Michael McAleer answers your questions
From AM, Galway:
I suffer with a bad back and with that in mind, I'm looking to buy a car with a good quality seat and comfortable to drive, so that every bump on the road isn't felt into the car. What would you suggest?
I do know that car firms are very poor at dealing with back pain, but without any experience of back pain, I've turned to Seán Campbell of the Back Shop in Exchequer St, Dublin for advice. It sells several products for cars, from the Posturite lumbar support system that moulds itself to offer spinal support, through to custom-made car seats.
Campbell recommends you look to Swedish brands such as Volvo for the best lumbar support. Personal experience in the new S80 would seem to lend credence to his claims: the seats in the flagship Volvo are arguably the most comfortable around.
That may be out of your price bracket, in which case I suggest you pay a visit to Mr Campbell's shop. The good news is that his products come with money-back guarantees and they are prepared to try out several products until they get the right one for you.
From Martin Dunne:
I am a 42-year-old motorist with a full driving licence for a motorbike. I have never had a car licence, but wish to get a provisional car licence.
Do I have to do the theory test, as the test for a car and bike provisional is the same? I have contacted the Department of the Environment twice, and have got two different answers.
While the Department of the Environment still appears on some of the paperwork for the theory test, responsibility actually lies with the Department of Transport. As for your query, the rule seems to be that if you never sat a theory test when getting the motorbike licence, then you have to sit one when applying for a car. The principle behind it is that they want provisional drivers to sit the test. I accept that it costs €38.50 and it's not the most pleasant of experiences for many people, but it's important that those using the roads have shown a basic knowledge of the rules before they get behind the wheel. Given your experience on the motorbike it shouldn't pose much of a problem for you.
From R Moran:
Our 19-year-old daughter recently passed her driving test and is starting university. She - or rather we - are looking for a car that has a reliable reputation, low insurance premium and a bit of street cred. We'll have about €10,000 to spend as the car will pass on to her mother as a town runaround when she's finished college.
Various cars come to mind, but you might consider the Fiat Panda for a number of reasons.
First, it's a reliable town runaround with a decent warranty included, it looks funky, comes in a wide variety of colours that may suit your daughter, and there's a zero per cent finance deal on it.
Combine all that with the fact that Fiat is offering to pay for all new owners to do the IAM test, and it would seem like a sensible buy.
Initially there would seem to be a problem with money: the starting price is officially €11,815.
However, given the number of Fiats registered as hire cars this year - 30 per cent of their overall sales at last report - and sitting around with low (or even zero) mileage and no owners, there should be plenty of dealers out there prepared to sell you a good-as-new 06 Panda for €10,000.
From DL, Dublin:
I'm having problems with my dealer. He offered me a one-year warranty when I bought my used car three months ago, but when the clutch went he says it's just normal wear-and-tear and the warranty doesn't cover it.
I'm out of pocket and extremely annoyed.
I suggest you take the matter to the Small Claims Court. It's an inexpensive, fast and easy way for consumers to resolve disputes without the need to employ a solicitor. The current fee for making a claim is €15. You can claim the car was not supplied in "satisfactory condition". You might lose, but it's your best shot. The small claims court is a very under-utilised source of justice for motorists.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie