Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From TA, Galway:
I'm considering buying a BMW 320 and can't decide between the petrol or the diesel. The problem is that I do about 50,000km per year so fuel consumption difference is really a factor. What's your advice?
Purely in driving terms we would opt for the diesel model as it offers more low-end torque which means plenty of punch when overtaking. Both are strong performers, but my preference would be for the diesel. However, as with other marques, BMW charges a premium for the diesel version of €4,550 (€49,250 for the 320d SE, as opposed to €44,650 for the 320i SE).
Given that the official fuel economy figures are 5.9L/100km for the diesel version and 7.4L/100km for the petrol and with little or no difference in the prices, you would save roughly €900 a year on the diesel. Other readers should work out the savings for themselves and estimate whether they will get the value out of the purchase, particularly in light of the premium paid. Of course, the diesel should garner a better trade-in price when you go to sell, but that's not always the case and it depends on market conditions at the time. In your case, go for diesel.
From G Moroney, Dublin 4:
With the mobile phone ban in place perhaps it is time to address the other annoying habits motorists have in cars. I noticed recently the number of drivers who still smoke while driving. Surely this is as big a problem as using a mobile phone? After all, they are steering while holding a burning cigarette. Were anything to go wrong, such as they drop it, the driver will undoubtedly fumble around until he finds it again. At speed this could be lethal.
First off, smoking in public vehicles or work vehicles is legally prohibited under the smoking ban regulations. However, enforcement of this would not seem to be a serious priority if the number of smoking drivers were anything to go by. There is a case for drivers who are distracted by smoking - or eating/drinking - while driving to be prosecuted under the dangerous driving legislation.
From CG:
My children have flown the coop and I want to get rid of the Opel Omega I currently own. My wife and I are no longer in need of a big family saloon (both retired) and I was wondering about the new Nissan Note. Is it worth buying? That's the sort of car we're looking at and the sort of money we are planning to spend. I like the extra roof height and the load space (we're two avid golfers).
The Note is a really enjoyable drive and very flexible inside. You would have to fold the rear seats down to get two bulging golf bags loaded in, but I've found both the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol to be great little town runarounds and decent on the open road.
One other car you should try if this is the sort of format you are looking for is the new Skoda Roomster.
Entry prices are a little lower for the Skoda but it offers a more flexible interior, with independently adjustable rear seats and plenty of stowage options, including removing all the rear seats and creating a sort of minivan effect. The look is "unique" and may not be to your tastes, but it's worth spending a few minutes at a Skoda dealer before you make your choice.
From R Kelly:
Any tips for someone with a bad back but only €12,000 to spend on a new car with a trade-in worth about €4,000? It's getting in and out that's the problem.
There are several small cars that are quite easy to enter and exit. My advice would be to try the Toyota Yaris and the Mitsubishi Colt three-door. The bigger doors make it easier to enter, and the seats are quite high set in both cars. They also come within your budget, though I'm forever dealing with readers who have been disappointed by the difference between their trade-in valuation and the reality at the dealership. Be aware that you shouldn't expect to get the same trade-in price as the current retail price of a similar vehicle as yours appearing in newspapers or on the web.
From J Walsh:
Amid the flooding and rainstorms recently we had to go out one night in the storms and found the road flooded. I've read in previous answers about engines cases cracking when water gets in by driving through floods. Is there any way to judge the right height of water to avoid? I drive an Audi A4 diesel .
In general, the advice would be to stay out of the water at all times. If you must drive through then be sure to identify the location of the diesel engine's air intake. The problem, of course, is that you never quite know how deep the water is until you stick your tyres in it.
If you reckon you can wade through the water then be sure to drive slowly and cause as little disturbance to the water surface as possible. Also avoid sharing the flooded area with another vehicle. Keep the gears low and the revs high.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara Street, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie