Should I wait for the BMW 128ti?
Hi,
I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.
Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.
I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.
Very best wishes
Tim
Tim Williams (Dartmouth)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind.
VRT and tax on imported Toyota Hilux?
Hi,
I am relocating to Ireland (Co Cork) and I have purchased a Toyota Hilux pick up truck, but I am confused as to the rates of VRT. I will be starting a dog kennels business and using the truck for the business. Do I qualify for the €333 tax or is it something different? Car is a 67 plate bought in the UK, VAT paid, 2.2-litre automatic with 21,000 miles on the clock.
I really appreciate your help as it is very confusing on the Revenue website.
Many thanks
Mark
Mark Hartin (Basingstoke)Sep 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
As far as VRT is concerned, pickup trucks generally fall into Category B for tax, which means you’ll pay 13.3 per cent of the Irish Open Market Selling Price, as defined by Revenue. A 2017 Hilux will generally run at about €23,000 on the Irish market, so you’ll be paying in and around €3,000 in VRT.
That €333 rate is the annual rate of motor tax for a commercial vehicle, though be aware that you cannot use the vehicle for any private reasons if you tax it as a commercial.
How to work out VRT of non-listed car?
What if the specific car is not shown on the VRT calculator? For example 2019 Peugeot 508 1.6 petrol automatic GT-Line. There is no 1.6 petrol shown. I don't want to import the car without knowing the price to pay.
Thanks
Ian Delaney (Naas)Sep 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
If the specific model isn’t shown, then you can make a rough back-of-a-napkin calculation based on the CO2 emissions and the prices that such a car would sell for In Ireland. The 508 1.6 turbo GT-Line’s emissions of 125g/km put it into Band B1 for VRT, which means 18 per cent of the Irish market price. That price is a little difficult to calculate as most 508s sold here in 2019 were diesel, but values seem to run between €25,000 to €30,000 — so, splitting the difference, 18 per cent of €27,500 is €4,950. The NOx levy on top of that will only be €135.
Obviously all of this is an approximation only.
Tax cost for 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
What is the annual motor tax for a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 Automatic?
Many thanks.
Michael
Michael Ruddy (Cootehill )Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The engine size is 1,995cc, so it sits in the 1,901cc to 2,000cc band, currently costing €710 per annum.
Motor tax on this imported Ford?
What would be the motor tax on a Titanium X 120hp five-door auto? The car is registered in the North and VRT is €7,998.
Teresa Sheehy (Limerick)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
Well, it’s a Ford of some kind, so I’m going assume, from that VRT amount, that it’s a Mondeo? That has CO2 emissions of 107g/km so will cost you €190 per year to tax.
How much to tax a 2012 Volvo XC70?
How much to tax a 2012 Volvo XC70. 2.4 D5 automatic?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Aug 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
That model has CO2 emissions of 179g/km, so will have annual motor tax of €750.
Electric range of the BMW 330e?
Hi,
Do you know what the zero emission mileage would be for a BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport four-door saloon petrol/electric automatic?
Many thanks if you can find this information
Mark Porter (Nottingham)Jul 2020 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
The first generation 330e has an electric-only range, on a fully-charged battery, of 40km (about 30km in real-world use) and the new, and current, version is claimed to be able to get 65km out of a full charge. Here are links to our reviews of both, which may give you more information:
My Insignia's stop-start system is faulty.
I have a 2015 Insignia 1.6 CDTi Ecoflex. The stop-start system only works when the battery is charged manually and then stops after a few days. New battery fitted by dealer six months ago.
Brian Lochrie (Nottingham)Jun 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
We get so many queries about stop-start systems (in all makes and models) that we wrote a feature about it: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
However, in your case, perhaps there's something up with the alternator that prevents it from charging up the battery fully.
It may be worth getting an auto-electrician to check it out.
Is the 2015-2016 Peugeot 2008 ok?
I am interested in buying a 2015-2016 Peugeot 2008 petrol automatic; is this a good buy?
Mary ODonovan (Trim)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Actually, yes, it is. If you’re in the market for a small crossover, the original 2008 was one of the better ones. Aside from a slightly cheap-feeling cabin, it was good to drive, reasonably roomy, well-made and reliable. Good choice.
What to buy with up to €12,000 to spend?
Looking for model recommendations for a used car. My requirements: automatic, cruise control, air conditioning, 1.6-2.0-litre, €10,000-12,000 available.
David Murphy (Dundalk)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
OK, we found a few good options, via Carzone, but there are plenty more if you have a look.
How about a BMW 5 Series? It’s top of budget, but we found a 131-reg 520d in SE spec, with auto, air conditioning and cruise. A fabulous car to drive, and perfect for long journeys. Used BMW 5 Series for sale on Carzone. Maybe check out our BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) used car buying guide if that piques your interest.
Or, if you need something a little more practical (and also faultlessly reliable) how about a Mazda6 Estate 150hp diesel? It’s a 2015 car, and they’re as good to drive as they are to look at. Used Mazda6 for sale on Carzone. (Read our Mazda6 reviews here).