Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Happy to help someone find the car that suits them.

I suspect you’ve focused a little too much on one of the few negative things Neil said about the car’s suspension in that review, and I should point out that the “crash and bang” words were used specifically in conjunction with “when tackling rough-edged surfaces.” I myself spent a few weeks in the CX-80 on Irish roads in December, including driving on poorly surfaced country roads and found it generally to be excellent. Rough surfaces can make themselves felt, but no more than in any competitor vehicles.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The CX-80's suspension was a further development of that in the CX-60 and improvements were made before the larger car was launched, so we have no issue with that car at all. Further changes are coming to the CX-60 later this year.

As with all cars, we'd highly recommend sticking to smaller wheel options, as that means more tyre sidewall to better absorb bumps and poor road surfaces.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Well, it’s quite different from a driving licence or NCT, which are both legal requirements. Reserving a number plate you like the look of is a luxury and hence Revenue clearly prices it at a level it expects people to be willing to pay, regardless of the cost to the State of providing this facility. People might have an issue with that, but there’s nothing forcing them to use the service so I don’t expect the masses to revolt or set up a public protest about it any time soon.

Expert answer

Hi June,

The first thing to note would be the size difference between these two cars. The BYD is larger overall and that’s felt inside too.

In terms of build quality, the Volvo feels more solid inside and out, though its cabin layout is more dated than the BYD's and has a smaller display. It’s also worth looking at the equipment levels of both cars, as the BYD comes with a lot of standard spec.

With regard to ride quality the Volvo is the more polished of the two, with a nicely sorted suspension setup and better one-pedal driving feel. The BYD has more performance, and has higher peak DC-charging speeds.

Read our review of the Sealion 7 here

Read our review of the Volvo EX40 here

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If the car is coming from England, Scotland and Wales then there is no way to avoid the VAT and import duty. For a car coming from Northern Ireland, and to ensure no VAT and import duty are payable, it must have been imported there officially and used by a private owner in the North “for a reasonable period of time” according to Revenue, which is generally accepted to be three months.

Coming off the ferry with a car from the UK, you are unlikely to be stopped or questioned, but that’s not relevant as you have seven days to make an appointment with the NCTS to have the car inspected and 30 days to complete the importation process. Paperwork is required to prove all of the details, including where you bought the car and its entry to Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Jake,

You can easily notify your local motor tax office that you will be using a pickup like the Amarok for private use, and then pay the required motor tax. Unfortunately, that may not satisfy the insurers. Best to ask them before you buy the vehicle if this will be sufficient, and also make sure you get a quote. 

If you have no joy, consider employing the services of an independent insurance broker to do the legwork for you.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Paddy,

Yes there are 2WD and 4WD versions of the plug-in hybrid Tucson on sale. The official fuel consumption is about 1.4 litres/100km, but obviously that's only achievable if you plug the car in regularly and maximise driving on electric power.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

I'd suggest not spending any money on the car until you've gone back to the seller. Tell them you know they're a trader and you'd like them to fix the issue. If they won't play ball, gather as much evidence as you can and then get the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection) involved.

Best of luck with it

Expert answer

Hi Juliana,

If you spend a lot of that driving on the motorway, or you're the kind of driver that 'pushes on' regularly, then I'd suggest diesel is still a good option for you. If you're a more relaxed driver and that mileage is taken at lower speeds then a hybrid may be just as economical, but it won't be otherwise. 

You've not mentioned the electric alternative, and it could be that you don't want to go electric, but almost any new EV will easily do a 160-kilometre round trip without needing charging up, and running costs are way lower than they are for diesel or hybrid. For that to work you'd need a home charger, but it's food for thought nonetheless.

If your Tiguan is giving you no trouble, I'd be inclined to hold onto it a while anyway, as with that mileage on the clock it won't be worth a lot as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Good news, it looks like that should fit in. I didn't have a tape measure with me when driving the car, but I used the measure function of an iPhone and the distance came in at a little more than two metres, so even if that's not very accurate, you should have plenty to spare. 

And yes, the seat backs all fold down flat. Works well.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Inster here