Can I get the owner's name from a car reg?
Can you tell me the name and address of the registered keeper for a Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI, reg number DE12 XXX?
Michael Blanchfield (Bray Co.Wicklow)Mar 2017 Filed under: registration
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'm afraid that's not information that we have access to. That's a UK car so the only ones that would have that information is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority) and the British Transport Police, neither of which are in the habit of disclosing such private information to the public.
It makes no difference that it is a British car; the same limitations would apply to an Irish one.
How much to tax a BMW 318i?
Hi, could you please let me know how much it is to tax a 2006 BMW 318i M Sport?
From Lo in Dublin
Lorraine Lyons (Dublin)Mar 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Lorraine,
It’ll set you back €710 a year, unless it was imported from the UK post-2008. If it’s an import, then it will be on the current CO2-based system, which will mean tax of €750 a year.
Which SUV for up to €40,000?
Can you recommend a reliable economical SUV type car? I have a budget of €30-40 thousand, looking at an Audi Q5 or Q3. Is there any other car in that class and price bracket similar?
William Neale (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi William,
Yes, the Q5 and the BMW X3 are both solidly reliable and good to drive, but if your budget is around the €40k mark, can I suggest instead shopping for a Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento? Not only would both of those be more reliable, long-term, than either of the German cars, for your budget you’ll also get a brand new one, and the 1.6 i-DTEC Honda is very economical. Some reviews for your consideration:
I'm looking for a high-up diesel auto...
Currently driving a Peugeot 2008 diesel automatic. Love it, but need a slightly higher car again - still diesel automatic. My passenger has a disability and needs easier access. Don't need larger car just higher car. I like the Ford EcoSport, but the diesel version is not automatic. It appears slightly higher than the 2008. Something along that line and price bracket would suit me if it were available. Otherwise I will have to return to a Peugeot 3008 diesel automatic, which I had some years ago, but felt it was too large. Did not have to take disabled passenger at that stage.
Yvonne O'Dwyer (Kilkenny)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Yvonne,
It’s going to be very hard to find a car that’s taller but not bigger overall. Most car makers cluster around the same size and dimensions within a given class, so unless you go for a larger car altogether, you’re unlikely to find anything else that is more than a few millimetres different either way.
Your best bet might be to have a look at the Opel Mokka X, which is similarly sized to the 2008, but a little bit higher in its ride height. Why not go and check out out and see if it suits?
Relevant reviews:
What do you think of the BMW 640d?
What is your expert opinion of the BMW 640d Coupe? I'm thinking of buying a 2016 model.
Paul Tyrrell (Wexford)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Pau,
It's a fabulous car, really - low slung, gorgeous, great to drive and just about practical enough for everyday use. Not cheap to run, though, and don't dream of buying one without a copper-bottom service history. Worth considering a 535d as well - similar performance and handling, but much more affordable. Read our most recent review of the 640d below (admittedly in Gran Coupe guise - but same applies for the most part):
Nissan Pulsar or Skoda Rapid Spaceback?
We are looking for an automatic that will be our family car for the future. We are talking two kids in the back and a dog in the trunk when we go on trips. It's all about practicality for us, the car is for transport not for joy rides.
So far we have been looking at the Nissan Pulsar XE and the Skoda Rapid - and here probably the Spaceback to give the dog a bit more head room. But then it comes to features we aren't too picky, but we do want air conditioning.
So as the price difference between the Pulsar EX and the Spaceback Ambition is rather small, we are torn and would be grateful for some pointers.
Susann Burnell (Dublin)Feb 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Susann,
The Rapid Spaceback is a decent car, but it’s actually quite small, and just a bit cheap-feeling, inside. In this instance, I’d advise you to go for the Pulsar. Not the most exciting car by a long chalk, but it’s roomy, well made and very comfortable. Here are our relevant reviews:
Will the Volkswagen software affect tax?
Will the software update affect my road tax?
Hugh Murphy (Ballydesmond )Jan 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Assuming you mean the Volkswagen diesel software update, no, it shouldn't. Volkswagen has had to clear all the updates with the German federal transport agency to comply with a ruling that any changes won't affect the CO2 emissions or fuel economy of the cars.
What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
Expensive to convert a Transporter?
What are the cost issues with converting a Transporter SWB to a crew cab?
Ollie Stapleton (Kilkenny)Nov 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Ollie,
The costs will be significant, as converting a van with no seats to one with seats is going to involve an awful lot of welding and cutting, and getting it approved for use afterwards could be tricky. You’d be better off, to be honest, selling and buying again.
Which high-up SUV to go for?
Guys,
I am interested in buying a second hand SUV with a similar elevation to the Land Rover Freelander, but I am finding most SUVs are closer to saloon car height. Do you have any recommendations for SUVs similar to the Freelander?
Does it make more sense at this stage to wait until January when there will be a more plentiful supply and if so where is best place to get a short term rental for a couple of months?
Thanks
Conor Dowd (Enniskerry)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Conor,
The two best SUVs of similar elevation to the Freelander would be the Honda CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail. Both are excellent choices (and the X-Trail can be had with seven seats), but the Honda’s more spirited driving experience nudges it for us. Also worth looking at a Land Rover Discovery Sport (effectively the third-generation Freelander), although they’re pricier than the Honda or Nissan.
As for choosing a buying time, yes, if you wait until the end of January, depending on how new car sales go, there should be a few more trade-ins and the like cluttering up dealer lots so you might get a sharper deal. Any of the big car rental companies will set you up with a good deal on a long-term rent, and Enterprise is probably the best place to start.
Here are a few of our reviews to help you choose: