Expert answer

Hi Paul,

We need two things to estimate the VRT (and please note that we can only provide an estimate, and you need to take all factors into account for yourself). First is the CO₂ emissions rating to determine the VRT band. That will vary from model to model, even for a single variant such as the 530d.

Our data shows that car has an NEDC CO₂ rating of around 139g/km, but Revenue will ‘uplift’ that using its formula in a bid to make it comparable to WLTP-rated cars. That means it considers it to have CO₂ emissions of about 172g/km on importation.

This means Band 19 for VRT at 35 per cent.

That’s 35 per cent of the OMSP, the Open Market Selling Price as determined by Revenue, which is not always very easy to guess at, but a quick look at Irish classifieds suggests in and around €18,000, meaning VRT of €6,300.

Don’t forget you’ll be liable for the NOx levy as well, which will be high for that car.

Expert answer

Hi Vincent,

The Xpeng brand has only just arrived in Ireland this month so we don't believe there will be any used examples available as yet. It actually launched in Ireland ahead of the UK, so you won't find any used ones over there to import either.

Expert answer

Hi Aileen,

Motor tax for cars only goes by the engine size if it was registered before 2008. If the 1.6 you’re talking about is older than that then the annual motor tax should be €514 (assuming the engine size is 1,501-1,600cc).

If the car is newer, then its tax goes by its CO₂ emissions. We’d need to know full details of the car before we could look that up for you, as the engine size and type alone aren’t sufficient.

Read our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained page for more information.

Expert answer

Hi Jack,

The EV6 has a longer range on a charge of its battery and is more efficient, though that’s probably not a major issue for you as you’ll likely charge up at home every night and - I assume - have plenty of range in either car to keep you going for a shift. I prefer the quality of the Toyota’s cabin and its smoothness on the road, two things it betters the Kia on. There’s not much difference between them in terms of interior space, but the Kia has a larger boot, which may be relevant to your needs.

I highly recommend you go and test drive both cars for yourself, so you get a feel for which you prefer. Do let us know which you go for and why.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The CX-80's suspension was a further development of that in the CX-60 and improvements were made before the larger car was launched, so we have no issue with that car at all. Further changes are coming to the CX-60 later this year.

As with all cars, we'd highly recommend sticking to smaller wheel options, as that means more tyre sidewall to better absorb bumps and poor road surfaces.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

As I’m sure you realise, we can only guess at the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) that Revenue will place on such a rare car. And the VRT calculation hinges on that. Let’s say it’s €25,000, and that its CO₂ emissions put it into the top VRT band at 41 per cent. That would mean a VRT bill of €10,250.

Don’t forget about the NOx levy on top of that, which is likely to be the top €600 limit for petrol cars, and of course import duty and VAT if the car is coming from England, Scotland or Wales.

Expert answer

Hi June,

The first thing to note would be the size difference between these two cars. The BYD is larger overall and that’s felt inside too.

In terms of build quality, the Volvo feels more solid inside and out, though its cabin layout is more dated than the BYD's and has a smaller display. It’s also worth looking at the equipment levels of both cars, as the BYD comes with a lot of standard spec.

With regard to ride quality the Volvo is the more polished of the two, with a nicely sorted suspension setup and better one-pedal driving feel. The BYD has more performance, and has higher peak DC-charging speeds.

Read our review of the Sealion 7 here

Read our review of the Volvo EX40 here

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

Generally speaking, three to four years old is a sweet spot for cars such as that where a big chunk of the depreciation is already done, but the car is still modern enough and in good enough condition to enjoy. Balanced against all of that, of course, is the challenge in finding one, as the Lexus LC is vanishingly rare.

Expert answer

Hi Sonia,

I assume you mean as a trade-in, as most dealers wouldn’t be interested in buying cars such as this unless a car is also being sold. You’re not likely to be offered as much as €1,000 as a trade-in, though you may find a private seller willing to buy it for a little more.

Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

The cars we've seen so far do not have those.