VRT on an imported Lexus GS hybrid?
How much would the VRT be to import a Lexus GS 450h hybrid 2008-2009 from England?
Kevin Tighe (Glencormac)Nov 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Kevin,
It will depend on the model, but it could be as little as €700 for a ‘Luxury’ spec GS 450h from 2008.
Which exec EV to replace my Jaguar with?
I plan on replacing a Jaguar XF diesel next year and would like to move to a “greener” alternative. Are you aware of any PHEVs or pure electric cars that are expected this year in the executive category apart from BMW 530e and Mercedes E 350 de? I would like to go all electric but prices seem very high at the moment. I drive about 40,000km per annum so hybrid diesel or pure electric with good range look to me like the best options. The only executive EVs all seem to be around the €90k mark, which is too high for me.
Joe Peterson (Wicklow)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
With that annual mileage, I honestly don't think you, nor the charging network, are ready for a pure EV, at any price. The longest range version of the Tesla Model 3 gets closest to your needs, but is a good deal smaller than your Jaguar.
For now, I'd suggest that, if you're adamant that you don't want a pure diesel, then a hybrid is indeed your best option. Another to consider alongside the two you've mentioned is the Lexus ES. Nonetheless, with your mileage, I'd expect the diesel-electric hybrid Mercedes to be the best all-rounder - and the E-Class is a lovely car anyway.
Have you a list of all the hybrids in Ireland?
Do you have a list of hybrids?
Thanks
Tony O'Brien (Shankill, Dublin 18)Feb 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
Currently you can buy the following hybrids on the Irish market: Toyota Corolla, CH-R, RAV4, Prius, Yaris, and there are probably a few run-out examples of the Auris Hybrid out there still in dealerships. There’s also the Kia Niro and the Hyundai Ioniq. There’s the full Lexus range — CT, IS, RC, GS, ES, LS, NX, RX and LC. There’s the Ford Mondeo Hybrid, too. There’s the new Honda CR-V Hybrid, some Mercedes diesel-hybrids and petrol plug-in hybrids, oh and the new AMG 53 six-cylinder mild hybrids.
Suzuki does mild hybrids too — for the Baleno, Swift and Ignis. Then there are the plug-in hybrids — Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq again, plus the Volvo XC90 and XC60 T8 models, along with the S90 and V90; the BMW i8, 330e, 530e, X5 40e, 225xe, and the MINI Countryman S E; there’s also the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-ins, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Volkswagen Golf and Passat GTE, the Audi Q7 e-tron and the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne.
I bet I've forgotten some...
Petrol, hybrid or diesel for my next car?
Hello
I'm unsure whether I should opt for hybrid, diesel or petrol for my next car. I drive approx 80km per day, mainly national roads. I am interested in hybrid, but considering I drive very little in town/city environments, I'm not sure it's the best option. I'd love your opinion as everyone I speak to seems to have conflicting advice.
Many thanks
Eimear Morrison (Roscommon)Jan 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Eimear,
It’s a tricky one and it kind of depends on what age of car you’re looking at. I think with your driving profile and the fact that, as you say, you don’t drive much in town, hybrid may not be right for you. Emphasis on the ‘may.’
If you’re buying a new hybrid, that equation changes a little. The current Toyota Prius, for example, gets an easy 65mpg on the motorway, which is better than I’ve ever got out of any diesel. Ditto the Kia Niro plugin-hybrid. It’s not just new cars either. A few years back I squeezed better economy out of a Lexus GS 300h on a run from Dublin to West Cork and back than I did on the same route, in the same week, with a Ford Mondeo Vignale diesel.
Should I go for a hybrid next?
Hi,
I am considering purchasing a second hand family size hybrid such as the Lexus IS 300h, as I am trying to save on running costs. I currently drive a 131 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 diesel, which is lovely to drive and decently economical. I am changing job, and will be communiting about 100km a day, mainly on motorway (although the M50 is like a car park at rush hour so I don't expect to be getting over 60km/h). This will be our only family car so need decent boot space for the baby and buggy etc. I have about €20-25k to spend, looking for a 151 model. I have read mixed advice about whether to go hybrid, or to stick with diesel for the size of car and amount of mileage I will be doing. Your advice and thoughts are much appreciated.
