Expert answer

Hi Harvey,

I'd thoroughly recommend the Volkswagen Multivan for your needs. It comes in two lengths with seven seats. Both are highly versatile, and the boot is big even if you're using all the seats, especially the one with the “long overhang” body.

We've taken this car away on long holiday trips and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. We're only a family of five, but we all fitted in comfortably as well as a few bikes and way too much stuff for a couple of weeks away camping.

What's more, there are diesel and plug-in hybrid versions available, depending on your needs, and it drives more like a car than any of the actual van-based people carriers out there.

The Tourneo would do the job, too, but it's not as flexible and nowhere near as nice to drive.

Go test drive one for yourself and let us know what you think.

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

For the benefit of our other readers, ERAD stands for Electric Rear Axle Drive, which is effectively the electric motor used on the rear axle of the plug-in-hybrid XC90 T8 (and other Volvo PHEVs) to give it all-wheel drive and fully electric operation. And yes, they are a known weak point of the car.

There is some evidence that Volvo will help with repair or replacement for cars with a full service history, but it seems to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as there has been no official recall or statement on it from Volvo. Do not rely on this.

We'd strongly recommend you avoid early cars unless the ERAD unit has been replaced relatively recently, but Volvo did make improvements as early as 2018, and the facelifted cars from 2020 on (badged “Recharge”) are a relatively safe bet.

Look not only for a regular service history, but also for maintenance details relating specifically to the rear axle.

The D5/B5 cars are certainly a better bet in terms of dependability, but obviously come with higher running costs and motor tax.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Rather bizarrely, there is no published rule on this situation as yet so electric vans are subject to the same annual motor tax as electric cars - i.e. €120 per annum.

Expert answer

Hi Alex,

Offline you mentioned you'd like something stylish as well as solid and spacious. One of the first cars that comes to mind is the Audi Q3, which is decently practical, has a premium badge and is plentiful for your budget of about €20,000. I'd urge you to stick with petrol power given your annual mileage of no more than 15,000km.

The BMW X1 would do the same job, but it's very difficult to find one that isn't diesel. Same story with the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring estates, both of which we'd prefer over an SUV. And same thing for the excellent Volkswagen Arteon.

A hybrid-powered Lexus NX would be a good option for you, as would the Mazda CX-5, though neither are as common in the classifieds as the Audi above.

Have a look at some of those and test drive as many cars as you can.

Come back to us if you'd like us to help narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Bernard,

The UK and Ireland cars are more or less identical and, according to this official MG Europe document, the 55-litre tank is standard across the board in the new MG HS.

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

The only new MGs on sale in Ireland right now that have four-wheel drive are the high-performance cars, i.e. the dual-motor MG Cyberster GT and the MG4 XPower. All the SUVs are two-wheel drive.

Expert answer

Hi Padraig,

Though there's likely to be very little difference between the two cars in terms of reliability and safety (assuming other things like age, mileage, condition and service history are equal), you're most likely correct in terms of more expensive servicing and parts for the Audi. 

And make sure you get an insurance quote before you commit to any car.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Going on the information you've provided, the only importation costs should be the flat-rate VRT for classic cars (€200). You will need paperwork to prove that the BMW has been registered and used in Northern Ireland. Book the car in for a VRT inspection with the NCTS within seven days of bringing the car south and they will talk you through it all.

Expert answer

Hi Marek,

Go to https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/jidosha_fr10_000019.html (and use a browser that will automatically translate it from Japanese to English for you) and scroll down to item 6 and get Excel files full of information for loads of JDM cars. Those hold engine codes, etc, fuel consumption and CO₂ data.

We found several entries for the Toyota you mentioned, with CO₂ varying from 173-187g/km depending on the specific version of car.

If you're importing this car, Revenue will likely take the official NEDC CO₂ figure for the European market and 'uplift' it to WLTP standards, meaning that even the automatic model will likely be in Band F (191-225g/km), while the manual may be in Band G (226g/km and higher).

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

If the Open Market Selling Price of the car (the OMSP is the value Revenue in Ireland believes it is worth after importation) is less than €40,000 then you'll have no VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) to pay. If the OMSP is between €40,000 and €50,000 then there's tapered VRT relief, and no relief at all for cars deemed to be worth more than €50,000.

The above applies no matter what the 'customs state' of the car.

What you need to look out for is whether you'll be liable for customs duty - at 10 per cent of the customs value (purchase price, plus transportation costs, plus insurance) - and VAT. The latter is 23 per cent of the customs value plus the customs duty.

Now, if the car has been in use in Northern Ireland for, as Revenue calls it, “a reasonable amount of time”, then VAT and customs duty are unlikely to be payable. You will need proof of that, however. If the car is being bought from a dealer that imported it from England for sale, then ask them for proof of importing according to the Windsor Framework.