Michael McAleer answers your questions
From David Bateman, Co Cork
I cannot find a new, reliable, roomy (I'm 6'6" and with my passengers deserve some head- and leg-space), diesel, automatic estate, actually assembled in the EU of EU parts without US or Asian ties.
I also need to be able to see what is coming at me from the side instead of these raked pillars that are all the rage (I'm trying to replace a pre-GM 1992 Saab 900 hatch) and not to have to slow down for bends (seems to rule out people carriers etc).
Have I missed something?
So you want a tall, reliable estate that's built by Europeans and powered by a diesel engine with automatic transmission. To keep in the mainstream market you are left with models from the Volkswagen group, PSA of France, BMW in Germany and Fiat of Italy.
Depending on the sort of money you have to spend, you could opt for the likes of the BMW 5-Series estate. I would point you to the X5, but it's built in the US so I guess you don't want that.
Visibility is not a problem with either car. May I also point you to the Audi A6 Avant, that offers plenty of loading space and good height and legroom.
Given your height, smaller mainstream models will always be a tight fit, but Seat has a range of relatively tall road cars such as the Toledo and Altea.
They may be close to people carriers but they do have decent road-going skills. Both come in diesel and feature VW's impressive DSG automatic gearbox as well. They are not quite estates but there is adequate boot space, though there is a sill on the back.
Perhaps the best bet in this case would be a Skoda Octavia Combi.
It has plenty of bootspace, a relatively spacious interior, good pedigree for reliability and features the same diesel engines and DSG automatic transmission as in the Seats. It's also well-priced.
The fact is that for all your loyalty to the region, you are ruling out some very fine reliable cars that would perhaps be better suited to your needs.
From R Kenny:
I read over Christmas that from 2007 it will be illegal to use speed detectors that pick up radar signals emitted by cameras and laser signals sent by mobile camera vans. Heretofore I understood there was no restriction on such equipment in Britain.
However, of more interest is the system over there where they have GPS technology that maps the location of speed cameras and warns the driver when they are approaching. These will remain legal in Britain. Could you advise on whether the use of similar GPS technology to identify speed cameras in this country is legal or illegal?
It is not illegal to map fixed speed cameras on a GPS system. It is no more than indicating that a speed camera is in operation in a particular area and in many cases there are already road signs indicating the existence of cameras. As we have so few operational cameras in Ireland, most people are aware of where they are located. However, when the new privatised system is rolled out there will be a lot more cameras in use and several of those will be mobile.
A list of potential sites for cameras is already in the public domain and it would then be up to the providers of GPS maps to add this information to their systems. Given that most of these sites are regarded as potential crash "black spots" it would be doing a service to drivers to highlight them, even if a speed camera was not in operation.
In Britain, several regional police forces actually offer GPS information on where their speed cameras are. A Garda spokesman said there were no plans at present to follow them down this route, so it is really up to the GPS providers to add this feature to their services. As for the use of speed trap detectors, such devices have long been illegal to use in Ireland.
From M O'N:
I have a 10-year-old car, which I use very occasionally, stored/parked outdoors. The problem is condensation generally and mould growth on leather. Can you recommend a decent 12-volt dehumidifier or an alternative (other than a garage)?
There are several good versions on sale in boat and caravan supply stores. Amcor does a range of portable dehumidifiers that work well for such purposes. If you have problems locating them, there are several on sale on eBay.
From J McC:
Do I need to opt for an automatic transmission before I can buy a car with cruise control?
No. Cruise control systems are available with regular manual versions as well. The only difference between the automatic version and the manual one is that the cruise disengages when you press the clutch pedal as well as the brake. From a driving perspective the cruise control is just as useful. The only consideration is whether you do enough long distance travelling on straight roads to warrant the purchase. Cruise has little or no benefit in urban situations.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara Street, Dublin 2, or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie