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Hi Derek,

It depends on which petrol-engined version of the Audi A1 that you mean. The basic 1.2 TFSI, with 86hp, has CO₂ emissions of 118g/km, so will cost €200 a year to tax. The 122hp 1.4-litre TFSI has CO₂ emissions of 126g/km, so will cost €270 a year. Oddly, the more powerful 140hp engine is rated at between 109g/km and 113g/km, so will cost between €190 and €200 a year. 

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Hi Brian,

OK, we’re not 100 per cent sure of the NOx figure for that A4 (ultimately, it should be on the Certificate of Conformity), but we think it’s officially 62mg/km, which would give you a VRT rating of around €3,500 — that of course is dependent on the specific vehicle and specification. 

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

If it’s a full LPG conversion — i.e. the entire petrol fuel system has been removed and replaced — then there may be some way of applying for a lower VRT rate. Revenue doesn’t currently allow for LPG in its NOx ratings, and the likelihood is that if the car is still capable of running on petrol, then it will still be charged at the normal rate.

The really tricky part is the acceptance of the figures. In theory, Revenue will only accept the NOx figure taken from the car’s original Certificate Of Conformity, which obviously won’t cover any later conversions. I think the first thing to do is to get every scrap of papwerwork relating to the LPG conversion, and then have a long chat with your local motor tax office. 

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Hi Shane,

I’m afraid this is a bit like asking us how long a piece of string might be… Especially given the current coronavirus crisis. It’s simply impossible for us to tell quite where the car market is going to go in the next while. Broadly speaking, we are moving steadily towards an electric future, and so — yes — diesel values will be under pressure in the coming years. That said, the current crisis might push the market back a little, and it’s possible that for the next little while, people might be more keen to go with something familiar, rather than taking risks on new tech.

Given all of that, and given that you’re looking at a three-year timeline, I think you’d be OK buying a diesel, especially in a premium model like an Audi. While it’s certainly possible that values may not hold up quite as strongly as they have done, it should still be solid enough, and of course you can insulate yourself — to an extent — by buying on a PCP plan with a guaranteed minimum future value.

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Hi Shaun,

That engine has a timing belt. It should be changed every 210,000km regardless of time.

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Hi Sean,

As long as it’s not less than six months old, you’ll be VAT free. The rule on VAT is that it’s charged unless the car is more than six months old, or if it has less than 6,000km (or miles equivalent) on the clock. As the Audi you’re looking at has done 27,000 miles, then it’s definitely outside the mileage VAT charge, and with that distance covered, I’d guess it must be older than six months, too.

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Hi Dale,

Shouldn’t be too expensive. Around €600 or so in VRT and another €100 or thereabouts in the NOx charge, depending on equipment and condition of course. 

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It’s a tricky one. The problem is that a 330e gets amazing fuel economy as long as you keep it plugged in as much as possible (which would work nicely for your short commutes), but that all goes to pot a bit on long motorway journeys (which is obviously not going to be good).

We think it’s a good idea to start moving away from diesel and towards hybrid and electric, but you’re going to struggle — overall — to match your A5 TDI’s economy with the 330e. Now, the thing is you can maybe make this work from the perspective of overall running costs. If you can charge up at work as well as at home, and stick to electric-only power as much as possible for your three short commuting days, then it’s just possible that might balance out the thirstier longer runs on the other two days.

Unfortunately, we can’t be more certain than that — the only way to know for sure is to try it out. If you don’t fancy making that leap of faith, then I guess it’s back to 320d diesel power and wait for truly long-range electric cars to arrive.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yes, depending on the specific engine/gearbox combo, circa €2,000 looks about right for most older diesel models. Depending on the spec and version of A5 you’re looking at, I’d say the rest of the VRT cost will be in the region of €3,800 or thereabouts. 

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

Depends; if you really love your driving, and appreciate great steering and chassis control, go for the 530d. If you prefer a more spacious interior and refinement, go for the Audi.