Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Skoda has already registered 810 of them this year, against 954 registered in the entire of 2024. Here are the figures for further back, for comparison:

2023: 1,325
2022: 746
2021: 925
2020: 939
2019: 1,376
2018: 1,496
2017: 1,746
2016: 1,850
2015: 1,105 (coinciding with the introduction of a new generation)

An increase in the sales of SUVs probably accounts for the overall reduction in the Superb's popularity over the past decade, as has happened with all big cars.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

To be honest, there'll be a huge gulf between the cars because they're 14 years apart. Your Citroen's suspension and bushings etc will be quite worn, no matter how much work it has had done, while the Dacia will feel tight, rattle-free and sharp to drive (in a good way). The Bigster will have far superior road holding where the Citroen feels 'loose', though the latter could mean more comfort in some circumstances.

The Bigster's steering will feel more responsive, as will the brakes and the engine. The Bigster should have superior wind and road noise suppression and with brand-new tyres it should be better in wet weather as well.

Finally, the Bigster has all the latest driver assistance technology that is vastly superior to that of your Citroen, in theory making it a safer car.

Expert answer

Hi Annabel,

It doesn't really matter where you live to drive a modern hybrid as they're generally quite efficient. With lots of short trips, a hybrid could be ideal for you. Your use might even suit a plug-in hybrid if you can get a charger installed at home. 

There are hybrids of all shapes and sizes now, though yes, many are SUVs. Toyota has a large range of hybrid cars to consider, but it's not the only one. 

Come back to us with your budget, and whether you're buying new or used, and we'll try to help you narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Neeraj,

Try all the big companies first to check, then a broker such as GMIB or even Paddy Compare. We've not used them ourselves, but they appear to be familiar with imports.

Expert answer

Hi Jurgen,

According to our figures, your car's CO₂ emissions (it's a 2015 Audi A4 saloon 1.8 petrol) are in the 156-170g/km range according to the old NEDC system. 

For such cars, registered before January 2021, the tax band is D, costing €600 a year. 

A car registered after that date with a WLTP rating of 151-160g/km would cost €280 a year and the €400 rate you mentioned is for cars with an emissions rating of 141-155g/km so perhaps the dealer was mistaken.

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

We don't have a written feature or video comparing the Enyaq and Elroq though we've extensive experience in both cars and lots of content on them individually. What would you like to know?

Skoda Enyaq reviews and videos

Skoda Elroq reviews and videos

Incidentally, on the Elroq link above you'll find our embedded social media videos covering the Elroq 85 Sportline, but feel free to ask for more detail on any aspect that interests you. 

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

It sounds like you're new to this, so it may be worth reading our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature.

In summary, whether you have to pay VAT and import duty depends entirely on the circumstances of the car in question. If the car was registered new in NI and used there (and is now over six months old) then no VAT etc payable.

Same thing for a car imported from the rest of the UK to the North, registered and used there for "a reasonable amount of time" according to Revenue. 

The ones to watch out for are cars brought in by a dealer in the North purely to be sold on, without properly importing it first.

The dealers in the North should know what paperwork you need to show Revenue, but always check for yourself.

And finally, no matter what, you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy.

Expert answer

Hi Erika,

You will need to go through the standard importation procedure for all cars being brought into Ireland. Keep all documentation relating to the purchase and the car's original importation into Northern Ireland. Hopefully it's exempt from VAT and import duty, though you will have to pay VRT and the NOx levy regardless.

Be aware that you must make a reservation with the NCTS within seven days of the car arriving south of the border, with a view to completing the process in 30 days.

I highly recommend you read our guides on the subject:

Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland

How much VRT is paid in Ireland?

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

I spoke with a representative of Opel Ireland today and they asked me to apologise to you for the confusion.

The electric version of the Sports Tourer is indeed available, but it's what's called a "special order" model, so it has been removed from the public-facing price list etc. If you contact your local Opel dealer, they should be able to talk you through the process of ordering one. 

Don't forget to read our review of the Opel Astra Electric (though we've not tested the estate model).

Update on 2 Sep 2025: Opel Ireland got in touch to say the online documentation has been updated. You can get the new Opel Astra price list here.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

You've not told us the year of your car so we can't realistically estimate the price. Take a look at what dealers are selling similar cars to yours for on the large classifieds websites.

If you sold your car privately yourself then you'd likely get a little less than those figures – as you can't offer the warranty that they will all come with. However, if you trade in the vehicle against a new car, then you will be offered considerably less, as the dealer needs to prepare the car for sale, offer a warranty and turn a profit.

How much you are offered will vary by dealer depending on how much they do/do not want your car, so shop around.