Expert answer

Hi Daragh,

OK, with on-street parking, I’d recommend you steer well and truly clear of a plug-in hybrid for now. I’m in the same position and with the dearth of public chargers, it’s a real nightmare to get a charge into them and use them at their most efficient. Unless you feel happy using local public chargers, of course, but if you’re going to do that I’d make sure to do the literal legwork, and see how far they are from your home as you may sometimes have to leave the car charging and walk home. Not the most convenient.

If you’re looking at a hybrid, of course, that turns us instantly in the direction of Toyota. The Camry is a truly excellent car, but it’s a bit of a mobile sofa. If you thought that the Superb’s ride was a bit too soft, then I don’t think you’d be a candidate for a Camry. Possibly a Lexus, then? An ES 300h is basically a Camry in a smarter suit, but again it’s not the sharpest car to drive. An NX 300h SUV might be a good balance — roomy enough to be toddler-friendly, reasonably sharp to drive and a hybrid without a plug. The Toyota RAV4 is another good (even excellent) option, but again would perhaps be a bit too soggy at the controls for your taste.

There is a hybrid (as opposed to plug-in hybrid) Hyundai Tucson on the way soon, and we mean the incoming new version, which gets much more dramatic styling than that of the current car, and which will have suspension and steering fettled, in part, by Hyundai’s N-Sport division. Could be worth hanging on for that if you like the look of it.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

I’m presuming that has the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine? If so then it’s €710 a year to tax as a private car. As for insurance, yes you can insure it privately, but you might have to shop around a good bit. Some insurers are wary of such policies, but a good broker should be able to help you out.

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

In theory, as a disabled driver, you’re allowed to be exempted from, or able to receive a rebate of, both VRT and VAT on a new car purchase, and the VAT on any costs of conversion to suit your needs. However, right now while the tax relief scheme is not suspended, the issuing of Primary Medical Certificates is — thanks to a high court ruling that has thrown the system that assess people for PMCs into confusion. It’s hoped that the scheme will be back on track soon, but the short answer is that we don’t know when that will be.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

The only cost will be in the change of tax. There’s no cost to have a commercial vehicle re-registered as a private car (although you will have to satisfy the NCT that the conversion has been carried out to an adequate standard), but your tax costs will go up, as you’ll be put onto the by-engine-capacity tax system, which, depending on the engine in the Transporter (I’m presuming it’s a 2.0-litre), will be much more costly than the existing commercial tax of €333 per year. 

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

It’ll depend on the specification and history of the car, of course, but the total cost should be in the region of €4,500 (allowing for 49mg/km of NOx).

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The first generation 330e has an electric-only range, on a fully-charged battery, of 40km (about 30km in real-world use) and the new, and current, version is claimed to be able to get 65km out of a full charge. Here are links to our reviews of both, which may give you more information:

2017 BMW 330e review

2020 BMW 330e review

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

The problem is that VRT, with fluctuating and uncertain second hand values, plus issues of equipment, history and condition to consider, is a constantly moving target. I would think that the €6,700 figure is much, much closer to the truth than the €23,000 one, but unfortunately, given the vagaries of the VRT system, you won’t know for certain until you get the bill. 

Hopefully you've read our feature on the subject - How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland?

Expert answer

Hi Fintan,

In theory, a herd number might be sufficient, but basically it’s down to the local motor tax office with which you’re dealing. Basically, there’s two threads here — the first is that the vehicle must be an appropriate one for commercial use, and the second is that you must show some sort of documentation that proves that you require the use of such a vehicle. We checked with the Department of Transport, and here’s the reply we received:

"Motor tax is based on both the construction and use of a vehicle.  To be taxed as a goods vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted as a goods vehicle and must be used solely for the carrying of goods in the course of trade or business.  Under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 (S.I. 385 of 1992), a licensing authority (motor tax office) must be satisfied that the licence (motor tax disc) being applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle concerned.   It is open to the relevant motor tax office to seek whatever documentation it deems appropriate in support of an application for a particular rate of motor tax.  In the case of an application for the goods rate of motor tax, such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance, a Tax Clearance Certificate, evidence of registration for tax or registration for VAT (if turnover for VAT exceeds the relevant thresholds set down by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners) or, at the discretion of the licensing authority, any other appropriate documentation that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business. It is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to claim what is in effect a concessionary rate of tax."

Expert answer

Hi Lar,

A crew cab is theoretically a commercial vehicle, so you’ll pay 13.3 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) as defined by Revenue. As to what that value is, that will depend on the individual van you’re looking at. 

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

OK, this is a tricky one (not least because we don’t know the year of the car). However, assuming that it’s a 2001 BMW Z3, then it’s going to be worth roughly €3,000 to €4,000 (assuming that it’s in perfect condition with a full service history). The 2.0-litre Z3 has CO₂ emissions of 220g/km (depending on the specific model) so that’s going to be in the Band D, 34 per cent, VRT band. Taking an Irish  market value of €3,500 (splitting the difference) that’s going to be €1,190 in VRT. BUT, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to odd or unusual model, Revenue’s Irish market valuation can be tricky at best, and they tend to over-value cars, especially sports cars. I’d get in touch with the BMW Owners' Club in Ireland to get a more solid feel for the value of the specific car you’re buying, and to have some expert knowledge on hand if you need to appeal Revenue’s valuation.