Expert answer

Hi Terence,

The reg itself isn't what Revenue looks at, but it certainly looks at the customs status of the car. If it was brought into Northern Ireland from GB (England, Scotland or Wales) just to be sold on and not actually used in the North by an owner, then VAT and customs duty will be due on importation south of the border.

If it was imported into the North and used there “for a reasonable amount of time” (Revenue's words), and you need to be able to prove that with a paper trail, then no VAT or duty should be required.

So don't just go by the reg on the car.

Expert answer

Hi Frank, 

Yes it does. The Sportline model has lower ride height, stiffer springs and firmer dampers than the standard Enyaq.

Expert answer

Hi Julia,

We wish everyone gave us as much detail in their questions as you have done! You have loads of choice, so we'll pick out a few options that we'd recommend.

1 – You could actually afford a brand-new Hyundai Kona in electric or hybrid guises, and though it's bigger than the previous model, it might be smaller than you're looking for. Worth considering nonetheless as it's a very good car.

2 – The Hyundai Tucson is significantly larger and probably better suited to your needs. For just under €40k you'd get into a very new plug-in-hybrid version or have your choice of plenty of non-plug-in-hybrid variants. It's a solid option.

3 – Same story for the Kia Sportage. It's based on the same underpinnings as the Tucson so really, it's a case of which of them you prefer the look of, or which you can find the best deal on. Loads of them on the market either way.

4 – Now, if you do decide that you want a seven-seater, most of them are larger vehicles, but there are options within budget. The newest and best that come to mind are the Kia Sorento (available with seven seats as a plug-in hybrid) and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Again, they're effectively the same underneath and both are excellent.

5 – There are fewer Volvos about within budget. The newer options are plug-in-hybrid versions of the XC40 or XC60, both decent enough cars, the latter the bigger. To get a seven-seat XC90 you'd have to go back to a 2019 model to stay in budget and we'd suggest that would likely come with big repair bills in the near future so not really what you're looking for.

6 – We're not convinced that available Audis will suit you. You might find a few examples of the Q4 e-tron, which is all electric, though most within budget that are plug-in hybrids are either the Q3 or the Q5. These are fine for your own family size, but limited otherwise, and you'd have to compromise on newness to get into the larger Q5.

7 – Finally, one for the heart rather than the head perhaps, you could afford either a Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover Discovery Sport with plug-in-hybrid power from a few years back. Both of those have five seats, not seven.

Having done all that research for you, we'd suggest that the best options come from either Hyundai or Kia, whether you're going to go for a seven-seater or not. But of course, we'd understand if you're swayed by other factors.

Don't hesitate to come back to us if you want further help narrowing things down.

Expert answer

Hi Nick,

It might be tempting to go with the newer car, but the Peugeot engine has what's called a 'wet belt' and these can be problematic. Unless it has had more oil changes than is recommended, we'd shy away from this car. Shame as it's otherwise nice, and newer than the Fiesta.

Still, the Fiesta (and we're assuming you mean the 80hp non-EcoBoost one) is a great choice. The Peugeot and Ford are contemporaries when it comes to safety equipment and standards with the Fiesta slightly better anyway.

All in all, if those are the two cars on your shortlist, we wouldn't hesitate to say go for the Fiesta.

Expert answer

Hi Rose,

I would expect it to be prohibitively expensive to open up the gearbox and replace parts of it, and I certainly would be worried about what else is going to go wrong in it. If you're intent on keeping the car, perhaps talk to your mechanic about replacing the gearbox instead of taking it apart. There is some risk in buying a second-hand gearbox, so ask about sourcing a reconditioned one with a warranty instead.

And yes, it always makes sense to replace a clutch if the gearbox is off in any case. Same for the dual-mass flywheel.

Expert answer

Hi Pauric,

I'm afraid your local motor tax office has it right. When a commercial vehicle is taxed for private use, it is done by the engine size, reverting back to the old pre-2008 system, even for a relatively new van such as yours. It has nothing to do with CO₂ emissions.

So a van with an engine of 1,401-1,500cc capacity does indeed cost €413 per year to tax for private use.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices In Ireland Explained guide for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

Ask the dealer for a copy of the customs declaration covering the vehicle's movement from Great Britain into Northern Ireland (showing the VIN), or a T2L document.

That is the documentation Revenue is referring to when it mentions the Windsor Framework requirements.

Expert answer

Hi Angie,

Insurance companies can be a little funny about Japanese imports, even if the cars are identical to those sold new in Ireland. I'm a bit surprised the company demanded proof of it having an immobiliser though – that's not the norm, in that most of the time they take your word for it. Perhaps do some more shopping around on the insurance side?

If the Auris looks the same and has the same powertrain as the cars sold in Ireland, then I wouldn't worry about parts.

In terms of warranty, get the longest one you can of course.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

We don't have any information on this at all I'm afraid. It would be highly surprising if it did not eventually come here, but we don't know anything more at this stage.

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Hi Francis,

Towing is certainly one of the strong points of diesel power with their low-down torque, but any hybrid with a big electric motor should be good too thanks to the instant-torque characteristics of the motor. For example, if you like the CX-60, Mazda does a plug-in-hybrid version with the same towing rating. You may find it difficult to find a non-plug-in hybrid to match the same rating though.

Come back to us with your budget and the weight you need to be able to tow, and we'll take a look around for other options for you. And let us know if you're willing to consider a PHEV.