What's the point of the extra car tests?

HELPDESK:Answering all your motoring queries

From RQ: I read on Monday about the rule changes on the NCT that start in June and mean cars over 10 years of age have to be tested annually. What is the point of all these tests? It seems like another exercise in milking motorists for cash. There’s no point in suggesting scrappage either: I can hardly afford the repairs on my current car never mind buying a new one. My car is due for its next NCT in January.

In principle the extra tests make sense, as they should improve the quality and safety of the cars on our roads, particularly at a time when some motorists tempted to cut back on car maintenance.

Yet officials can’t simply shield themselves from criticism with the safety cloak while at the same time fleecing motorists and cutting back on their own safety responsibilities to provide well maintained and safe roads.

From this week new learner drivers are expected to spend more than €400 on compulsory driving tests. Revenue from speeding fines has rocketed, and motorists must annually pay from €104 to €2,100 for what one reader called an expensive beermat for the windscreen. At the same time many of our secondary roads are falling into a perilous state.

There is a debate about putting your car through pre-NCT inspections and repairs. Frankly, I have to agree with the consensus: you are better to put your car through the test and see what fails. Then you will know what needs to be repaired. You should look at the NCT manual (www.nct.ie/pdf/nctmanual.pdf). It takes you through the various tests so at least you will know the areas due to be inspected.

From EH: I’ve been looking for a sports car, convertible, or coupé, that will be reliable and still look smart in five years. I keep my cars well, but I don’t want something that dates too quickly. I have about €15,000 to spend so it’s going to have to be second-hand. I want to keep the running costs down as well.

It’s a challenge to pick something that’s appealing and will stand the test of time, for most sports models age quite badly. The ones that don’t are the likes of the Mazda MX-5, a cabriolet in the form of an Audi A4, a Mini Cooper or the Alfa Romeo GT. You don’t specify car size so the mix there is wide ranging.

The MX-5 for me would be a tempting if you don’t mind the fact it doesn’t have much space. It’s great fun to drive. The only issue is that the car fell off the radar after the new emissions rules came in. But you could save by going for a 2005/2006 version for about €10,000. Most have relatively low mileage and it boasts a good reliability record.

Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times , Tara St, Dublin 2 or email motorshelp@irishtimes.com