Expert answer

Hi Peter,

I doubt very much that the Model 3 is going to drop in price very much in the coming months, not least because it’s actually already pretty good value. Definitely a good idea to buy before the VAT goes back up though, as that will be a roughly two per cent saving on the price. Not much, but it helps.

As for should you buy one in general? I think so — it’s a hugely impressive car, and the question marks over build quality seem to be getting smaller all the time. Do be wary of the big screen, though, and make sure you ask if the improvements to it mandated by the recent safety recall have been carried out on the car you’re buying.

The Peugeot is a good small crossover, but there's a gulf between it and the Tesla in terms of performance. Big difference in price and space too.

Read our Tesla Model 3 reviews here

Read our Peugeot 2008 reviews here

Expert answer

Hi David,

The actual process of changing the tax status on a van from commercial to private use is relatively straightforward — you simply ring up your local motor tax office (you’ll find your nearest one here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1fc151-find-your-local-motor-tax-office/) and tell them what you want to do. They’ll then shift you onto the old engine capacity-based tax system (you’ll pay €710 a year for a 2.0-litre engine) and the job’s done.

Except it isn’t, quite. You will need proof of insurance first, and insurers are — for some reason — reluctant to switch policies over. It’s worth finding a good local broker to help you get the insurance sorted out first of all. 

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more info.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

It entirely depends on the type of driving you do. If a diesel engine isn't used regularly at higher speeds and loads (i.e. on the motorway), then its various components, including its Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust, don't get up to temperature and can't burn off desposits of soot etc. They eventually clog up and can cost a fortune to repair or replace. Along with that, diesel engines emit more NOx, which is a pollutant that is bad for human health. 

So, petrol is the sensible way to go in the Kamiq unless you rack up well over 20,000km a year at higher speeds in our opinions. 

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The process of taxing it is relatively straightforward — just ring up your local motor tax office (list here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/1fc151-find-your-local-motor-tax-office/) and ask them to switch you over. The problem is twofold — with a 3.0-litre Range Rover Sport, you’re going to be paying the second-highest rate of motor tax (€1,494 per year) because a commercial re-registered for private use is taxed on the old engine capacity-based tax system. Insurance can also be a major issue — it shouldn’t be, but it is, so get hold of a good local broker to help you navigate those waters before you take the leap. 

Read Buying a commercial vehicle for private use for more information.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

If it is taxed according to its emissions, then the annual rate is now €2,400 for such cars. Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

I’m afraid not. If you were VAT-registered and buying a commercial vehicle strictly for business use, then yes you could, but on a private car? No way, I’m afraid. Worse, you’ll have to pay VAT in two territories thanks to Brexit, unless you're buying from Northern Ireland.

Read our Guide to Importing Cars from the UK feature for more.

Expert answer

Hi Fran,

You have it in a nutshell there, except the UK is defined as including Northern Ireland. Just be careful of the details. Such as NOx levy regardless of where you import it from. And there's also custom duty if you buy from England, Scotland or Wales, but not the North. Oh, and this is all assuming we're talking about a car that's older than six months old and has more than 6,000km on the clock, as otherwise that's classed as new and there is a VAT complication coming from the North.

Read our Guide to Importing Cars from the UK for more

Expert answer

Hi John,

Without knowing your budget, your seating needs and your range requirements, we can't give you a definitive answer on that. Some reading for you to consider:

Every electric car currently on sale in Ireland

Five of the best electric cars in Ireland (this needs updating as more cars have arrived on the scene since)

Come back to us with your detailed needs and we will try to help you decide on the best option.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Taxing a van privately is easy. You just need to inform your local motor tax office that you are changing its use. You'll probably pay more in annual motor tax, as it goes by the engine size.

Insuring a commercial vehicle privately is not so easy, annoyingly. We advise you employ the services of a good broker to find you an insurer, as most of the large insurers will just give you the "computer says no" answer...

Give our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature a read too.

Expert answer

Hi Luke,

Yes, it is possible — you just need to ring up your local motor tax office and get them to switch you to the private car system. The downside is that, yes, you will be taxed on the engine capacity at that point, which, with a 3.2-litre Ranger is going to be top-whack — €1,809. You might be better off looking for a newer Ranger with the 2.2-litre engine, or the older Volkswagen Amarok, which had a 2.0-litre.

Take a read of our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature.