How can I estimate VRT on a new Kia Niro?
Regarding the Kia Niro hybrid: there are two Irish models and four UK model specifications (1, 2, 3 and First Edition). To date, only one of the UK specs have been imported, the Niro 2, which is why only one appears on the Revenue VRT calculator.
I would like to import the top-spec (First Edition) since this spec is not available in Ireland. The problem with this is that I have been told that I cannot get an estimate of this high-spec'd car until after I purchase it and then bring it to the VRT office for evaluation, after which they compile a report of the extras and then I sit back and wait.
This is too much of a risk for me to take. It is all to do with OMSP value. The difference between the highest Irish Niro spec to the highest UK spec is electric sunroof, front parking sensors and an eight-speaker high quality sound system. In your expert opinion, by how much could I expect the Rosslare Revenue office to increase the OMSP value by for my First- Edition model?
Currently, of the four UK models available, the Niro 2 has a VRT OMSP value of €27,535 (but try adding the previous three extras...).
Apologies for this rant.
Many thanks!
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The price gap, new, in the UK market is around £4,200, but it will depend on whether Revenue treats the extra equipment as a separate model, or extras added to an existing car, in which case the gap would probably be higher still. I think, and this is a pure finger-in-the-air calculation, that if you add about €6,500 to the OMSP of the Model 2, then you’ll be in the right ballpark, but sadly this is yet another example of the inequity of a system that charges you based on what they think you should have paid, versus what you actually paid.
Trade-in value of a 2010 VW Polo?
Hi ,
Can you please give me the trade in value of a 2010 Volkswagen Polo CL: 100k km, two owners, in good condition with a full service history.
Thanks
Peter Simpson (Dublin)May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
It should be worth in the region of €6-7,000 as a trade in.
Is the 1.0-litre Yaris powerful enough?
Hi,
I am considering a 2017 Toyota Yaris 1.0 to replace my 2004 Polo 1.2 65hp. Is the 1.0 sufficient or would I be better getting the 1.33? I don't expect it to be quick, but like the Polo.
Thanks very much!
Tim Singleton (Mallow)Mar 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
You should be fine with the 1.0 — it has 70hp, so overall performance will be very similar to that of your old Polo. You’re right though — it's not quick.
is the new Hyundai i20 a good car?
Hi, I would like to know if the Hyundai i20 is a good car to buy in 1.2 petrol guise (new), or should I stick to the Fiesta, Corsa, Polo etc? My commute is 21km dual carriageway. Would the petrol be ok or should I look at the diesel?
Peter O'Shea (Mallow, Cork)Dec 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:
Is my Volkswagen Polo TDI the most efficient?
What's the most economical car for long distance commuting (100km) to work daily? Is my 141 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI the most fuel efficient car there is on the market?
Anne, Cork
Anne O'Sullivan (Mallow, Cork)Expert answer
Hi Anne,
Actually, it’s not far off. I’d say, with a bit of practice, you should be able to beat 60-65mpg on a regular basis with that Polo, and to be honest you’re not going to get much better than that from any car. There are plenty of cars with official economy figures up in the 70s and 80s mpg, but those are laboratory figures and damned near impossible to reach in real world driving. If economy is your priority, then I’d stick with that Polo.
Thinking of replacing my Polo with a Fiesta...
Hi, I currently have a 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 1.2 65hp. I am thinking of trading it in and getting a Ford Fiesta. Is it as reliable as the Polo? Also, is the base 1.25 60hp engine enough for a car that is heavier and bigger than my Polo?
Tim Singleton (Banteer, Cork)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The Fiesta should be mostly as reliable as the Polo. In extremis, I'd say the Polo will still have a slight edge overall in terms of quality, but as long as you buy a Fiesta with a full service history and look after it properly it should be fine. The base 60hp engine is very slow though, so unless all of your driving is in town, we'd suggest upgrading to the 82hp version.
When will the new Volkswagen Polo arrive?
I read somewhere that there is a new Volkswagen Polo due next year. Do you know when?
Thanks Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Sep 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
We don't have a precise on-sale date yet but it'll be towards the back end of 2017.
Corsa, Corolla, Micra or Polo for €2,000?
Hi, I am a first car buyer in Ireland. I would like to buy an automatic car.
The ones I am interested in are a 2002 Opel Corsa, 2004 Toyota Corolla 1.6, a Nissan Micra 1.0 from 2002 or a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 from 2000. All of them cost between €1,750 and €2,000. I am wondering if these prices are realistic for cars like these, and given the types, which one would be the best choice?
Thank you in advance,
K
Katalin Csesznek (Cork)Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Katalin,
When will the Volkswagen T-Cross arrive?
Hi, I saw a picture of a T-Cross Breeze at the Geneva Motor Show, a convertible version, which I believe is based on the Volkswagen Polo platform. Have you any idea when either the hard top or soft top version might become available?
Cheers and thanks
P
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Mar 2016 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Volkswagen has made no announcement as yet, but we are expecting a new Polo-sized SUV to appear on sale in 2017 at some stage. I really doubt there'll be a three-door or open-topped version though.
Can you help my buy my first car?
I am in the market to buy my first car. I have looked at a 2007 Volkswagen Polo for €5,500 with 80,000 miles; a 2009 Renault Clio with 50,000 miles for €5,500; and a 2007 Opel Corsa with 110,000 miles for €4,500 (all 1.2). It is important to purchase a car that will help to keep my insurance and maintenance costs low.
Any advice on these cars or others that I should consider would be greatly appreciated. Is the best method of purchasing through a dealership?
Niamh, Limerick
Niamh McCrann (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Niamh,
I'd go for the Polo - of the three you're looking at it's the one (all things being equal) that's likely to be the most reliable. One thing though - you'll have to change it again next year as then it will be 10 years old and it's now proving almost impossible to get an affordable quote for a 10-year old car.