How much to import my Porsche from US?
Hello
I'm hoping to import my 2015 Porsche Macan S petrol from New York when I move home to Ireland later this year. I can't find Porsche on the VRT calculator - I have owned the car for nine months and saw there are some exemptions if you have owned the car for over six months. I'm pretty confused and hoping to bring the car with me, but if VRT costs are too high, I'll have to sell before the move - any info is greatly appreciated
Thank you, John
John Walsh (New York)Aug 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
You SHOULD (emphasis ours) be OK from the VRT perspective. As long as, according to Revenue, you’ve lived at your current address for 185 days or more, and can show proof of your move to Ireland, then you won’t be charged for VRT. Fuel and insurance costs for a Macan are a different story...
Does my Hyundai ix35 have a belt or chain?
Does my 2010 Hyundai ix35 have a timing belt or chain?
Tony Hansell (Newcastle Upon Tyne)Aug 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tony,
All petrol and diesel versions of the Hyundai ix35 used a timing chain.
Best version of Skoda Octavia for €9,000?
What is the best used year and model of Skoda Octavia to buy? Is it better to buy from North for value or are northern roads worse and more salt used? Budget is €9,000.
Thank you
Shane C (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Which family car for €25-30k? An A6 Avant?
My budget is €25-30k for a family car (we have three kids). Considering a 2014-15 Audi A6 Avant. I keep cars for a long time, planning at least 5-8 years. Current mileage is very low (10,000km a year). What other cars would you consider - based on my desire for an A6? Is paying over the odds for a diesel sheer lunacy based on my mileage, and considering that diesels MAY be worthless by the time I go to trade in?
Andy FitzPat (Clon)Jul 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.
Should we get a second EV for towing?
Hi, a question about a second car. What would be a good choice for a second car for travelling to work that does small mileage (10-20 miles) daily? Our main car is a Nissan Leaf, which we use for the majority of our driving. A car that can tow a small trailer would be ideal, something with low tax and running costs. Budget is about 6-7 thousand euro, with the intention of trading in the car in a few years time for a newer model. Have thought of buying another electric car, but not sure about having two electric cars in household until longer range cars are available or charging network improves.
Thank you for your help.
Barry
Barry Slye (Cork)Jun 2018 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Barry,
The problem with electric cars is that, generally, they’re not rated for towing (I think that the new Nissan Leaf is one of the first with a towing rating), so you’re probably going to have to switch back to petrol or diesel for this one. Probably your best bet is to go for something very conventional, such as VW Golf or Ford Focus, and maybe go for the estate version of one of those to give yourself a little extra versatility. A Toyota Auris Hybird would also work well, and would at least keep you going on half-electric power. Plenty of them around in your price range.
Belt or chain for VW's 1.0 TSI engine?
Does the VW 1.0 TSI petrol engine run with a timing chain or timing belt?
Samad Sapawi (Singapore)Jun 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Samad,
It's a timing belt, defined as a long-life item by Volkswagen.
Looking at maybe a new petrol SUV.
Hi,
I'm looking to change my 151 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Luna diesel at the end of this year or early next year. It currently has 93,000km on the clock. About 70 per cent of our driving is on short journeys such as short runs to town of about 10km. Would I be better to stay with diesel or go to petrol? I'm thinking about getting a crossover/SUV, something like a Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Sportage, or would I get better value getting a smaller SEAT Ateca, Suzuki Vitara or Opel Mokka? My children are all adults now and are only around at weekends so our mileage will be decreasing a bit. Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Rob
Roddy McMyler (Kilkenny)Jun 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Roddy,
Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.
Read or reviews for more:
Thoughts on these petrol engines?
Hi,
Is the 1.2 TCe petrol engine in the Renault Kadjar any good? It’s something I’ve been looking at buying (used), but I get the impression from reading various comments and reviews online that it seems rather gutless in terms of power/torque and the economy is just ok. I know the 1.5 dCi is the default choice, but my mileage (roughly 7,000km per year mainly urban) doesn't justify a diesel. Peugeot’s 1.2 on the other hand seems to be excellent and highly regarded. Yet it’s the same size?
Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)May 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Seamus,
The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.
When to change my Meriva's cam belt?
I have a 2009 Vauxhall Meriva; when should the cam belt be changed?
Steve Hill (Bridgwater )Apr 2018 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
You've not told us what engine your car has, so here's the full run-down:
1.3 CDTi diesel - not applicable as it has a timing chain
1.4 petrol - not applicable as it has a timing chain
1.6 petrol (87hp) - every 120,000 kilometres or every eight years
1.6 16v petrol (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years
1.6 16v petrol (105hp - 2006-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years - same for the Meriva VXR
1.7 CDTi diesel (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 100,000 kilometres or every 10 years
The below schedules are for several versions of the 1.7 CDTi diesel engine: 100hp (2006-2010), 125hp (2006-2010), 101hp (2007-2010)
2006-2008 - every 90,000 kilometres or every 10 years
2009-2010 - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 CDTi diesel (110hp - 2008-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 D DI diesel (65hp - 2004-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.7 D DTI diesel (75hp - 2003-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years
1.8 petrol - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years
I realise that might all be confusing so if you're in any doubt which engine your car has, come back to us with its engine code and we'll tell you precisely.
Should you be recommending diesels?
Hi
I have the impression that on many occasions you can recommend a diesel as being a better option, and I can fully understand why. The problem is, it seems to me, that there is a huge degree of uncertainty over diesels, with widespread negative publicity and many cities proposing to ban them. It doesn't really matter whether this negativity is justified. The "uncertainty" will kill any market. Not only do you have to worry about where you might be allowed to drive, but also whether there will be much demand for diesels in four or five years time, when you go to sell. So economically, diesels might be a better proposition, but it takes a brave person to make that choice.
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Apr 2018 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Philip and thanks for this,
You make some good points here, but the main one I'd like to focus on is the uncertainty. It is, without a doubt, reducing car sales right now, as people don't know what to do, and all we can do is present the facts. They are this:
1 - There are many motorists in Ireland for which there is no economic alternative to a diesel car. Those that travel long distances day in, day out, could not use an electric car. Plug-in hybrids would be useless to them as well as they only return good economy when regularly charged up. The latest non plug-in hybrids are more economical than ever on a long run, but still not as cheap to fuel as a good diesel. And let's not forget, the majority of drivers are buying used, so there's very little choice in the used market for anything other than conventional diesel or petrol.
2 - For another large number of Irish motorists, petrol power would be perfectly fine. We've been saying for years that too many people have diesel cars because that became the default after 2008. Regardless of air quality and health issues, diesels come with higher maintenance costs, especially if they aren't used at higher speeds regularly.
3 - It seems to have been lost in the conversation that the diesel bans being discussed are not for all diesels, but for older diesels that emit much higher levels of NOx and other pollutants.
4 - The Irish government needs to hurry up and let the country/industry know what it plans to do, for this uncertainty is killing the market full-stop, not just diesel power.
With all the above in mind, we will continue to help buyers choose a car based on their individual circumstances and for many that will still mean a diesel. For now.
I welcome thoughts and comments on this below. Would be great to get some feedback on what people think and whether they are holding off buying a car because of the uncertainty.