Why German plates on some Irish cars?
Why do some cars have German car tax on their plates as well as having Irish car tax disks at the same time?
Brian PopeJul 2019 Filed under: registration
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
Look closer and you’ll probably see that these are most likely Irish number plates that have been printed in the style of German plates. Some owners of German-built cars do this as an aesthetic thing. It’s totally illegal by the way. “Using vehicle in a public place that has been modified or altered such that authorisation plate is inaccurate” gets you three penalty points.
Could I afford to insure a 1.9 diesel?
Hi,
I am looking to buy myself a new car soon enough. I am simply waiting to have a full year on my insurance. I got insured on a 1.6-litre petrol Audi A3 Sportback, as my first car, with Axa insurance. The quote was around €3,700. I am looking for a diesel this time and I am wondering what kind of quotes I could be expecting if I try to get insured on a 1.9 diesel this time? There aren't many 1.6 diesel cars around that I would like to get.
Thanks!
Kris M (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Kris,
The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find.
Any reduction in motor tax with age?
I have a Mercedes C 200, which is now just over 20 years old and I only do 1,500 miles per year. Is there any reduction in motor tax due to age?
John Twomey (Cork City)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi John,
I'm afraid that cars need to be over 30 years old to avail of classic tax. See our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for more details.
Most economical 1.4-litre cars?
What is the most economical 1.4 petrol or diesel car in Ireland, max 2015?
Ed Burke (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Ed,
That is an answer that will vary massively depending on which model of car you’re talking about. There are some Hyundai i30s and Kia Ceeds from around that era that came with a 1.4 diesel engine that would be hugely economical. You might be able to track down some Peugeot or Citroen models (a 2008 would be a good choice) with a 1.4 HDi diesel engine that’s good on juice, too. There’s also the Toyota Corolla or Auris D-4D, or if you don’t fancy diesel, the same cars with the 1.33-litre VVTi petrol engine, which was not too thirsty.
What's up with my Citroen's start-stop?
My Citroen C4 doesn’t start-stop when sitting still at the lights. The dash lamp goes green on the dash, but that’s it; what can I do?
Cathy Fay (Monaghan )Jul 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Cathy,
Many cars develop similar problems, usually because of battery condition or load. Our feature on the subject, Why won't my car's stop-start system work? may help you further.
Audi A3 Saloon or Mercedes CLA?
Hi,
I am looking for a little advice on changing my car. I have a 2010 Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI and am trying to make my mind up between the Audi A3 Saloon and the Mercedes CLA. Petrol I'm thinking? And most likely new or one year old. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Claire
Claire Murphy (Monaghan )Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
Both are really good cars, and I think it would be the Audi that we’d — just — come down on the side of. It’s not as cool to look at as the CLA, obviously, but the ride quality is better and that makes a big difference on Irish roads. It’s also a fraction more practical than the Mercedes and, if you can find one with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, then you’re onto a winner. Basically, it’s the Audi if you want practicality, or the Mercedes if you’re more interested in style.
How much to privately tax an Amarok?
How much is the private road tax on a 2.0-litre version of the Amarok? I’ve seen €660, €750 and €1,200 online? Is it based on the CO2 or engine size?
Joe
Sligo
Joe Devaney (Sligo)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
It’s actually €710, the rate for cars with engines sized between 1,901cc and 2,000cc (the Amarok 2.0 is actually 1,968cc). As we’ve said before, for some bizarre reason, if you’re taxing a commercial vehicle as a private car, you go back onto the old by-engine-capacity system.
Read this for more: Buying a commercial vehicle for private use
Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Not sure which car to go for. Previously had 2016 Toyota Auris Hybrid and found it very economical and a comfortable drive. Unfortunately it was stolen. However, I'm driving a rental 191 Volkswagen Polo and liking the drive. Which car would you recommend: another 2016 Auris Hybrid or 2018 petrol Volkswagen Polo?
Thanks
Antoinette Kiely (Dublin)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Antoinette,
The thing is that they’re two very different cars — the Polo is a significantly smaller vehicle than the Auris. So, if you need the space, and you like the hybrid aspect, then definitely go for another Auris. If you’re happy with the space in the Polo, and you can live without the hybrid bit, then the Polo is a very fine car.
Can I trade my car in against a Tesla?
If I order a Tesla Model 3 for 2020, how can I trade in my current car, given that Tesla only makes electric cars?
James Hanley (Dublin)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi James,
Tesla should take your car as a trade-in as normal, but I would obviously check with the Dublin-based Tesla Store first to make sure of this.
Which exec EV to replace my Jaguar with?
I plan on replacing a Jaguar XF diesel next year and would like to move to a “greener” alternative. Are you aware of any PHEVs or pure electric cars that are expected this year in the executive category apart from BMW 530e and Mercedes E 350 de? I would like to go all electric but prices seem very high at the moment. I drive about 40,000km per annum so hybrid diesel or pure electric with good range look to me like the best options. The only executive EVs all seem to be around the €90k mark, which is too high for me.
Joe Peterson (Wicklow)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
With that annual mileage, I honestly don't think you, nor the charging network, are ready for a pure EV, at any price. The longest range version of the Tesla Model 3 gets closest to your needs, but is a good deal smaller than your Jaguar.
For now, I'd suggest that, if you're adamant that you don't want a pure diesel, then a hybrid is indeed your best option. Another to consider alongside the two you've mentioned is the Lexus ES. Nonetheless, with your mileage, I'd expect the diesel-electric hybrid Mercedes to be the best all-rounder - and the E-Class is a lovely car anyway.