Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From H O'Grady:
In 2003 I bought a new Mitsubishi L200 and in May 2005, with 18,000 miles on the clock, the gearbox went. This was replaced with a "new" one under warranty at my local dealership.
I immediately noticed that this replacement seemed wrong and when I got the L200 back to the same dealership, they informed me that the replacement had not actually been new, but was a reconditioned gearbox.
I felt that the warranty should have extended to a new gearbox. So they replaced this gearbox but - again - with a reconditioned one which it has transpired is again not right. I have had an independent assessor verify this. Can they give reconditioned gearboxes instead of new ones?
Mitsubishi claims the reconditioned gearboxes are factory approved units. "The unit is stripped down in the factory and rebuilt using new parts where necessary. These units then go back into use with the back-up of a full manufacturer's warranty. It is common practice across the industry."
However, the idea of repairing or replacing the parts is to bring the vehicle up to the quality and standard it had when it was initially sold.
Clearly no new L200 is sold with a reconditioned gearbox so such a move does not do this, and then there is the fact that these reconditioned units have failed.
Dermot Jewell of the Consumer Association of Ireland says that Mitsubishi needs to change its practise and fit new parts.
"Otherwise they open themselves up to criticism over the quality of these reconditioned parts," says Jewell. We would have to agree. A new part is not the same as a reconditioned one, regardless of factory warranty.
The failure of the reconditioned gearboxes in your L200 would seem to bear that out.
From G McGinley:
A few weeks ago I purchased a 1990 Audi Quattro 2.3 20v coupé and would appreciate your help in getting some form of service manual for it.
Congratulations, you bought a fantastic car that's a real classic. My suggestion would be to seek out a copy of the Haynes book appropriately titled The Audi Quattro Book. Written by Dave Pollard, it has advice on buying, repairing and tuning those glorious Audis.
Any major book store - and even a few quality car accessory shops - will be able to order it for you.
Perhaps readers may know where you can get your hands on an original manual. If so, they can e-mail the helpdesk and we will pass on the messages.
From S Murphy, Cork:
I refer to your advice to D Malone last week. I am in a somewhat similar position to him (though I may be a little older) and have driven an MPV for a number of years for the same reasons, especially the high seating position.
I was surprised that you did not mention the Renault Scenic five-seater. I am currently on my third Scenic having had a Megane and Laguna previously. My wife, very wisely, suggested an automatic version on our latest purchase. Pleasure has somewhat returned to driving in Cork city and "the open road" is a dream.
I am convinced that an automatic is the way to go for the older driver. Was your omission of the Scenic a slip of the clutch?
An automatic is a good option, particularly for town driving, though I would warn that when the Government introduce their CO2 emissions road tax system next year, you will pay more annually for automatics as they generally increase consumption and therefore emissions.
The Renault is a good buy for its seating position, but my personal choice would remain the Ford Focus C-Max.
From M McRory:
I'm looking for a smart sports car look with a decent boot. There is only my wife and I, so we don't need the extra seats in the back and certainly have no need for an off-roader.
However, we've looked at the Mazda MX-5 and while we love the look and drive, there's no luggage space worth talking about. A friend had one and collected me at the airport some weeks back and I couldn't get my weekend bags in the boot. Any suggestions?
Mazda claims you can get golf clubs in the boot of an MX-5 but they've clearly never seen a Big Bertha.
If you want a sports car with a realistic boot and within the MX-5 price range, I would point you towards a VW Golf GTi. It's €35,000 for the three-door version, has all the performance you desire, the flexibility of folding back seats and a decent boot, while at the same time it has the pedigree to impress friends and neighbours along with shoring up its resale value when you go to sell it on.
From L.B:
I read your comment last week (March 7th) on an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and its usefulness.
What I can't understand is why it doesn't simply operate every time the car is running. Why do you have to switch it on each time?
You don't. The ESP is always on when you start the ignition. By hitting the switch - and turning on the light on the dash - you are actually switching it off. Leave the switch alone.
From H Oates:
Last December I paid a deposit for a new car and was told it would be here by the end of January. It's now March and the car is still not here. I want to go elsewhere with my business. Do I owe the dealer anything?
You will lose the deposit. That's a given in these circumstances. You are better to contact the dealer and tell him that you want clear details, in writing, as to why the car has not arrived yet and when they propose delivery.
It may be best to seek some sort of discount due to delivery problems rather than lose out on the deal altogether.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie