Answering all your motoring queries, is Michael McAleer
From C Hatton: As someone who tries to stick to the speed limits, I feel very strongly that before any more cameras come into being speed limits should be looked at in detail. By the Spawell Hotel after Tallaght it is 60km/h (that should be higher) and you regularly see people caught there.
Recently, while we were driving in Spain from Granada to Cordoba the speed limit signs were on the road every so often, so there was no excuse for exceeding the limit. But they were realistic speeds and well-enforced. We should get this bit right first.
We have been promised a review of speed limits on numerous occasions, usually in the run-up to local elections. The problem is, even if the Garda and Government agree the limits need to be changed, when you are dealing with non-national routes the responsibility for setting limits lies with the local council.
The current Road Safety Strategy accepts: "There are always risks in maintaining the support of road users in a road safety strategy which aims to change their behaviour. The introduction of safety cameras will focus attention on speed limits in general . . . The risk is in losing the support of the community and of road users."
That risk is now a reality that needs to be addressed immediately. The last major review of speed limits took place in October 2003 and the response from councils was largely a refusal to change. While Government officials will not want to take over responsibility for setting limits on Ireland's roads, the departments responsible for enforcing the law should have the power to ensure it is fair. Any introduction of new speed cameras needs to coincide with another review, this time with power to enforce necessary changes.
As for the car firms, there is one interesting technological development being introduced. BMW's new 7 Series features a system that reads road signs and the speed limit in any area is continually shown on the information display. Admittedly it will take a few years to work its way down to the mainstream car market, but at least you know the technology is out there. It doesn't, however, rectify the problem of silly limits on our roads that make obeying the rules so difficult.
From DA, Cork: I'm about to import a used car from Britain but I've been told I will have problems getting it serviced at authorised dealers here due to anger from Irish dealers towards imports. Is this likely to be a problem? I reckon with so many used cars on the market, a proper service record is needed so I don't want to opt for back-street mechanics servicing my car.
Officially there has never been an issue with used imports being serviced by authorised dealers, but there were often situations where dealers would give priority to their sales customers.
In the current climate, dealers are happy to take on extra servicing work and you will have no problems in this regard. Many see servicing as the most likely profit centre for their businesses this year.
A good service record is the sort of additional feature that is appreciated by buyers seeking some reassurance about quality. If you've spent money on a car, it is silly to cut back on the likes of servicing. In many instances it just delays inevitable repair bills and often increases the cost in the long-run.
From T Hill, Dublin: I'm looking to trade in a VW Beetle for either a new Golf or a Mini. My car is a 1.6-litre comfortline from 2001 and I am being offered €6,000 for it. Is that a good price? What are your views on my choice of replacement cars?
The valuation on your car would seem fair, depending on its condition and mileage.
The Golf and Mini both hold their values well, are solid and relatively reliable, and have a premium cachet. For space, the Golf has the most to offer, but for driving fun the Mini is best.
It comes down to how highly you value practicality. If you often travel with more than one passenger or use the boot a lot, the Golf is the car to go for. If it's a suburban run-around with occasional long journeys but little use of the back seat, the Mini is the one.
Given that you bought a Beetle, you clearly rate aesthetics and styling so if you can work around the space issues the Mini will come closer to meeting your requirements.