Michael McAleer answers your queries
From P Quinn:
Is it true that Toyota is ending production of the MR2 and Celica by the end of the year? Someone told me they were but the salesman said it was rubbish. I've been looking at getting a Celica for the past few months but decided I didn't need it in January and was planning to hold out for a better deal in the summer.
Sadly, the rumours are true. Toyota is calling time on the MR2, the Celica and the Previa at the end of the year. These models will no longer be on sale in Europe.
The ending of the Celica and MR2 means that the sportiest Toyota you will be able to get for 2006 will be the T Sport versions of the Corolla and Yaris. It's all the more incredible when you consider that this is the company that gave us such sporting greats as the 2000GT and the Supra.
If there's any good news, it's that a spokesperson told us "there are plans to introduce a single new sports car but we have not been given a definitive time table for its introduction as yet." There are suggestions that this new model could be the first true performance hybrid.
There have also been claims that the Japanese firm was preparing to redesignate its Land Cruiser to the Lexus brand, but this plan seems to have been shelved for the time being.
As for your plans, the end of the Celica shouldn't have any detrimental effect if you buy one. If anything you could probably get a good deal from a dealer who might have one in stock and will now be happy to see it go to a good home for a good price.
It's a relatively good car so it may become something of a collector's item in years to come. Doubtless, however, you will want to keep it that long.
From John P. O'Mahony, Cabinteely:
Since I traded up from a smaller car to a 1998 Mercedes C180 I've been disappointed that road noise is not less than I expected. I'm pretty sure insulation has a lot to do with it and I presume I can't do much about that. But what about tyres - any advice to offer when renewing tyres? The car is on Continental tyres at present.
The problem is that you don't say what tyres you have fitted on your C180.
While you comment on the insulation, in the C-Class models I have tested I didn't notice any undue wind noise, apart from the unavoidable noise from mirrors and the like on unsheltered motorway stretches.
The first thing to do is to check if the sealing around the windows is causing the problem. Close all the air vents, turn off the radio and, with a co-operative passenger, try to work out the primary sources of the noise.
About 90 per cent of all wind noise complaints come from disturbances in airflow from the base of the windshield to the door post behind the driver. In particular, wipers that are above the fold can cause these problems.
With regard to your problems, my suspicions would centre on tyres, as you already indicate. Tyres with higher sidewalls are more flexible so they can dampen out road noise better.
The low sidewalls on performance tyres may give a stiffer ride, better handling and look better with your wheels but they come at the expense of more road noise.
By changing suspension bushing composition, much of this noise can be dampened out. However, most people simply opt for the lower profile tyres without making the necessary adjustments.
Tyre tread design also has a huge effect on noise levels. Some tread patterns will "sing" as they are driven down the road. Others may cause a rumble or vibration.
However, it's very difficult to tell by looking at the tread design, whether they are noisier than others. Another point is to regularly check that tyre pressures are in line with recommended ratings.
Probably the best bet when changing tyres is to opt for the recommended manufacturer tyres. Several brands are listed as approved for your car, but you would also need to check that they are the right type for the wheel. In this instance it may also be best to opt for four of the same make.
Sadly, apart from changing your tyres or identifying a misaligned body panel, there's little you can do at this stage about it. Wind and road noise is something that needs to be dealt with at the development stage of a vehicle.
I realise this is a bit late for you, but when buying a car, it's always best to take it for a test drive over similar road surfaces to the ones you will be using most. This can give you a better understanding of the noise levels you might have to put up with.
From Ken Gibson:
Following on from your answer to a query about importing your car to Ireland, some people tell me that, as a New Zealander, I have to change my licence. Is this true? I haven't driven over here yet, but plan to get a car in the coming months when we move to the west. Can't I just use my New Zealand licence?
It depends on whether you are here on holiday or plan to stay. While your Australian neighbours are free to drive here with their licences, you are only permitted to do so for a temporary period.
Several countries , such as New Zealand, do not have agreements with Ireland on driving licences. So, if you are considering staying for longer than 12 months, you must apply for an Irish licence, sit the various tests. It seems a bit harsh but that's the way it is for now.
Send your queries to:
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie