How will an imported L200 pick-up be taxed?
Hi,
I'm looking to bring in a 2010 Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian, but want to bring it in for private use so not commercial. I have called the tax office and Revenue and no one can tell me whether it will be taxed on the CO2 emissions or on the engine size. Can you help?
Karen Odonovan (Carlanstown )Oct 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Karen,
The tax system for using a commercial as a private car is a bit of an odd one, as it means reverting to the old by-engine-capacity rating. No-one seems to know quite why, and I suspect that the lack of knowledge in official quarters is because you’re possibly the only person honest enough to actually ask up front. Most people just tax them as commercials and hope they don’t get caught…
Mitsubishi Outlander or other 4x4s?
Hi ,
Thinking about buying a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 diesel from the UK, not for the seven seats, but for 4×4 capabilities, low running costs and reliability. I'm wondering are there any other options. And is the Mitsubishi 2.2 belt or chain driven?
Thanks
Jonathan Crawford (Donegal )Apr 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonathan,
The 2.2 diesel Outlander has a timing belt, not a chain, so that will need inspecting depending on the mileage. As for cars with proper 4x4 ability, try a Land Rover Freelander 2 (more reliable than you’d think), Jeep Cherokee, Nissan X-Trail or Toyota RAV4.
I'd like a classy five-seat commercial please...
Hey!
I'm in the market for a new executive commercial vehicle - but it needs to have five seats. Loophole a go go... The obvious choice is the Land Rover Discovery, but I understand they are being phased out and so my leasing company won't offer it as an option. Things like an L200 / Ranger / Hilux / Navara are a little TOO commercial for my tastes...
The Pajero Executive is nice, but the equipment, engine and layout all seem older than I am. The Touareg is a nice bus, but seems expensive compared to the rest and I've heard so-so reports in terms of value for money. Any ideas what else I should look for? Do Volvo / BMW / Audi do a five-seater that classes as commercial?
Al The Commercial Vehicle Looking Guy (Dublin)Sep 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Al,
BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.
One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.
There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive, at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.
Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff.
Does it have to be a new car for scrappage?
Does it have to be a new car for scrappage? I am buying a 2007 Ford Focus and scrapping a 1999 Mitsubishi Spacestar; am I eligible?
Emer Dunne (Bray )Aug 2016 Filed under: scrappage
Expert answer
Hi Emer,
Most so-called ‘scrappage’ deals aren’t actually anything to do with scrappage, they’re just trade-in boosters. But yes, they tend to be only available on new cars, not used ones. Have a chat with your dealer and see what you can work out with them though.
Mitsubishi Colt diesel: any problems?
Mitsabushi Colt diesel automatic: any faults?
Mark Kinsella (Dublin )Jun 2016 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Mark,
Mitsubishis tend to be hugely reliable, but you need to be cautious with a small diesel car like this as it’s possible that it will only have been used to do short hops around town, and not many long journeys. That can lead to premature engine wear and tear as it can’t heat up properly on short journeys, and you can expect to have problems with the exhaust's diesel particulate filter. Check the interior carefully too – they’re robust inside, but the door seals can let in water, which can lead to a damp, mouldy cabin.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good tow car?
Hi,
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander good for towing horseboxes?
Andrew Korff (Castlecomer)Jun 2016 Filed under: towing
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Yes, but you need to be careful. The current diesel Outlander has a maximum braked towing weight of 2,000kg (or 1,500kg for the plugin hybrid version), but if the total weight of car and trailer exceeds 3,500kg then you need to have the proper Category BE (car and trailer) driver's licence, not just the standard Category B licence.
Can you advise me on the Mitsubishi Lancer?
Can you give me advise about buying the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer? How is this car? What's the resale value like? Thanks
Hina Rehman (Ballyhaunis Co .mayo)May 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Hina,
It’s a decent car, but very, very dull and the cabin, although well built, doesn’t wear very well and is prone to picking up unsightly marks and scratches. Reliability is very good, but don’t expect terrific resale as they’re quite simply a car that is not in huge demand.
What is the best hybrid car to buy?
What is the best hybrid car to buy?
Kathleen Cleary (Thurles)Feb 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Kathleen,
The new Toyota Prius looks to be rather impressive, and with just 70g/km of CO2 it'll certainly be cheap to tax. We reckon you should probably look beyond the Prius though, to the new generation of plugin hybrids that can offer significantly longer electric-only range (as much as 50km) and which still have a petrol engine and a decent fuel tank for longer journeys. Have a look at the Volkswagen Golf GTE or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for example.
BMW X3 or Mitsubishi Outlander?
Hello,
I am very interested in buying a diesel 2.0-litre automatic SUV. The two I'm most interested in are the BMW X3 2016 model xDrive and the Mitsubishi Outlander 2016 model. I know the BMW would be faster because it has the higher power output and probably would be better to drive. The thing is though the Outlander has the eight-year warranty and is a lot less expensive. I would wait until the new version of the X3 comes out if I decided to go with that so I probably would have to wait until next year to get one of those. Do you think it would be worth the wait or should I go for the Outlander?
Thanks.
Mary Walsh (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
The Outlander is a decent car, and hugely well equipped, not to mention having seven seats. It's fine to drive, and the recent update has brought better refinement and a higher quality cabin.
There's no question though that an X3 would be sophisticated and more engaging to drive, but it's well worth checking out the new and more affordable X1 - it's much improved over its predecessor and almost as spacious as the X3.
The Mitsubishi should beat both in terms of long term reliability though.
Relevant reviews:
Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.