Expert answer

Hi Stasys,

Cheaper motor tax is available for classic cars, but it starts when they are over 30 years old. Read this for more information: Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

OK, this one takes a bit of deciphering. I’m guessing that you mean you own two Mercedes-Benz models, both using the 2.1-litre diesel four-cylinder engine. I’m also assuming that you’re talking about the cost of motor tax, although the €290 figure is a little odd — did you mis-type when you meant either €280 (for Band B2) or €390 (for Band C)?

The discrepancy could be down to a number of factors. You don’t, for example, state which models you’re talking about — E-Class? C-Class? Coupe? Convertible? Estate? Do both cars have automatic transmissions? Are they both on the same size wheels? Were they both manufactured in the same year? There’s a huge variation in vehicle emissions and, if you’re talking about the gap between Band C and Band D, it takes only a single g/km of CO₂ to tip from one to the other. 

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Hi Ol,

No, sadly not. The only way you can reduce the tax cost of your car depending on use is to apply for a SORN declaration that the vehicle is off the road for a period of time. The minimum period is three months, and the maximum is a year, although you can have the declaration continued if needed. 

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Hi Bill,

That’s because the OMSPs are listed for second hand cars. As a new car, the Tesla Model 3 sells for €48,900 (basic) here, so Revenue will treat that as the equivalent to the OMSP for a new Model 3.

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Hi Mike,

Unfortunately, Revenue and the VRT process are inexplicably cruel in this regard. You have to pay the money before you appeal, but the good news is that more than 50 per cent of appeals are successful. It would be helpful to find some expert in Japanese vehicles (and I would suggest tracking down a garage that imports them regularly) to give you their opinion on the value, as Revenue is legendarily awful at coming up with reasonable values for unusual cars.

As for the NOx charge, I would ask for a statement in writing from the VRT/NCT office that you brought the car for inspection before January, but were told to come back afterwards. That might (emphasis on the might) get that waived when you make your appeal.

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Hi Sue,

Sounds to us that the battery could be in poor condition. Lots of cars develop issues with their stop-start systems. We get so many questions about it that we wrote a feature about it all - Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

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Hi Daniel,

The new NOx charge is indeed in place now, and came into force on Jan 1st. It will depend very much on how old the Mondeo you’re looking at is. Assuming that it’s a 2017 model, then the NOx charge will be pretty small — €180 on an official NOx reading of 36mg/km. However, older versions have much high NOx levels so will be much more expensive. If you could give us a precise year for the car you’re looking at, we could get a more precise answer. Cartell.ie is probably your best source for accurate NOx figures — just put the reg number of the car in the search box. 

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Hi Mark,

This is unfortunately a common issue with Revenue, VRT and ‘out of the ordinary’ cars. Sadly, and infuriatingly, there’s no way to appeal before payment. You have to pay and then appeal. My advice would be to get some expert advice (possibly from an importer who specialises in GT-Rs, or possibly from an owners’ club) as to the true value of the car, which you can then present as part of your appeal.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

I'm surprised to hear that from a new truck where the battery will be in good condition, but stop-start systems regularly don't work as people expect. The system measures loads of variables before deciding whether the engine will be stopped, including the temperature of the engine and even the outside temperature. If it's cold weather, it may not work at all. If you're using items that are a big electrical drain, it may not operate. 

Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature

Expert answer

Hi Sherry,

It should not, no, though you are likely to get a warning light in the dashboard.

Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature on why that might be happening.