Expert answer

Hi Roger,

It should be changed at least every 240,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

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.

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. 

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

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

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.

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.

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.

Expert answer

Hi Deirdre,

Yes, we have to agree - the whole process is completely over-complicated and difficult to understand at times. And it would appear some of the rules allow for real grey areas.

For example, according to Revenue: "There are no customs obligations for a vehicle that has been brought into Northern Ireland after 1st May 2023 and where the vehicle has been in private ownership in Northern Ireland for a reasonable period of time." This would suggest that Car 1 in your question would attract VAT and import duty if it has actually not been used by a private individual. I.e. it has been imported by a dealer to sell on. It doesn't matter how long it has been in the country if it is sitting on a dealer forecourt and switching it to NI plates before selling it to you doesn't change that.

Car 2 would also, we believe, attract VAT and import duty. The 'made in the UK' thing is tricky as you need to prove it yourself and it comes down to more than just the factory the car was made in - it depends on its components as well.

Sounds like you've read a lot already, but you want our take on it, look at our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Rebekah,

1: You'll need to inform your local motor tax office of the change of use of the vehicle. VRT is only paid the first time a vehicle is registered in Ireland so don't worry about that. Your annual motor tax rate will be different to the fixed commercial vehicle tax, however. It will be calculated based on the engine size. The table of prices is the top one in our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.

2: Taxing is straightforward, as above. Insuring a van for private use can be trickier so take your time and shop around on that before you commit to buying the vehicle.

3: Correct, it's no more complicated, really, and a modern van like you're looking at should sail through for many years.

For further reading check out Buying a van for private use on our van website, CompleteVan.ie.

Expert answer

Hi Teresa,

We used to get so many queries on this subject that we published a feature called Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

If you read that you'll discover that the systems are highly sensitive to battery charge and load, even when working perfectly. Could it be that you often have high-load items switched on? Things like heated seats, air conditioning, rear window demister, that sort of thing.

Now, in a DSG-equipped automatic car, you shouldn't need to put the car into neutral to get the stop-start system to work - that's only on manual cars. You can leave it in D (drive). What does affect it, however, is how firmly you are holding your foot on the brake pedal when at a standstill. Sometimes it's necessary to give the brake pedal a firm push before the engine will cut out.

Other things to watch out for: if you move the steering wheel, it is likely to cause the engine to restart. And if you're in the Sport driving mode or you've selected the Sport gearbox setting, then stop-start might not work either.

If none of the above changes your experience, I suggest getting a mechanic to come out in the car with you to check it over and observe how you drive, and then let them do the same.

Best of luck with it - come back to us and let us know how you get on.