How to sort out ownership of NI car?
I swapped my old van and SUV for an 09 Hyundai Coupe on NI plates and I filled out the log book when I bought it and sent it away to Swansea like it said on it. They have sent it back saying that I need to sort out the log book over in Ireland. Where do I go to do something like that?
Jason Ryan (Limerick)Jan 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Jason,
You need to go through a specific process for importing a car from the UK and Northern Ireland. Within seven days of the car’s arrival here, you need to have informed Revenue and booked an inspection for the purposes of assessing the car’s value for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) at your nearest NCT centre. Then you have a 30 days to complete the process, pay the VRT and get your new number plates. The Citizens Information website has a lot of useful details on this process so have a look here.
Automatic Hyundai ix35: higher tax?
Hello, in your review of the Hyundai ix35 CRDi 2.0-litre on November 24, 2010 you state that the CO2 emissions are 147g/km. I have bought that model registered in 2011 and the emissions are 187g/km on the reg. cert resulting in much higher road tax.
Can you explain the difference please?
Thank you
Seamus Hennessy (Tipperary)Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
By any chance is yours the automatic version, with the larger 18-inch wheels? We tested the manual gearbox version that did indeed at the time have a CO2 emissions rating of 147g/km, whereas the automatic model, with four-wheel drive, was rated at above 180g/km.
Which new car would suit a family of four?
I drive a Volkswagen Passat and want a new car that will suit a family of four. Any advice?
Fionn Ni Fhlatharta (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fionna,
Well, to be honest, I would have thought that a Passat was an ideal car for a family of four. What you need is four roomy seats and and a a big boot - and the Passat has those. If you fancy something that looks a bit more like a family car, and here I mean an SUV or an MPV, then stop for a tic and have a think. Are you buying an image? After all, a ‘normal’ saloon such as a Passat (and the Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima all make good alternatives) is generally speaking just as good at family duties and has lower overall running costs. Worth thinking about, at any rate.
Here are some of our reviews to get you thinking:
Any problems with the Hyundai Tucson auto?
Hi,
I am wondering whether there is any known or recurring problems with the automatic Hyundai Tucson?
Thanks
Tom Barry (Galway)Jan 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
None of which we’re aware, mostly because the Tucson is too new a model (we presume you’re talking about the current version) for there to be any data on common issues. Hyundais all come with an unlimited mileage five-year warranty though, so any issues that do arise should be sorted pretty easily.
If it’s the older model of Tucson that you’re looking at, it was also enormously reliable with very few reported issues (mostly to do with the stereo system and the fuel gauge, oddly) so as long as you buy one with a full service history, I wouldn’t have any worries there either.
Can I swap an unused Prius for a new Hyundai?
I'm thinking of buying a new diesel automatic, possibly the new Hyundai i30. Would any dealers take a 2008 Toyota Prius not used for a couple of years and another car, our 2009 FOrd Focus diesel automatic? What do you think?
Tony Broderick (Carlow)Jan 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
How come the Prius wasn't used for a couple of years? That's the first question you'll be asked. If it's in good condition and still works fine, and you can show a current NCT, then there's no particular reason that a dealer wouldn't take it as a trade in, but you'll need to be honest and open about the history of the car.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe?
What is the market value of a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.9 diesel with 134,000km on the clock?
Dervla Carroll (Birr)Nov 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dervla,
It should be worth somewhere in the region of €2,500.
Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento - new?
I want to get a new seven-seat SUV in January, but am undecided between the Hyundai Sante Fe Executive and the Kia Sorento Platinum. Which is a better? Also, would the Sante Fe hold its value better if I wanted to change again in three years?
Thanks
Therese Berry (Cavan)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Therese,
Both will hold their value pretty solidly, although the Hyundai might just do a shade better as it's a more popular brand overall. We'd still prefer the Kia though - it has the nicer cabin and is fractionally the nicer to drive. Here are our reviews to help you further:
Which comfortable new SUV should I go for?
Hi.
I'm looking at getting an SUV for medical reasons. I drive country roads 90 per cent of the time so I need something comfortable and reliable. I'm looking at the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q5. Which one would you recommend? I also need to take running costs and servicing costs into account. As well as road tax etc. Or is there another one I should consider? I did test drive the Volvo XC60 but found it very heavy.
Thanks.
Marie G (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.
I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.
Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:
Hyundai Tucson or SEAT Ateca?
Hyundai Tucson or SEAT Ateca? I can't decide! Which would you choose and why? I need a diesel, we have two kids and I commute about 150km a day in total.
Thanks
John Murray (Drogheda)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
Tough call actually, as there’s very little to separate them. The SEAT is a little nicer inside, in terms of layout and quality, but the Hyundai is a little more spacious. Both the 1.6 TDI engine in the SEAT and the 1.7 CRDiin the Hyundai are a touch underpowered but they’re both solidly good from a point of view of emissions and fuel consumption. It really is too close to call, so perhaps it comes down to styling (arguably the SEAT is a bit more handsome) or warranty (the Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage one is hard to beat). Best bet is go drive them both and form your own opinion, but to help, here are our reviews:
Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi review