Looking for a non-SUV hybrid...
I'm interested in a hybrid but live in the country near Ennistymon. Lots of short trips and frequent ones to Galway. It needs to be comfortable for three people and not a SUV.
Annabel (Co Clare)Jul 2025 Filed under: hybrid
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.
Where to sell my Qashqai that needs a new turbo?
I have a 142 Nissan Qashqai with what I believe to have a blown turbo in it.
I'm wondering where is the best place to try and sell this as is and what price am I looking at getting for this? From what I'm told it will cost roughly €2,500 to replace the turbo and I'm just not willing to put that kind of money into it.
I need to replace the car but would need to sell this first to come up with some kind of deposit.
Lisa Lawless (Clondalkin)Jul 2025 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Lisa,
I reckon your best bet is to use the car as is for a trade-in against your next car. You will be offered significantly less than its market value as the dealer will want to cushion themselves against unforeseen expenses in the repair, but it will mean you won't have to deal with all that.
Is a car used by a dealer liable to attract VAT on import?
Hi,
Your guide to importing a car from NI was very informative and helpful but I wonder if you have any clarification on what is meant by private use.
I am looking at a 2025 car in NI with a main dealer. It was registered in January 2025, has NI plates (not UK), V5C was registered on 3 June 2025 and it has 11,000 km on the clock.
It is registered to the dealer's name (business name) and address and used as a demo and company-use car.
It's been difficult to get clarification as to whether this car might be liable for VAT or not. The private ownership piece and the date the V5C was registered are the main grey areas for us.
Any helpful advice would be gratefully received
Elaine (Monaghan)Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Elaine,
Revenue certainly has not made it easy for anyone to understand and it says it will take each car on a case-by-case basis.
However, it is our understanding that, so long as the car has been in use in the North after importation (doesn't matter by who) and not just brought in to sell on again, then VAT and import duty won't be payable.
Try to get Revenue to confirm that of course before you commit to the process.
Is the wet belt in a 2022 Ford Focus a problem?
I bought a 2022 Ford Focus petrol ST line MHEV early this year and since have seen reports etc that the wet oil pump belt being rubber is causing problems. However I saw that the mild-hybrid model has a chain and not a rubber belt. Have you any information on this problem?
Many thanks
Frank Dodd (Dublin)Jul 2025 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Frank,
It's the timing belt itself that you've heard about most likely as, on some versions of the 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, it is what's called a “wet belt”. That means the timing belt actually runs in oil, where most timing belts do not.
Ford isn't alone in having problems with them. The rubber in the belts can degrade due to many issues including use of the wrong engine oil and impurities in the oil as it gets older.
The good news for you is that, while earlier examples of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine did use this setup (though not all), and Ford dropped it from 2022 on, the MHEV engines always used timing chains instead and they should therefore be more robust.
However, even those later engines use a rubber belt to drive the oil pump and that still runs in oil so potentially has all the same issues. It is too new for those problems to have come to light and Ford believes it is designed for the life of the engine because it is under far less stress than the timing belt was.
All we can advise is that you carry out oil changes a little sooner than recommended and that you always use the correct specification of oil.
Is there a wheelbrace and jack in the Omoda 9 SHS?
Where is the wheel brace and jack in the Omoda 9 SHS? I've looked under the floor in the boot area and just about everywhere else.
Andrew (Somerset )Jul 2025 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
I'm afraid that car has neither as it doesn't get a spare wheel. Instead it has an inflation kit to temporarily repair punctures.
Looking at a 2025 car to import from the North...
Hi,
I'm looking at importing a car from Northern Ireland. It has an NI registration from new, was registered in February 2025, and has done 6,500 miles. As far as I can tell, the dealership never sold the car to a private buyer, but it was used as a demo, and by garage staff, etc. Can you tell me whether this car would be liable for VAT and customs duty, as well as VRT?
Thanks,
John
John Sheehan (Dublin)Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
As the car is less than six months old, VAT will be due on it. If you can wait a while, it won't be. No customs duty will be applicable, however, regardless. VRT will of course be payable at the appropriate rate.
Can I avoid VRT and VAT importing a Toyota Hilux?
Hi,
I am considering importing a 211 Toyota Hilux from Northern Ireland. I am not VAT-registered. My wife is originally from the North and her parents still live there. I have previously imported a car from the UK in 2019 and paid VRT, and last year we were successful in importing my wife's car from the North without paying VRT, as she met the criteria.
Just wondering is there any way for me to avoid VRT or VAT, or both somehow? Maybe using her parents, some way.
Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
Thanks
Derek (Kildare )Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Based on the information you've given us, I do not believe there is any way you can avoid the VRT in this case.
It is quite possible that no VAT will be payable on the Hilux, however, regardless of your status. If the Hilux has been registered and used in the North for “a reasonable amount of time” (according to Revenue) then no VAT or import duty will be payable. Essentially, so long as a car dealer in the North didn't just import it there to sell it on to someone south of the border it should be fine.
You'll need paperwork to prove it has been used in Northern Ireland of course.
Have you reviewed the Skoda Elroq 85?
Do you have a review of the Skoda Elroq 85 (with or without Sportline)? Also, have you a comparison of the Elroq and Enyaq models by any chance?
Thanks
Cathal OConnell (Dublin)Jul 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
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.
Can I import this VW Golf from the North VAT-free?
Hi,
I am going to buy a car from a second-hand dealer in NI. The car was previously in use in mainland UK. The dealer says he has paid the VAT and that they have an exemption to sell to the Republic, customs and duty free. The car is a 2020 Volkswagen Golf.
Do I have to pay VAT if I buy it and bring it across the border?
Hugh McDonald (Kilnaleck)Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
If what the dealer says is true, and can provide you with paperwork to prove it to Revenue on importation, then you should not be liable for any VAT or import duty when you bring it across the border. Of course you will still have to pay VRT and the NOx levy.
Can I import a Land Rover Defender as a commercial?
I am looking to import a Land Rover Defender 110 or 90 from the UK as they are significantly cheaper over there. I however do not want to pay a huge amount of VRT. Can it be brought in as a two-seat commercial and only pay the €333 rate?
Alex Ryan (Dublin )Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Alex,
If the vehicle is indeed a two-seat commercial then yes you can import it as that and pay just 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The €333 rate you refer to is the annual motor tax rate for commercials, which is only available for those using their vehicles for zero private use whatsoever.