Many thanks, Emma
Emma Tong (Skerries)Jun 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Emma,
I think a hybrid could well suit you, and with your M50-heavy driving (especially in stop-start traffic) it could prove ideal. The IS 300h is indeed a lovely car — beautifully built and good to drive, but you might find that the cabin and boot are on the small side for your family needs. It could be worth looking at the larger GS 300h (same engine, similar real-world economy) or maybe the NX 300h crossover. If you fancy something a bit cheaper, the Prius is always a good choice, as is Kia’s really rather good Niro hybrid.
Read our reviews for more:
What to look for buying 2011 Lexus CT 200h?
Hi,
I am thinking of buying a 2011 Lexus CT 200h with 180,000km on the clock. It would be my first hybrid vehicle. What should worry me before buying? Would I need to change anything?
Regards
Emil
Emil Mchaki (Maseru)Mar 2018 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Emil,
As far as reliability and solidity go, there’s nothing to worry about. As long as it comes with a full service history and has been looked after by its previous owners, it should prove to be one of the most reliable cars you could possibly buy. Now, things to worry about — space; the CT 200h is very comfy and nice up front, but space in the back seats is quite poor and the boot is small, so bear that in mind. Secondly, economy. The CT 200h uses an older hybrid system, derived from the third generation Toyota Prius, and it’s quite tricky to get the best economy from it. As long as you drive gently, and mostly in town, you should be fine, but longer journeys, especially on the motorway, will seriously hit your fuel consumption figure.
Diesel still best for high mileage?
So with so many car makers planning to phase out diesel engine options in 2019, what are the real options for high mileage drivers? Will there be big impacts on residual values for diesel cars purchased later this year? I drive about 40,000km a year and need to change later this year.
Thanks
Brian O Neill (Kilkenny)Mar 2018 Filed under: diesel
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
The diesel question is a particularly thorny one, mostly because we don’t have any firm guidance from the Government on what is going to happen with the taxation system. If anti-diesel taxes are brought in, then that will definitely have a serious effect on diesel used prices. For now though, all we can reliably say is that diesel is still popular outside the major urban centres and, for the most part, it’s still the best choice for the long-distance driver. I say most part, because hybrids are improving all the time and such cars as the Kia Niro and Toyota Prius are well able to manage better than 60mpg even on long motorway hauls, while a Lexus GS 300h, for example, is every bit as frugal in daily driving as a rival diesel product.
What to replace my BMW 330d with?
I currently drive a BMW 330d Touring. It's been a great servant and never missed a beat in the four years I've owned it, but it's coming to the time to move on. With the future of diesel looking at best unsure, what would be your recommendation for a long term replacement?
Typically I like to hold a car for about five years and in an ideal world to buy a one-year-old car. Looking for something practical yet fast, engaging and comfortable. A plug in electric car is out as I don't have and cannot get a power point installed in the apartment complex that I live in. Typically I do only 11,000km per year in this car and 90 per cent of the time is on motorway runs.
David Smyth (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
How about a BMW 320i? Not as powerful as your 330d, of course, but a really lovely engine, and pretty frugal for all those long journeys. Of course, if you’re buying a year-old car then diesel is still a viable option, especially if you’re racking those miles up, so another 330d could well be a good choice. It’s Euro 6 emissions compliant, so even if there are some penalties for diesel models coming down the line, it probably (fingers crossed) won’t be affected.
There are some other options, of course. How about a Lexus GS 300h? Big, comfy, great for long journeys, and 40mpg+, plus you’re future-proofing yourself with a hybrid (not a plugin). The IS 300h is also a good bet, but is a touch small on the inside, hence we’d possibly try and spend the extra to the the GS. Here are a few reviews to read:
Any idea of the VRT on a 2013 Lexus RX?
Hi,
I'm thinking of importing a 2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport with 64,000 miles on the clock; any idea of the VRT on that?
Many thanks, Robert.
Robert Scott (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
It will depend on the total spec, inclusive of extras, but a rough calculation says it should be around €4,800-€5,000.
How do Lexus cars do on resale value?
How would you rate resale value of Lexus cars compared to e.g. VW or Audi?
Elizabeth Regan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: resale value
Expert answer
Hi Elizabeth,
Generally speaking, very good and improving all the time as more buyers start to seek out hybrid models. Lexus cars aren’t in as big demand new as the likes of Audi (Volkswagen isn’t really a Lexus competitor - think more BMW and Mercedes), but they’re popular in the second hand market because of their (justifiably) legendary reliability.