Expert answer

Hi Sarah,

In terms of long commutes, and assuming you are sticking with the regular 2.0-litre diesel options, then our experience suggests that the Audi is more efficient - with the caveat that how you drive has a large influence on that. Overall, the Audi should prove fractionally cheaper to service and maintain, too.

Comparing the reliability between the two is less clearcut and the newer versions you can afford the better. Both cars are mechanically sound and most issues come from electronics etc. They’re comparable in short.

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Hi Mark,

Our understanding is that no VAT or import duty would be payable on such a car, but as ever you should clarify the situation with Revenue for yourself. 

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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

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Hi Robert,

The 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost engines in the 2015 Kuga use "dry" belts, not "wet" ones.

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Hi Connor,

If it is a pan-European warranty, then it should be valid and yes, an Irish dealer should be fine with carrying out warranty work if needed. If possible, get the car's VIN from the seller and contact Volkswagen Ireland with it to check its warranty status. 

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Hi Waltter,

It depends on which all-wheel-drive system your car has. Most of them have an automatic system that sends engine power to the rear wheels only when slip is detected at the front. Some have a centre differential that you can lock yourself using a button on the dashboard marked "4WD Lock" or similar. This is for low speed use only and can only be turned on at very low speeds. It will revert to automatic functioning once you exceed about 40km/h.

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Hi Robert,

I'm afraid we don't have any Irish pricing information for the Bigster and its accessories as yet. 

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Hi Simon,

VRT might be a little higher, but it shouldn't be much more. It's nothing to do with the body style directly, though; it comes down to the VRT band, which is determined by the official CO₂ rating (which can be a little higher in open-topped cars as they're generally a little heavier and less aerodynamic than their coupe equivalents) and what Revenue calls the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The latter may be a little higher for the TT Roadster, but there really shouldn’t be a lot in it.

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Hi Caroline,

There isn't going to be a diesel-engined Frontera I'm afraid, and Opel Ireland has not yet confirmed pricing for the hybrid or electric versions. Keep an eye on our Opel Frontera reviews page for information as it comes in.

Expert answer

Hi Ahmed,

We can help you calculate an estimate, but bear in mind there are variables that are outside our control. The two items needed are the CO₂ rating to determine the VRT band the car is in and the OMSP. The latter - standing for Open Market Selling Price - is not a fixed thing and not directly linked to how much you pay for the car. It is the price Revenue believes the car would sell for registered in Ireland and it's not always easy to guess a figure for. Also bear in mind that if the car has lots of extras, Revenue will bump up the OMSP. 

Anyway, to help give an estimate, I believe the CO₂ rating for that model should put the car into Band 9, at 15.25 per cent. 

Taking €19,000 as the example OMSP, that would mean a VRT bill of €2,897.50. 

Don't forget the NOx levy and, depending on where you're importing the car from, VAT and import duty as well.