Expert answer

Hi Paul,

That's a tricky one. We're familiar with the PSE of course and it's a cracking car. Unfortunately, very few people outside of the Peugeot dealer network are likely to understand what it is and you're unlikely to be offered a satisfactory price that reflects its true value.

But you can probably see the dealer's point of view as well: it's a special, niche model that just won't be in demand from the general public.

I'd suggest either finding a showroom that specialises in high-end and performance cars to try and better the trade-in offer (assuming they have a car you want of course) or sell the car yourself. It's a lot messier than trading in the car, obviously, and it may take time to find a serious buyer, but it's how you'd maximise its value.

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

Obviously a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) makes most sense here as those come with ultra-low CO₂ emissions to help keep the BIK down. Though we would only recommend you buy one if you have a way of charging it up at home or at work on a very regular basis.

If you like your Audi, then the new Audi A5 e-hybrid makes for a good option. It can be had as a Sportback or Avant estate within your budget and it's a really lovely car. The e-hybrid system allows for a long electric range and low emissions, too. Read our review of the A5 e-hybrid for more.

The BMW 330e is another excellent premium PHEV within budget, both as a saloon or Touring estate. It's not as fresh-faced as the Audi A5, but it's still a good car. Read our review of the updated BMW 330e if you're interested.

Our next port of call would have been the Skoda Superb, but for some bizarre reason it's only offered as a PHEV in Combi estate format, so if you don't want an estate, then it's not for you. If you're open to the idea, however, it's a considerably larger car than the BMW and Audi mentioned above, if not as interesting to drive. Within budget, however, is the range-topping L&K variant, which puts the Audi and BMW to shame in terms of what you get for your money. Again, read our review of the Skoda Superb Combi PHEV for more.

Other than that trio, you'll be looking at SUVs in reality, unless you fancy moving to a fully electric car.

Come back to us if you want help narrowing things down further.

Expert answer

Hi Eve,

First up, the car must be registered in Ireland much sooner than that after arrival - it's supposed to be done within 30 days.

There are a few UK companies that allow customers buy decent warranties, but moving the car to another country and re-registering it is likely to invalidate such a thing. You could try calling them up to check. Warrantywise is one of the better-known firms.

In Ireland, there don't appear to be as many options. MAPFRE provides such warranties to its business clients to offer their customers when they buy their cars, but does not deal directly with individual owners. Car Simple does sell warranties to individuals, but only for cars that are under eight years old, so they wouldn't cover your car.

Best bet is to talk directly to one of the UK providers to get a steer on whether the car can remain under warranty when you move it to Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

It is of course possible to do this, but I'm not convinced it's worth all the extra hassle, and it might even cost more...

If you buy a new car in the North, you will be charged VAT there at 20 per cent, then also VAT - at 23 per cent - and VRT on importation to Ireland. We don't believe there is a way, as a private individual, to buy a new car VAT-free in the North. This method likely makes the car more expensive than just buying it from an Irish dealer.

As a demo in the North, it may be possible that the car would be classified as 'VAT-qualifying', and hence the UK VAT could be reclaimable, but that very much depends on how the dealer treated the VAT throughout.

Even so, you are highly likely to be liable for VAT and import duty, along with VRT of course.

As an EV, VRT is seven per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price), which will be the retail price in Ireland of the car, not what you pay for it in the North. I.e. the OMSP would be €179,000 as on audi.ie today and VRT would be €12,530 - assuming there are no optional extras added...

We don't believe import duty would be payable in the situation where you buy a new car in the North, but for a used model it can be 10 per cent of the customs value, which is defined as the purchase price plus cost of shipping and insurance, all before VAT is applied.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

We've not conducted our own detailed real-world range test on this car. According to the official figures, the most efficient version can do up to 753km on the WLTP cycle. 

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

That's actually becoming a bit of a challenge as regular cars such as the Mondeo have fallen out of favour with buyers, so the carmakers are slowly doing away with them. At the same time, demand for diesel engines is waning. Nonetheless, here are a few possibilities:

- Audi A5 'Saloon' (it's actually a five-door hatch)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon
- Skoda Superb (another hatchback and the closest match to the Mondeo today)

That's pretty much it. A leftfield alternative could be the Peugeot 508 SW, which is the estate model. It can be had with a diesel engine still, but the five-door 508 fastback cannot. We reckon it looks stunning.

How do these strike you?

Expert answer

Hi Iann,

That engine has a timing belt. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Depending on the exact specification, Audi quotes 648-713 kilometres on the official WLTP cycle. We'd expect at least 500km in most circumstances so long as conditions aren't freezing and the car isn't weighed down with people and luggage.

It massively depends on how it is driven and how fast etc. as well. There really is no definitive “real-world” figure no matter what anyone tells you. That's why we have a test such as the WLTP to compare one car against another, as imperfect and as unrealistic as it is.

Expert answer

Hi Jurgen,

According to our figures, your car's CO₂ emissions (it's a 2015 Audi A4 saloon 1.8 petrol) are in the 156-170g/km range according to the old NEDC system. 

For such cars, registered before January 2021, the tax band is D, costing €600 a year. 

A car registered after that date with a WLTP rating of 151-160g/km would cost €280 a year and the €400 rate you mentioned is for cars with an emissions rating of 141-155g/km so perhaps the dealer was mistaken.

Expert answer

Hi David,

That engine has a timing belt, but it's not a 'wet' belt running in oil - it's a traditional 'dry' timing belt.