Ford Ranger private tax costs?
New Ford Ranger Wildtrak private tax cost and Raptor private tax cost please.
Shane (Navan)Feb 2025 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
When you're taxing a commercial vehicle for private use then the rate goes by the engine size.
The Wildtrak can be had with 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, while the Ranger can be had with a 2.0-litre diesel or 3.0-litre petrol option. The 2.0-litre engines cost €710 a year to tax and the 3.0-litre units (doesn't matter what fuels them) are €1,494 per annum.
Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.
I got the wrong part for my Ford Focus...
I’m having difficulty obtaining a throttle body for a 2012 Ford Focus TDCi. I bought a Ford replacement but on closer inspection the existing one has the Peugeot emblem on it and the Ford one doesn't fit.
Aidan OConnor (Waterford Ireland)Feb 2025 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
Unless the engine has been modified, the best thing to do is go to a Ford dealer parts department and give them your car’s chassis code. They can then look up the correct part for you. Most large motor factors should be able to do the same.
Looking to buy a used Lexus LC V8...
If you cannot afford a new Lexus LC V8, what age represents the best value and least depreciation, as it gets older?
Tom Castles (Athboy)Jan 2025 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Generally speaking, three to four years old is a sweet spot for cars such as that where a big chunk of the depreciation is already done, but the car is still modern enough and in good enough condition to enjoy. Balanced against all of that, of course, is the challenge in finding one, as the Lexus LC is vanishingly rare.
When to change a Ford Focus diesel's timing belt?
When should the timing belt be changed on a 2005 Ford Focus 2.0-litre diesel?
Roger Hinde (Nantwich)Jan 2025 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Roger,
It should be changed at least every 240,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.
Volvo XC60 or Audi Q5 for reliability and economy?
Hi,
I am researching 2020-2024 Audi Q5 TDI and Volvo XC60 for towing a horsebox and long commutes. Which SUV is more reliable and cheaper for servicing, mpg, etc?
Thanks.
Sarah Fanning (Carlow)Jan 2025 Filed under: towing
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.
Should I buy this high-mileage Ford Focus?
I am considering buying a 1.6 TDCi Ford focus with 229k miles on the clock. Is the mileage just too high? Seller re-assures me that it is ok. What do you think?
Patrick Buckley (Inniscarra)Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
That is very high mileage of course, but many diesels are quite capable of it so long as they're maintained properly. Look for a detailed service history covering oil changes in particular, and on-time timing belt changes as well.
Even so, there's no doubt that a car with that mileage on it will require mechanical maintenance. I'd only consider such a car if the price was exceptionally low in comparison to other examples with lower mileages.
Does the 2015 Ford Kuga EcoBoost have a "wet" belt?
I own a Ford Kuga Mk2 from 2015, powered by the EcoBoost petrol engine with manual transmission. My question is, does it have a wet timing belt? Thank you in advance for the answer.
Best regards
Robert (Zielona Góra )Jan 2025 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
The 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost engines in the 2015 Kuga use "dry" belts, not "wet" ones.
Private motor tax on a 2009 Ford Transit 2.4?
I have a 2009 Ford Transit 2.4 van; how much is the yearly motor tax on a private basis?
Denis Clarke (Cavan )Jan 2025 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Denis,
It goes by the engine size in that case, which would mean €1,080 per year - based on engine size of 2,402cc.
Any update on the Ford Ranger hybrid?
Is there any update on the Ford Ranger hybrid?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Jul 2024 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Nothing more since our news story last September (read that here) where it was noted it wouldn't arrive until early next year.
Porsche Macan 4 or Audi Q6 e-tron?
I am considering purchasing either an Audi Q6 e-tron or Porsche Macan 4. Which would you advise?
Sean Cotter (Newtownmountkennedy)Jul 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
I drove the Macan 4 at its international launch (read that review here) and today the Audi Q6 e-tron on Irish roads so I can have a stab at comparing them, though bear in mind that both were high-spec cars. The Q6 e-tron I tested was the quattro model using the same two electric motors as the Macan 4, as well as the 100kWh (95kWh of which is usable) battery so these are quite comparable.
The Audi had loads of options though, including air suspension, so that undoubtedly alters how it drives. On that note, the Audi is a little more comfortable than the Porsche, but a little less involving and slower to respond to steering inputs and accelerator inputs. Both are very quiet, refined and smooth to drive, with the Audi slightly better in that regard. The Porsche has fractionally better 'blending' of the friction brakes and recuperation via the motors.
There's nothing to choose between them in terms of range, efficiency and charging capabilities.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Macan 4 has a marginally bigger boot and extra storage under the bonnet included in the price, while you have to pay Audi more to get the 'frunk' insert in the Q6. The rear seats of the Audi feel more spacious, however, than the Macan's.
The cabins are vastly different, but both of very high quality. I prefer the perfectly round steering wheel in the Porsche.
Finally, pricing: the comparable Audi is cheaper than the Porsche and there are more affordable versions of the Q6 e-tron - one with a smaller battery, another with rear-wheel drive - that there are no equivalents to in the Macan lineup.
So as you can see, no clear 'winner' as there are too many variables at work, but hopefully this helps you choose which is for you and your budget.
Do let us know which one you go for. Both are lovely.