Helpdesk

Radiation fear about Japanese-import

From TM: I bought a used Japanese Honda Fit 2004 model in October 2011. Lately, there was news that unscrupulous used-car dealers in Japan were selling vehicles exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation to unsuspecting buyers. The vehicles appear to be outwardly sound, but were owned by people living close to the Fukushima nuclear plant when it was damaged by earthquake and tsunami. I want to know whether the car I own was checked for radiation and deemed safe, and also whether the cars were checked for radiation at Irish ports before entry?

Since the nuclear disaster, Japanese ports have been carrying out strict radiation checks and cars from these regions have reportedly been banned from export. A spokesman for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland said that, alongside checks undertaken at Japanese ports, random tests were carried out across Europe, including in Ireland, from April to the end of July. No positive detects were found on containers/cars tested on entry to Ireland; a few positive detects were found in other EU countries up to June but none have been reported since then. If you are still concerned then contact the RPII directly.

From WP: I have been offered a finance option for a new car, but it seems to me like a hire purchase deal. I’m loath to get involved in this but I’m sure finance is hard to come by these days. Any suggestions?

While credit is certainly harder to get, the major banks are still lending for motor loans. They have been joined by the finance houses for the major car firms and most dealerships will have a finance partner.

It should be noted that most car firms sell cars based on hire purchase agreements, which are like the asset finance arrangements of old. In essence, the borrower doesn’t actually own the car until the last payment is made. This is not like a personal loan, where you borrow money to purchase an asset outright but remain indebted to the lender.

During the boom years, a hire purchase arrangement may not have been a source of worry for many, but given the current economic environment, it can be risky for those with an uncertain financial future.

From PM: I own a 2007 VW Golf 1.4-litre and would like to change it for a car slightly higher off the ground (two-wheel drive) with a more powerful engine. I am considering the Tiguan (having discarded the Golf Plus as I do not like the short front). I have also been reading about the Audi Q3 and Mercedes B-Class.

The Tiguan is a good buy, but I would also consider the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. As well as the Audi, there’s the BMW X1, the best driving car in the small crossover fleet. I’m not sure the B-Class would suit your needs.

Got a query? E-mail it to motorshelp@irishtimes.com