Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Philip Donegan:
I recently bought an '04 Subaru Legacy 2.5 petrol estate. The engine is advertised in the brochure as being a newly developed, improved, engine, etc.
However, I am told that it requires to be serviced every 7,500 miles and apparently this applies to all Subaru engines.
This seems ridiculous, having regard to what other manufacturers can do. Would I be likely to damage the engine if I stretched service intervals out to every 10,000 miles?
The information you were given was wrong. While earlier models of Subarus had service intervals of 7,500 miles, from 2003 all Subarus have a 9,000 mile interval.
This is still relatively low, though the 9,000 mile interval is only a minor service, concentrating on changing the oil, while the main service doesn't take place until 18,000 miles.
As to how long you can run an engine safely between services, while we would be wary of offering any lengthy time, it should be noted that there is a debate under way in the industry at present as to whether engines can probably run to 20,000 miles between services, if the oil level is properly monitored and maintained with approved oil.
Others doubt this, their fears mainly based on the poor level of car knowledge in the general populace, many of whom don't know how to open the bonnet, never mind check the oil.
Engines generally burn off about ½ a litre of oil every 1,000 miles, so by 10,000 miles they will already have lost five litres and if that is not replaced, it can seriously damage the engine and certainly limit its lifespan. For a long-lasting engine, oil is the key.
By the way, congratulations on the Legacy. A good buy.
From Stewart King:
I'm aware that we're being ripped off with the price of cars in this country, but I was really shocked to find out that the price of a new Fiat Barchetta is €29,500. This same car in Britain costs £11,995. The equivalent of a £11,995 car in Ireland is about €20,000, so I am wondering why it is so expensive? It doesn't even fall into the 2-litre tax band because its a 1.8, so is it to do with left-hand drive?
Joe Gantly of Fiat has responded to our query, and I think it's worth repeating his answer. He responds: "I can understand Mr King's concern, but there has always been a significant difference between car prices in the UK and in Ireland. Just have a quick look at how each government applies taxes and you will see why:
UK taxes on new cars - the basic VAT rate is 17.5 per cent
Irish taxes on new cars - 21 per cent VAT, plus VRT, this latter adds a further tax of between 22 per cent and 30 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price.
"So we are not comparing equal tax structures, more's the pity."
As an example of some British and Irish recommended retail price (rrp) comparisons, I was able to glean from websites:
UK rrp Irish rrp
Ford Fiesta 1.25i 3dr
£8,595 €14,865
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa Expression
£6,995 €12,990
Toyota Yaris VVt-i 3dr
£7,145€14,600
Toyota Rav 4 2.0 VVT-i 4x4 3dr £18,245€34,580
Renault Clio Authentique 1.2 3dr £7,875 €14,295
Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V Auto £30,730€60,000
That a car shares the same nomenclature in both countries does not mean that they have the same equipment levels, of course.
The larger the engine, the greater the amount of VRT paid to our Government and so our Barchetta at €29,500 carries a far heavier tax burden than the same car in Britain.
The only way this inequality is going to change is when motorists get out and vote for change.
From P Nally:
I was planning to get a new car in the first months of next year. However, following on from the article in last week's Motors on the discounts being offered on new cars like the Ford Focus and Citroën C4, I'm wondering if I'm better taking up these offers or waiting and following my original plan. Will I be able to get deals like this next year?
It's difficult to say with certainty that these sort of offers will be run again in the new year. However, as good as they are, don't be distracted into buying something you don't really want.
Don't forget the simple format for buying cars: choose the one that best suits your needs; test it and its main competitors; and haggle like a professional.
Remember, sales staff cut deals for their living, and have a number of tactics to sell you a car at a price that best suits them. While you may not get the same deal on offer at the moment, you may get very close.
Also, a bit of advice to those taking up these offers - don't give up on haggling just because the car is on special offer. Some dealers use these deals - and various finance offers - to resist giving a discount, saying that the special deal has eaten into their margin for negotiation.
In most cases these special offers are paid for by the manufacturer, not the dealer. Keep on haggling and don't be put off. The Citroëdeal seems very tempting, but only if you actually want a C4. If you want any further advice, we'll be reviewing it next week.
Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie