Do I change the water pump on my S-Max?
I have a 2010 Ford S-Max 1.8 TDCi diesel. It's time to change the timing belt. Somebody suggested the water pump should be done at the same time but I'm not sure why or if this is correct!
Nick Spratling (Chippenham)Sep 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Nick,
Yeah, it's quite normal to do both together. The main reason is that, to do the water pump, it would require taking off the timing belt anyway, so it makes sense, as they don't last forever, to do it at the same time, as it costs no extra labour, just the parts.
Can I tax my Ford Connect privately?
Can I tax my Ford Connect privately? It's the 1.5.
Ann Rhatigan (Glenconnor)Sep 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
Yes you can and it’ll cost you €414 per year to do so.
Motor tax on this imported Ford?
What would be the motor tax on a Titanium X 120hp five-door auto? The car is registered in the North and VRT is €7,998.
Teresa Sheehy (Limerick)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Teresa,
Well, it’s a Ford of some kind, so I’m going assume, from that VRT amount, that it’s a Mondeo? That has CO2 emissions of 107g/km so will cost you €190 per year to tax.
When to change my Mondeo TDCi's belt?
I have a 2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre TDCi that is now coming up to 76,000 miles; when should I get the cam belt changed?
Thanks, Sandi
Sandi Lamming (Kings Lynn )Aug 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Sandi,
If it has never been changed then you should get it done immediately, as it should be replaced every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes soonest.
Is my Transit tax rate correct?
Hi,
I wonder if you can shed some light on this for me. So I have a Ford Transit crew cab and I have had to get it insured as a private vehicle with social domestic and pleasure cover. I have had to take it for a test as a commercial vehicle, it has a 2,198cc engine with emissions of 197g/km. I have gone to tax the vehicle and been charged €1,200, which is the CO2 emission rate, but according to your information given, if it’s a commercial vehicle being taxed privately the charge reverts back to the engine size, which is as mentioned above 2,198cc and a charge of €958 should have been implemented. Is your information correct and do Revenue owe me the difference?
Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Kevin Farrer
Foxford, Co Mayo
Kevin Farrer (Foxford)Aug 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
Yes, I would definitely query that with the motor tax office — in theory, when you use a commercial vehicle for private use it reverts to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so you should not be paying the CO2 rate. Call and ask them to double-check that and you may be refunded the difference.
When to replace a 2011 Fiesta's belt?
When do I need to replace the timing belt on a 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Trend powershift?
William Smith (Rustenburg)Aug 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi William,
The 1.6-litre petrol engine's belt of that era requires a change every 160,000km or eight years, whichever comes first.
For the 1.6-litre diesel, it depends on when the engine was manufactured. Pre July 2011, it's 140,000km and ten years, and after that it's 180,000km or ten years.
Does my Ford Kuga need a new belt now?
Hi,
I have a 2015 Ford Kuga 1.6 with 89,000km on the clock. It's due for its annual service and the Ford Service Centre has suggested that I replace the timing belt during this service. Is it necessary at this stage?
Regards, Wilstan
Wilstan Weichardt (Cape Town)Aug 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Wilstan,
Assuming you mean the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, our information is that the belt should be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, neither of which applies to your car.
Much VRT on imported Transit van?
Looking to import a Ford Transit Custom panel van with three seats; just wondering how much VRT has to be paid on it?
Martin Mc Cumiskey (Dundalk)Jul 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Some vans do qualify for the lowest possible flat rate commercial VRT of €200, but it’s more likely that you’ll be charged the standard Category B rate of 13.3 per cent of the Irish market selling price, so the final figure will depend on the year, mileage, condition and equipment of the Transit in question.
I want to tax my Ford Ranger privately...
Hi...
I want to tax my 2016 Ford Ranger 2.2 privately... How much would it cost me? It's the 2.2 limited edition.
Thank you
Bryan
Bryan Slattery (Quin)Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Bryan,
With a commercial vehicle, if you tax it privately, you’re put back on the old engine-capacity tax system, so that’s going to be €951 a year to tax.
Looking for a small SUV for my business...
Hi there,
I was thinking of buying a commercial vehicle for work. I am a physiotherapist and do a lot of work outside my clinic premises (football games, home visits, nursing home etc). Are there any commercial vehicles that I could consider? I am not sure I want a pickup, but more a commercial SUV type.
Thanks in advance
Ruth Allen (Quin)Jul 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ruth,
There are lots of good choices for commercial SUVs. If you wanted something really swish, you could go for a Land Rover Discovery Commercial, but it’s a bit pricey. Smaller and more affordable is the Nissan Qashqai van, which is also pretty decent to drive. There’s also the Hyundai Kona Commercial, or if you’re feeling really futuristic, the Kona Commercial Electric. But actually, to be honest, your best bet might be to just buy a compact crossover, most of which are already pretty affordable, spacious (if you fold the back seats down) and which mostly have lower annual motor tax than the flat-rate €333 commercial van tax anyway. We’d suggest starting your shopping list with either the new Ford Puma or, if you’re really looking for bargains, the Dacia Duster. Some of our reviews to help you choose: