How do I get PCP car finance in Ireland?
Expert answer
Hi Patricia,
Simply pick a car (usually a new car, but there are some used PCP deals around too) and then saunter in to the dealer of your choice, and say in a loud voice: “Hello good sir, I’d like some PCP, please.” Seriously though, pretty much every car brand in Ireland is offering a PCP deal now, and it’s essentially becoming the form of finance that most people use. Make sure you read all the fine print before signing up to anything though, and check out the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) for their advice on PCPs.
Then, if you're certain that PCP is for you, ask the dealer of the car you're interested in about options and they'll talk you through the process.
Is the new Ford Kuga Hybrid on sale here?
Can you buy a new Ford Kuga Hybrid in Ireland?
Martin Brady (Dublin)Feb 2020 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Not yet, it will be launched this summer and should be here in time for 202 sales in July.
Can I get classic car motor tax?
Hello.
Is there cheaper motor tax for a classic car that's 20 years old?
Stasys Padomcikas (Drumkonrath)Feb 2020 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Stasys,
Cheaper motor tax is available for classic cars, but it starts when they are over 30 years old. Read this for more information: Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Insurance advice for this immigrant please.
I am buying my first car in Ireland. I have driven for many years in Canada. What can I expect to pay in car insurance rates in Ireland? What is the criteria that insurance companies use to determine the rates? I am 65 years old, have an excellent driving record and plan to buy a 2013 Nissan Note.
Please advise.
Catherine Redmond (Tramore)Feb 2020 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
You’ll probably get a very broad mix of quotes. Some companies will like the fact that you’re an older driver, with a relatively low-powered car, and assess you accordingly. Many others will simply look at your lack of an Irish driving history (and won’t take your Canadian history into account) and will simply try to charge you an absolute fortune.
Our advice would be to track down a good local insurance broker, who may well be able to help you find a better deal than you’d find yourself. Criteria? That would be expecting the Irish insurance industry to be open and transparent, and that’s simply not going to happen...
Will an imported Rifter be under warranty?
Buying a used Peugeot Rifter in the UK. Reading online that warranty will not be honoured here in Ireland. Is this true or how can I find out?
Brian Duke (Strokestown)Jan 2020 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It depends on the age of the car and where you’re buying it from. If it’s young enough to still be under its official manufacturer’s warranty then it’s fine — these are pan-European and will be honoured. Being as the Rifter was only launched last year, it should be fine. The trouble comes when you have either an older car that has a ‘local’ warranty from the dealer selling it, or a newer car with a one-year manufacturer warranty and a two-year ‘dealer top-up’ warranty. In the case of the latter, it MIGHT still be honoured here, but best to check with your local Peugeot garage before taking the leap.
Can I register a day van as a camper?
Hi,
I have bought a van in the UK. It's a day van with a pop top roof installed, it's still listed as a van on the logbook. I want to bring it over to Ireland and have it registered as a motor caravan. Is it possible to bring over a van and register it as a motor caravan?
Darragh Ginty (Rosses Point)Jan 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Darragh,
No, you probably won’t be able to. According to Revenue, to qualify as a camper van, a vehicle has to have sleeping accommodation, seats and a table, and — crucially — cooking facilities. As a day van, I think it still qualifies as just a van.
Do I pay the NOx levy if I import my older car?
If I am importing a vehicle from Australia and it is exempt from VRT, as I have owned it for over six months, will it be exempt from this new NOx tax? Revenue states the NOx is calculated as part of VRT. I hope so or else it is a €4,850 bill I was not expecting.
Ed Walton (Waterford)Jan 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ed,
Yes, theoretically it should be free for the NOx tax as, as you say, that’s calculated as a component of VRT and you are bringing the car to Ireland as part of a change of address.
Can I temporarily bring my van in from UK?
Hi, I am doing some work on my own house in Ireland in 2020; how long can I keep my big van there without changing the plates as I want to bring it back to UK again?
Martin Joyce (London)Dec 2019 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It all depends on your residential status. Do you still have a UK address to which the van is registered, taxed and insured? If so then there’s theoretically no real upper limit. There is a notional six-month upper ceiling, but if you were to bring the van back to the UK and then back here again that would reset. The only thing I would advise is that you keep your registration and proof of address details in the van in case challenged on the matter by a Garda.
Value of 2013 Mercedes E 220?
What's the cost in Ireland of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 220 with 73,000 miles on the clock?
Derek Legear (Limerick)Dec 2019 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
As ever, values depend heavily on condition and history, but a ballpark value for a 2013 E-Class would be in the region of €12-14,000.
I have a fault in my 181 Ford Fiesta.
I bought a 181 Ford Fiesta 1.5 diesel and to date I have had to call the AA out three times for engine faults. Also the engine warning light comes on every few weeks, but the last time the AA came out, I was told to ignore it as they could find nothing wrong. Ford Ireland is saying they are covered because I have the free AA cover, but I have lost three days work waiting for a replacement car etc. Do you know if there have been other reports of faults in the Fiesta?
Brian Scott (Navan)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
To be honest, no — we haven’t heard of any major problems with the current-shape Fiesta, but perhaps the problem lies in the diesel engine and how it’s being used? If you’re only covering a relatively low mileage, you could be getting a clogged up exhaust particulate filter, which is a common issue with diesels that get driven for short hops, or stuck in traffic a lot. Beyond that, if the car has caused you to stop three times in succession, to the point of having to call out roadside assistance, then clearly there is an issue and, if it’s not the particulate filter problem, then it could be something more serious. As a 181, you’re still well within warranty, so I would demand of your Ford dealer that they do something, as there must be a problem somewhere.