Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From Tommy Byrnes, Dundalk:
Any thoughts on the Toyota Prius against the Honda Civic hybrid and which is the better buy? I know the Civic is cheaper and a better looker. I was hoping to buy a hybrid in 2009, but is there any more word on a new Prius for 2009? Word seems to be that it will be delayed for two more years.
Both are commendable green entrants, although it has to be said that their planet-saving abilities largely depend on the driving habits of the owners. Out on the open road you have to consider whether a small diesel engine would be a better fit, offering similar frugal fuel consumption.
First off, however, let's look at what's on offer. In terms of exterior design, I may be in the minority but I actually prefer the look of the Prius. Being distinctive as a hybrid model does the car no harm; particularly as some buyers like to be seen to be green these days. Even if you are not looking to promote your personal green agenda, perhaps the next owner will, and hopefully they'll pay accordingly.
Inside, the Civic has the beating of the Prius. Both are spacious four-seaters but the Honda just looks and feels a more premium product. It's here that the Prius is showing its age.
On the road, the Civic also has the beating of the Toyota, offering better handling and less bodyroll than its rival. However, in town traffic, the Prius seems to come into its own, with far greater use of the battery. We tested both in Denmark some time ago and even in the small village we were staying in, the Prius managed to run almost entirely on battery power within the urban speed limits. That means better fuel economy.
Neither car is a bad buy and what it comes down to between the two depends on your priorities. If you are concerned about fuel consumption and drive mainly urban routes, then I would opt for the Prius. If you want to add a green hue to your motoring habits but retain some sharp driving characteristics and a modern interior, then the Civic is the answer.
The next generation Prius is not due until late in 2009. It has not been delayed but clearly Toyota is hoping to time it to coincide with some breakthroughs in battery technology, particularly a move to lithium-ion, which has a higher energy density than the current nickel-based ones.
That means the batteries can get smaller or more power can be stored for the same sized batteries as at present. This is speculation on my part, but I would expect it also to offer owners the option of recharging the battery by plugging into the mains electricity.
From Mikey Walsh:
I have seen a few Nissan Figaros on the roads and am tempted by their look. I understand they date from the early 1990s and are imported from Japan.
What do you know about them and what are their good/bad points? I do a low annual mileage.
The Figaro is not for shy and retiring types, but if you like the look then I'd definitely go for it.
As you say, most are imported from Japan and the trick is to get as original and well-maintained a model as possible. I'm not offering any guarantees, but if you manage to get one in very good condition and keep it properly, then this is one of the few affordable cars that could well appreciate in value over time. Further good news on the reliability and repair front.
It's basically a dressed-up Micra so the underpinnings are easily repaired, while bodywork can be sourced from Britain - and probably for less than you will pay here.
Downsides are rather limited: it's not incredibly spacious, but then you can tell that from the moment you set eyes on it. After that it's really down to the image and your willingness to put up with endless attention and quizzing about the car.
From L Cox:
I've been offered a used Mercedes S320 CDI by a friend in Scotland. It has 110,000 miles on the clock and I'm getting it for €28,000. I know the car and we were about to do the deal when I heard about the tax changes to cars. Would I be better to wait until after July or should I bring it in now?
My advice would be to wait. Here's why. The first thing to note is that, regardless of the changes, the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is not based on the price you paid, but on what the Revenue refers to as the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). This is the price they reckon the car would sell for in Ireland at the moment. The problem with that is the Revenue come up with a figure and you either accept it or appeal.
Using their online VRT calculator - at www.revenue.ie - the OMSP is listed as €31,118. Under the current system, that means you will pay a tax bill of €9,335 if you bring it in today. With the same OMSP, you will be paying €9,957 in July. That's because while the car falls into the 30 per cent bracket due to engine size now, it falls into category F - 32 per cent - in the new emissions-based system, due to a CO2 figure of over 191g/km and under 225g/km.
That would suggest you buy now. However, while you will save €622 by doing this, consider the changes to annual motor tax. Under the pre-July system, the annual road tax for a car with an engine over 3,001ccs is €1,491, while from July 1st, road tax for cars in category F - where the S320CDI falls - is €1,000 a year. Over two years you will have made back the extra cost on the VRT and a little more. Of course, the Government could change the road tax rates in the next budget to close that gap, but under the current figures you would be best to wait.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie