Michael McAleer answers your questions
From Peter Byrne, Co Wicklow:
I take issue with the NCTS spokesperson's claim (Motors, September 6th) - that the "average waiting time is 12 days" and "there is no backlog".
This is utterly at odds with my recent experience. I rang NCTS to book a test on August 11th, and was given an "earliest available" test date of September 25th - a wait of 45 days (not 12).
The NCTS official on the phone, by way of explanation, said there was a backlog in all Greater Dublin area test centres.
The confirmation letter that arrived a week later was even worse - the date now somehow became September 29th - a total of 49 days to wait.
When I rang the Department of Transport, which is charged with monitoring the NCTS contract, the best they could offer was: "Well the NCTS are very busy, you know."
What hope is there for an efficient use of our tax money when the Government department charged with supervision does not care? Incidentally, I fully support the NCT as an essential part of national road safety.
It's just a pity that NCTS's spokesperson did not at all reflect the reality of this aspect of their service.
Your experience corresponds with that of one of my colleagues who rang the helpline and was told there was a major backlog but she could make an appointment.
The NCT deny this is the case and say the people at the call centre are misinformed. If there are others who have encountered such problems we would like to hear from them.
From MT, Co Dublin:
I am a retired lady currently driving a Toyota Yaris five-door that my son bought me in Britain. I love it because it fits comfortably in my garage, is easy to park and is incredibly spacious when you fold down the rear seats. However, I'm thinking of replacing it with something newer.
Any suggestions?
You could consider the new Yaris with its MMT semi-automatic gearbox. It's available with a one-litre or 1.3-litre engine. The one-litre MMT is €16,500, while the 1.3 MMT is €17,100. It's worth the extra €600 to go for the bigger - and less noisy - engine.
The new Yaris is bigger than the car you are driving. Unfortunately, the fully automatic version is no longer on offer.
The MMT system merely means you don't have to worry about the clutch.
There are, however, several fully automatic cars within the price range of the Yaris.
Ford offers its Fiesta 1.4-litre - in various guises - with an automatic gearbox. Prices there range from €17,585 to €18,650. Nissan offer automatic versions of the Micra and a 1.2 Visia Auto five-door can be had for €16,440.
However, if load space and automatic gear are important, then I would suggest you seriously consider the Honda Jazz 1.4 with a CVT automatic gearbox for €19,525. It's extremely versatile, should be as reliable as the Yaris, and is likely to offer a good resale price when you go to change again.
From Ronny Swain, Cork:
With reference to the query last week from a reader with a bad back who was looking to buy a car with a good quality seat, he might like to try a test-drive in a Renault Scenic. I suffer periodic back pain, and the Scenic seat is the most comfortable one I've ever come across.
I think that this has to do with the driving position, which is upright, as in a lorry, rather than reclining.
It has also been suggested in various other correspondence that the Mercedes A-Class is quite good as well, and because of its taller stature, it's quite easy to get in and out of without having to bend down too much. I still think it is worth visiting the specialist Back Shop in Exchequer St, Dublin, for advice.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, D'Olier St, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie