Expert answer

Hi Colm,

Well, in terms of ’seeing what happens’, how long have you got? The first thing I’d say is that you shouldn’t rule out cars like the Galaxy, the SEAT Alhambra, the VW Sharan and especially the Ford S-Max. I know MPVs are not as fashionable as SUVs, but when you’ve got kids to haul around, they really do make a huge amount of sense. Plus, if you were to go for the S-Max, you’d be getting a car that’s brilliant to drive, too. Get it in a smart metallic colour with nice alloys and it looks good, as well.

If you’re determined to get an SUV, then yes — the XC90 is probably the best of them, and reliable too. The Hyundai Santa Fe is well worth a look as well (although its third row isn’t as roomy as that of the Volvo’s) as is the Kia Sportage (one of our favourite SUVs, actually).

But seriously, go for the S-Max.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

It depends — for the most part, all vans are charged VRT at a rate of 13.3 per cent of the Irish market selling price, but some N1 vans qualify for a basic charge of €200 if, according to Revenue, they have always had fewer than four seats, and at any time a laden mass greater than 130 per cent of the mass in service. Better check with the local motor tax office to find out which category your Transporter fits into...

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It depends on how the interior layout of the van is arranged. If there is no bulkhead or physical separation between the seating area and the cargo area, then it’ll be registered as a Category A vehicle and it’ll be taxed on the full CO₂ emissions. If, though, there is a fixed bulkhead or separation between the seats and the cargo, then it goes into Category B, as it’s allowed to have more than three seats but have the passenger and cargo/functional compartments in completely separate units. That should VRT is charged at a flat rate of 13.3 per cent of the OMSP. 

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

It should do, for the outer front passenger seat. Check at the point where the base of the seat meets the backrest for ISOFIX logos (a silhouette of a baby sitting in a car seat) and you should also be able to feel the steel anchoring points at the back of the seat base. 

Expert answer

Hi Don,

The differences are around €5,000 in terms of a new car price. The Sport, on top of the Luna, gets built-in navigation, contrast stitching on the dash, blue ambient background light, paddle shifts for the CVT gearbox, power operated driver's seat, heated front seats, 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, sportier exterior styling, contrast-colour roof and bi-beam LED headlights. 

Read our Toyota RAV4 reviews here

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. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

No. If you purchase it as a commercial vehicle, then you will pay the commercial vehicle VRT rate of 13.3 per cent, whether or not you then go on to convert it. There should be no VAT implication either, as you’ll pay the normal VAT rate at the time of purchase. According to Revenue, if you’re converting to M1 status, you only need to make them aware of it if you’re adding seats to the vehicle, but as with all VAT matters, check with your accountant before leaping. 

Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

Sort of, yes. The thing is that there aren’t any five-seat commercial 4x4s anymore — the N1 certification loophole for that kind of car was closed off in 2018, so now five-seat SUVs pay a full rate of VRT. However, if you’re exempt from paying both VRT and VAT then one of those very cars (Toyota Land Cruiser, perhaps? Or maybe a VW Touareg?) would be an ideal car for you as you will be getting one at an effective 50 per cent discount compared to the rest of us. Well worth investigating.

Expert answer

Hi Jennie,

It depends on the model of RAV4. If it’s the previous (up to 2019) model, then I think you’ll struggle as the rear seat was very narrow. The new, current-shape, RAV4 might let you squeeze them in though as it’s a good bit bigger. Of course not all seats are equal and if you shop around a little you might find seats that are a little narrower and which fit better. For the booster seat, a good recommendation is a Bubble Bum — they’re inflatable and can usually squeeze between other seats a bit more easily. 

Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

VRT won’t come into it. Even if you’re buying as a private buyer, you still pay the 13.3 per cent commercial vehicle rate. As for motor tax, for a 2.2 engine it’ll be €951 per year.