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Hi Andy,

We don't know is the simple answer. Neither Volvo nor Polestar will commit to a date for the brand to be introduced here.

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Hi Xiaoming,

It is indeed. It is available to order now from €111,159.

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Hi Eric,

The problem is that VRT, with fluctuating and uncertain second hand values, plus issues of equipment, history and condition to consider, is a constantly moving target. I would think that the €6,700 figure is much, much closer to the truth than the €23,000 one, but unfortunately, given the vagaries of the VRT system, you won’t know for certain until you get the bill. 

Hopefully you've read our feature on the subject - How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland?

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Hi Seamus,

Back pain is a constant problem for many of us (this writer included),  but you shouldn’t need to get en entire seat fitted — there are companies (such as The Back Shop, in Dublin) that will sell you an insert that fits into the existing seat, and which should help to improve posture and reduce discomfort when behind the wheel. The bonus is, of course, that you can simply take it out and install it in your next car too.

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Hi David,

OK, this one could be a bit of a problem. We’ve asked Mercedes about this but so far no-one there has been able to track down a correct or reliable figure. The problem is that the law states "If satisfactory evidence of NOx emissions cannot be provided the following maximum charges will apply: For Diesel vehicles that is €4,850.” Which is a lot of money.

If the car comes with an original certificate of conformity (unlikely) then the NOx figure may well be on that, but it was not a figure that many took much notice of in the nineties. Perhaps the best bet would be to wait until 2023, when the car will be 30 years old and then you can import it as a classic?

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Hi Shane,

Assuming it has the 1.6 TDI engine then it’ll cost you €514 per year. 

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Hi Jakub,

It certainly should do, but my advice would be to check carefully with the company’s accountant before proceeding. 

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Hi Alina,

It’s actually a pretty easy distinction. Motor tax is the Irish equivalent of the UK’s Road Fund Licence. It’s paid annually, and is based on the CO₂ emissions of the vehicle. The cheapest rate is for  cars that emit no CO₂ (i.e. electric cars), which cost €120 a year to tax, while the most expensive rate is for cars emitting more than 225g/km of CO₂, which is €2,350 a year.

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Hi Dan,

The annual motor tax cost for any electric vehicle is €120.

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Hi Pat,

You theoretically could do, but you’d have to show to Revenue proof of at least six months' tax and insurance, in her name, for the car and proof of change of address from the UK to Ireland, again in her name.