Private motor tax on a 1.5-litre Dacia Duster commercial?
Hi,
I would like to tax a 2022 Dacia Duster 1.5 diesel commercial for private use. What motor tax will I pay?
Thank you
GeorgeJun 2025 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi George,
The rate in this situation is defined by the engine size. For the 1.5-litre Dacia, it will cost €413 per year.
Is there a commercial Dacia Bigster available?
Is there a commercial Dacia Bigster available?
PAT Finn (Galway)Jun 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
Officially, there is no commercial version of the Dacia Bigster in production, though it is widely expected that dealers will take it on themselves to offer converted vehicles.
Price of a 4x4 Dacia Duster?
What would the cost be of a Dacia Duster 4x4 Hybrid fitted with a towbar? What weight could the above tow?
Vincent Hennelly (Claremorris)Jun 2025 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Vincent,
I'm afraid it's not possible to get the Duster with both the hybrid powertrain and four-wheel drive. If you need 4x4 then you'll have to go for the petrol engine called "TCe 130", which costs from €33,390 as a 4x4 against €32,090 for the entry-level (front-wheel-drive) Duster Hybrid - called "HEV 140" by Dacia.
The 4x4 model can tow up to 1,500kg of braked trailer, while the front-wheel-drive hybrid version is limited to 750kg.
Which stylish family car for about €20,000?
Hi,
We are looking to purchase a new car and we're not sure where to start. We have a 2019 Dacia Sandero and a 2004 Skoda Octavia and are thinking of trading both in for something decent if we can manage with one car (we both work from home frequently and use public transport if needed). Aiming for a budget of about €20,000.
We have older children now, so we need something spacious for family outings or journeys. Any advice would be great thanks.
Alex O'Halloran (Naas)Jun 2025 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Alex,
Offline you mentioned you'd like something stylish as well as solid and spacious. One of the first cars that comes to mind is the Audi Q3, which is decently practical, has a premium badge and is plentiful for your budget of about €20,000. I'd urge you to stick with petrol power given your annual mileage of no more than 15,000km.
The BMW X1 would do the same job, but it's very difficult to find one that isn't diesel. Same story with the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring estates, both of which we'd prefer over an SUV. And same thing for the excellent Volkswagen Arteon.
A hybrid-powered Lexus NX would be a good option for you, as would the Mazda CX-5, though neither are as common in the classifieds as the Audi above.
Have a look at some of those and test drive as many cars as you can.
Come back to us if you'd like us to help narrow down your search.
My thoughts on the Dacia Bigster pricing...
Got a quote from a dealer for the Dacia Bigster of €36,900 for Expression trim, the 1.8-litre hybrid version. I think they are pricing themselves out of the market . Why is this car so many different prices all over Europe (and believe it or not we are in Europe too).
Sorry but just short of 40K for a Dacia doesn't compute to me!
John Mannion (Galway)Apr 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Unfortunately, it's not possible to compare pricing in Ireland with that of other countries due to different tax schemes in operation. Our VRT system, for example, greatly increases prices of new cars here – and not just Dacias.
For what it's worth, we think under €40,000 for that Bigster is decent enough value. It's a lot of car for the money and a notable step up from the Dacia Duster. There is a lot of choice in the segment, though, so make sure you shop around. Even so, the Dacia is well-priced.
Will there be a plug-in hybrid Dacia Bigster?
Will the Dacia Bigster come as a PHEV in any of the trim levels?
Francis Gannon (Tuam)Apr 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Francis,
I'm afraid not. There is no plug-in hybrid version of the Dacia Bigster in existence, and Dacia hasn't said anything about creating one in the future.
Does the Dacia Bigster have a push-button start?
Which, if any of the Dacia Bigsters are push button start?
Eric Tacey (Kilmarnock)Mar 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
All versions of the Bigster have a button for starting and stopping the engine.
Which used diesel SUV to replace my Qashqai?
Hello,
I have €30,000 (no trade in), looking for some advice please. I have had two Nissan Qashqais and really liked them but now they don't come in diesel after March 2021. So, I am trying to decide on an SUV roughly that size, diesel, automatic, 2022/2023. I’m not completely stuck on automatic.
It’s mind blowing trying to figure out which to go for.
Any advice much appreciated.
Ger (Leitrim )Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ger,
If you’re sticking with automatic, then your choices are very limited. We found only the Opel Grandland and SsangYong Korando, neither of which we’d be huge fans of.
Here are the manual models we found that otherwise fit the brief:
Cupra Formentor: We really like this car as it looks great, and it drives well. You might find it a little too low down for your liking as it’s not as tall an SUV as the Qashqai, but worth a look.
Dacia Duster: Not quite as solid as the Qashqai perhaps, but it’s very comfortable and you’d get more for your money - you could get a 2024 version for example.
Ford Kuga: A comfortable and well-built option. Plenty of them about.
Hyundai Tucson: Very spacious inside and in the boot. Loads of them around as it has been the best-seller for so long. Despite that it still looks interesting outside. Good reliability. Strong reputation shown by the fact that you’d probably only afford a 2022 example with your budget.
Kia Sportage: Identical to the Tucson under the skin so it just comes down to which of the two you prefer the look of. Though the Kia has a longer warranty in terms of time if mileage is low.
Mazda CX-5: Fantastic to drive and feels like a premium car in comparison to most others here. Might cost a little more to run and they’re not very plentiful on the used market.
Peugeot 3008: A stylish replacement for the Qashqai. Solid car. Double-check you can get on with the cabin layout.
SEAT Ateca: Once one of our favourite cars of this size, though it is getting on in years now. Might not feel as modern as some cars on this list, but is still well made, comfortable and spacious.
That’s still quite a long list, admittedly, but hopefully it helps you drill things down to a shortlist. We have our own preferences, and you will, too.
Feel free to come back to us if you want further help of course.
Has the Dacia Bigster grab handles?
Has the Dacia Bigster got hand grab rails in the roof?
Andrew Merrill (Uk)Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
The cars we've seen so far do not have those.
Irish pricing for the Dacia Bigster bed?
What is the price of back bed tent fitting in a Dacia Bigster?
Robert Mackay (Thurso)Jan 2025 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
I'm afraid we don't have any Irish pricing information for the Bigster and its accessories as yet.