Michael McAleer answers your queries
From Michael Nugent:
Regarding your correspondence on the difficulties encountered in obtaining a new Avensis and the reply from Toyota.
On May 16th I ordered a black 1.6 Avensis and was promised delivery at the latest by the second week in June.
The first week of June came and went and I could get no answer about my order. I should mention that I had four Toyota's over the past 17 years and was reluctant to change.
In desperation I telephoned Toyota Ireland. The lady said they had no function in the supply of cars and more or less intimated that I would get my car when I got it.
I was not satisfied with this answer and wrote to the managing director outlining the above. In the meantime I spoke to my dealer in final desperation and was told that he could not say when a black Avensis would be available but he had two other colours.
I am now the proud owner of a new Avensis (green metallic) and thrilled with it. The moral of my story is Toyota make great cars but Toyota Ireland don't appreciate customer service.
Toyota's Ian Corbett responds: "Toyota Ireland has been doing its upmost to supply our dealer network with as many vehicles as possible but do acknowledge that due to the extraordinary popularity of the new Avensis demand is outstripping supply which has regrettably led to a waiting period for our customers, with over 1,500 orders to be fulfilled. This situation is replicated in nearly all other European countries such is the success of the car.
Avensis had been widely applauded by both customers and motoring press due to it's very competitive pricing, European design and 5 star NCAP rating.
"With regards to the problems encountered by Mr Nugent, we received a written correspondence from Mr Nugent on the 7th of June, which was responded to by our Customer Service Manager. At the same time we told McCoy Motors who were the dealer in question that a black Avensis would be available on June 30th for Mr Nugent. McCoy Motors then relayed this information to Mr Nugent who decided to choose a green Avensis which was more readily available. We feel that a six week period from when the car was ordered, to delivery, for a model that has just been introduced to the market is an acceptable time frame given the demand for the car.
"We most certainly would apologise for any disquiet incurred following contact with our company, but we can assure you that at all times our customers are treated in a courteous and fair manner. Finally we are delighted to here Mr Nugent is 'thrilled' with his new Avensis and we will continue to work to obtain as many Avensis as possible for our Dealer Network and more importantly our loyal customers whom we value."
From Peter Warde, Dublin:
How do you stop people parking outside your house? We live near a suburban train station and sometimes cannot even get in the driveway as commuters park outside the house and take up all the parking on the street.
I understand they have no where else to park, but their problems shouldn't cause so much chaos for us.
It's a real problem in cities and towns these days and has led to some frayed tempers and the odd black eye.
First, if yours is a proper driveway, with planning permission, then it should be illegal for them to block it and they can be given a ticket or towed.
However, as far as the main issue is concerned, while home owners have no rights as to parking on the street outside their house, residents have one recourse to action. One way is for the local residents to get together and apply to the local council to have the street designated for disc parking. If there is general agreement between residents it can be a rather simple operation.
After the application and subsequent inspection by officials, a disc parking machine is installed and the road markings laid out.
Residents buy a yearly pass for about €40 and others are limited to a maximum of three hours, after which they will be fined or towed.
Then again, while it clears the problem from outside your door, it doesn't solve the real issue of a lack of adequate parking for commuters at our suburban stations.
Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2 - or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie