Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From J Morton:
Can I call on drivers in Ireland to make better use of their car horns?
Having lived in Greece for several years, I got used to sounding the horn when approaching blind bends on tight country roads. It works both as a warning to pedestrians and also other traffic. It saved my life on several occasions, and could save lives here. Some people here seem to think it's only for remonstrating with other drivers during a traffic jam.
The latest Rules of the Road states that horns should be used to "warn other road users of on-coming danger or make them aware of your presence for safety reasons when reasonably necessary". That would fit with your comments. Provided the use is not excessive, that it doesn't occur in a built-up area, or that it's not used as an excuse to drive faster into a corner just because you feel you have done your duty by warning other cars of your impending arrival, then it would seem a very sensible approach.
From D Staunton:
I'm looking for a replacement for my current Toyota Corolla hatchback, which I bought used. I've been considering trying other brands before I choose, but there seem to be more family hatchbacks than ever on the market.
I'm not sure I want to go for a new Auris, but I don't like the Ford Focus or the VW Golf, both of which I've had before, and ended up back with the Corolla. It's the first time in years that I will be buying new, so I want to get the decision right as I will be keeping the car for several years.
You're right about the family hatchback market: it's the best-selling segment in Ireland, and there is a lot of choice. I don't agree with your decision to rule out the Golf or Focus, but that's your perogative. The Focus is a lovely drive and the Golf holds its value very well.
Outside these two, I would suggest you try two relatively new arrivals: the Peugeot 308 which goes on sale next month in Ireland and the Kia C'eed. Both are very competent performers, and while I was not a fan of the Peugeot 307, I have been particularly surprised by the handling and spaciousness of the new 308. I'd also suggest you take a look at the Kia for the value it's offering. It's well-equipped and comes with a seven-year warranty to give you extra peace of mind. It's also decidedly lively when behind the wheel. Both come with smart 1.6-litre diesel engines. Both are worth a test drive at least, if there are dealers nearby.
From Tina L:
When is the new Fiat 500 coming to Ireland? We spotted it in France while on holidays and it won us over.
The new 500 is pencilled in to arrive here in December. It's already on sale in most European markets, but right-hand-drive models were not part of the first batch of production.
From SB:
I'm looking at buying a classic car in the next year or so. What is the situation regarding tax and insurance?
The key thing to note about classic car ownership is that 30 years is the magic number for tax and NCT, but 20 years seems to suffice for insurance purposes. The problem therein is that cars under 30 years must continue to complete the NCT. That's not an easy task by any means.
From G Halligan:
I have a large family - in height terms rather than in numbers - and I am changing car this year. It is part of a fleet deal, and the choices are the usual list of family saloons: Ford Mondeo, VW Passat and the like. I myself am 6ft 4" so that makes it difficult for one of my sons who will have to sit behind me: all gangling six-footers. Any ideas?
The Mondeo should work out fine for your family. A foreign colleague - who is also closer to the clouds than I am - shared a car with me recently and he found the Ford was comfortable for the driver - with ample headroom - and he could sit comfortably in the back seat even when the driver seat was set for him.
The Ford may look the same size as many of its rivals, but it's significantly larger.
I received your message while I was at the Frankfurt motor show last week and did a quick comparison test on the Mondeo and two of its main rivals in the Irish market.
In terms of headroom and legroom in the back, it's one of the best in class.
While I understand you don't want to drag your family into every showroom testing all the family saloons on your fleet list, I suggest a quick visit to a Ford dealer should prove the point.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2 or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie