Michael McAleer helps readers with their motoring problems.
From Declan Gallagher, Dublin:
I own a car registered on April 5th 2000 and was surprised to get a letter from the NCT inviting me to put my car through the test at 9.30am on November 9th this year. While I couldn't quite recall the procedure for the NCT, I was sure the test did not apply to cars only two years and five months old.
When I rang up about it they said they were "inviting" me to do the test in advance to avoid the rush later. There was no mention of this in the letter I received or any explanation why. I cancelled the test, of course.
We contacted Samantha Breen of the NCT who says that, while she is surprised that the owner of a two-year-old car received the letter, some owners of three-year-old cars have been sent optional appointments in order to avoid a backlog later in the year when their car does turn four.
However, she is quick to point out that, no matter how early the test, the certificate runs for the full two years from the fourth anniversary of registration.
So, if you put your car through the test early, you get the benefit of less ware and tear - and therefore a better chance of passing - plus you know you have the test in the bag. However, failure to draw attention to the fact that the appointment is optional is an error and Samantha says that in future all letters will contain an explanatory note.
From Paul Greene:
I'm in the market for a new 2-litre diesel car in the price region of €28,000. I've being viewing the new Mazda6, the Laguna II, and may have interest in the Volvo S40.
I have to admit that I know very little about cars and would be grateful for any suggestions on the cars I've mentioned - or indeed others you may think are better value. The car would be used mainly in the Dublin area with trips to the country once a month or so. It would be a company car.
If it's a company car then you're not concerned with residual value, or depreciation.
So that's a worry off your back. Within your price bracket the Mazda6 is the latest entrant and its diesel variant, a common rail 2-litre, has had great acclaim in the motoring press. The Opel Vectra diesel may also be worth a look, but our attention would focus on the Mazda.
From Gerry Boyle, Glenageary:
Can you please explain when it is okay for vehicles, other than buses or taxis, to travel in bus lanes?
Never is the short answer. A bus lane is strictly for buses and taxis and there are signs at the start of the route and along the way that state the times when that particular section of the road is a bus lane. Of course, outside those times the lane is not operational as a bus lane and can be used.
Normally the bus lanes are in operation between 7am and 10 am and again between 4pm and 7pm. However, there are a number of 24-hour bus lanes in operation.
As for the type of vehicles allowed to use bus lanes, it is restricted to buses, taxis and bicycles. Motorbikes are not allowed to use them.