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Previously answered questions

Which front-wheel-drive electric SUV for us?

Thinking of making the move to an electric car for our main family vehicle, but quite hilly where we live and concerned about rear-wheel drive only in some of the options, and all-wheel-drive electric cars are very expensive at the moment. Thinking of an SUV or crossover - what would be the recommended front-wheel-drive make/model in this scenario?

Willing to put on winter tyres etc.

John Paul (Letterkenny)

Nov 2021 Filed under: choosing new car

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How is depreciation worked out?

How is depreciation worked out for cars and who decided on a percentage figure?

F D (Dublin)

Oct 2021 Filed under: choosing used car

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Which 2018 car for commuting?

Hi guys,

I'm currently driving a 2014 Mercedes C-Class. I'm looking to upgrade to something 2018 up and maybe move up a class. I'm open to any make/model. I have a big enough commute: 150km a day four days a week. I live in Northern Ireland so I am lucky I get it slightly cheaper.

What would you recommend?

Brian McElroy (Northern Ireland)

Aug 2021 Filed under: choosing used car

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Can I tax a commercial as a private SUV?

Hi

I'm hoping you can help me with something. I recently found your crew cab and commercial article and found it very interesting. I'm currently in an odd position. I'm looking for a crew cab SUV that would be used for work and domestic but I am not a registered business. So the crew cab would need to be reverted back to the original (much higher) tax bracket. I've heard that a PPS number can be used as a tax number and that would be the main hurdle handled. I was wondering if you or your readers have any experience doing this?

The last thing I want is buying an SUV only to find out I can't tax it.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Tom

Tom

Aug 2021 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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Will this imported car attract VAT and duty?

Hi,

I would like to buy car from Northern Ireland that was brought from UK mainland two months ago and registered by an independent dealer. Car still has UK reg. Do the VAT of 23 per cent and customs duty still apply to me?

Vlad Dvadvavosem (Dublin)

Aug 2021 Filed under: importing

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Cost to replace a Kia Picanto head gasket?

Just wondering if you would know how much would it cost to replace the head gasket on a 2008 Kia Picanto automatic?

Stuart O Neill (Gorey)

Sep 2021 Filed under: repair

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I can't fully insure my Tesla with Aviva!

Hello,

I’ve bought a Tesla Model 3 LR/AWD (not the Performance model). I’m taking delivery on 29 September. I’ve been driving for 40 years, insured (full comp.) with Aviva since 2010 and never had a claim. Today Aviva tells me it will only offer third party cover on a Tesla. I’ve pressed them on this - no budge. Are you familiar with EVs being harder to insure?

Thanks

Ray Hennessy

Ray Hennessy (Ennis)

Sep 2021 Filed under: insurance

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Is there a new Ford Mondeo coming?

Is there a new Ford Mondeo coming real soon? Why is Ford being so coy about it? Any idea of prices and showroom date?

Fergal Reidy (Celbridge County Kildare)

Aug 2021 Filed under: future cars

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How to register an old imported moped?

My friend has a Honda moped that she brought with her when she came to live here in 1990, The bike was never registered here and it has UK plates. It has never been on the road here. We would like to get it back on the road going again for her 60th. How do we register it for her? She has it 32 years.

John McEleney

Aug 2021 Filed under: importing

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No torch in my Skoda Kamiq!

My new Skoda Kamiq has no removable torch in the boot, yet all the reviews I've read, including yours, say that it comes as standard.

Admittedly most of them say it's only in the "Ambition" up, but I have the "Style". I called to the dealer today and showed him one of the reviews including a photo. He told me I was looking at UK reviews and that the Irish cars don't have a torch. Can you throw any light on this? I'd really like a torch.

Patricia Costello (Clonakilty, Co. Cork)

Aug 2021 Filed under: optional extras

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4,884 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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