car this age.
We contacted Toyota about your complaint but a spokesman said their statement on the matter remains the same. Last month, in response to several reader queries we quizzed them on the problem.
They stated: "While we note there have been problems with the headlights on some of the 2003/2004 Avensis model it may be a simplification to say that these are product concerns considering the past investigations and the age of these vehicles. We have been quite prepared to consider customer requests in the past event outside of the three-year warranty on a goodwill basis, however, there is a limitation to any goodwill allowance extended to our customers."
It would seem Toyota is relying on your dealer to decide if you are worthy of assistance with this.
From N O'Hara:
I require an automatic small car within a price range of €15,000-€20,000. I drive a Skoda Fabia but because of an ongoing knee problem I need an automatic. A recommendation would be appreciated.
There is an automatic version of the Fabia, but its emissions make it uncompetitive in terms of road tax. Two cars you should consider are the new Ford Fiesta 1.4-litre automatic and the Suzuki Swift 1.5-litre auto. You can get a five-door version of the Ford with a style trim for €18,520, so that would be the starting point.
From C Hutton:
Following your recent story about Honda recalling Jazz models over a faulty electric window switch, I contacted a local dealer from whom I had bought a second-hand 2006 registered Jazz. The dealer said my car was not scheduled for a recall. Am I being fobbed off?
We spoke with Honda and they recommend you contact Honda customer service about the matter as your car is likely to be part of the recall given its age. The recall concerns the previous generation Jazz, built between 2002 and 2009. There is an estimated 3,000 cars affected in Ireland and 676,000 worldwide.
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Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara Street, Dublin 2 or e-mail motorshelp@irishtimes.com