Are there any manufacturers who allow local garages to inspect and carry out warranty repairs? I live 200 miles and a ferry journey from the garage where I bought my car and must spend £400 and 2 days holiday to take it to the nearest franchise, or have it repaired locally - cost £100 and let my 5 year warranty lapse.

I have had fiats in the past and they have allowed me to do this, but their mechanical record is not so good recently.

There are very few franchises north of Inverness and even fewer in the Northern Isles, but still a sizeable population. Don't the manufacturers want to sell us their cars?

As far as I am aware there are no manufacturers that will allow a 3rd party to carry out warranty work but in your circumstances they may make an exception. All you can do is ask Hyundai.

We've been holidaying on the Isle of Skye every year for the past 19 years. When we first started going there were 3 car dealerships - one in Broadford which was originally Mazda and changed to VW, and a Ford/Renault dealership in Portree.

The Broadford dealership sold out to the Co-op - the showroom was converted to a supermarket and the filling station kept in operation. The VW franchise replaced the Renault one in Portree.

About four years ago, Lidl almost bought the site of the remaining Ford/VW franchise, but pulled out after a few months. Both franchises have now closed - with what appears to be just the filling station part staying open.

Presumably there are too few customers for new cars for franchises to remain viable outside the larger conurbations like Inverness, Stirling and Perth.

Have you tried contacting Hyundai to see whether they have any service-only agencies?