What colour for the Civic Type R Sport Line?
Hi.
What colours are available for the Honda Civic Type R Sport Line, please?
MIKLOS PENZES (LETTERMORE)Dec 2020 Filed under: paintwork
Expert answer
Hi Miklos,
According to the Honda Ireland website, the colours are Crystal Black Pearl, Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Rallye Red, Polished Metal Metallic and Sonic Grey Pearl.
Is the suspension comfy on this Mercedes?
Morning all, I hope youre well.
I'm looking at a used Mercedes C 220 d estate in AMG Line trim (2019), with passive sports suspension on 18-inch rims. Comfort and refinement are my priorities, after years of putting up with overly firm rides. Unfortunately, I can't test drive the car because of the current Covid lockdown. What do you reckon? Would my fillings loosen up or is it a more relaxed setup than that?
Any advice appreciated,
Jeremy
Jeremy Newell (London)Dec 2020 Filed under: comfort
Expert answer
Hi Jeremy,
Sorry to say that's almost impossible to answer for you. What one person thinks is acceptable, another may call uncomfortable. My gut instinct is that it will be ok, as it's 'only' on 18-inch wheels, though the sports suspension will undoubtedly firm it up. If it's a deal-breaker for you, then I'd suggest waiting until you can test-drive the car. It's the only way to know for certain.
Should I stick with BMW diesel for now?
I drive 65,000km a year, mostly to Dublin, Cork and Galway and Dublin Airport. I have owned four 520d M Sports and on average get 40mpg. I am changing again and very interested in hybrid and considering a 530e M Sport with 26,000km on it. I change the car about every 15 months as I do high mileage and would like to go greener but running costs are my main concern. Currently I get the VAT back on diesel as I am VAT registered. I'm conscious that we will eventually have to go this way and wondering should I make that move now. What do you think?
Howard Simpson (Ballymoe)Dec 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Howard,
If I were you, I'd stick with diesel for now. Assuming that, with such high mileage, you won't have time to plug the car in to charge it up regularly, the 530e won't get near the 520d's average economy. Once the battery charge is used up, you're effectively driving a heavy petrol car. The fact you're VAT-registered and can claim back the VAT on the diesel is another reason to stick with it for now.
Yes, electrification is coming to all cars, but we don't believe it suits all motorists just yet. The beauty of you changing your car every 15 months is that you can react quite quickly to changes in taxation and new model launches.
Belt or chain in a 2011 Audi A3?
Does my 2011 Audi A3 Sportback have a cambelt or chain and when does it need changing?
Asif Hussain (Longton)Dec 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Asif,
It depends on which engine it has.
Cambelts: 1.6 TDI, 1.6 non-turbo petrol, 2.0 TDI
Timing chains: 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI
Can I buy a VW Transporter in 2021?
I would like to buy a Volkswagen Transporter in 2021. I do not have business or VAT numbers. I know I can insure it privately, but can I tax it privately and if so for roughly what money?
Fiona Moran (DUBLIN)Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
It's easy to tax it privately, as well. You just need to inform your local Motor Tax Office of the change of category. The price is then based on the engine size. Assuming it has a 1,968cc engine, then that'll set you back €710 per annum. Read Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained for more.
VRT on a new BMW X5 xDrive45e in 2021?
Hi,
Will VRT on a new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport be 7% with the new budget figures?
Thanks
Jim
Jim Doyle (Dublin )Oct 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
Yes it will. The WLTP-ratified CO2 emissions figure for that car is below 50g/km, so it sits in the lowest VRT band, at seven per cent of the OMSP.
Relevant links:
Should I wait for the BMW 128ti?
Hi,
I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.
Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.
I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.
Very best wishes
Tim
Tim Williams (Dartmouth)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind.
How much VRT on a 2014 Transporter?
Hi,
I would like to buy a Volkswagen Transporter in the UK. Long wheelbase, 2014, 230k miles. I would like to know the VRT I would need to pay for this in Ireland but the Revenue system does not list this very common vehicle.
Any assistance appreciated.
Aidan Raftery (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
Well, generally speaking, vans fall into one of two categories for VRT. Most will be charged 13.3 per cent of the Irish open market selling price (OMSP), which in the case of a 2014 Transporter is likely to be in the region of €13,000. So 13.3 per cent of that is €1,279 and that should be your VRT cost, more or less.
Of course, there’s a chance that your Transporter of choice will fall into the second category, which gets charged a flat-rate of €200 if, says Revenue, “it always had less than four seats and at any time a laden mass greater than 130 per cent of the mass in service.”
Can you help me select my next car?
Hi there guys.
Can you help me with selecting my next car? Currently have a 161 BMW 420d Gran Coupe with 50k km on the clock (GB import bought from a main dealer in Dublin). Do 10k km per annum. City center living, on street parking. Very happy with the car - love the drive experience but now it’s a bit small in the back for toddler passenger and all our baggage etc. Looking to change in next couple of months, with a hybrid in mind.
Disappointing range of options though for any of the estate/MPV cars I fancy, e.g. BMW Touring or Volvo XC60. Looks are important but driving experience and space are key. As is easy parking into tight spaces! Did drive a Skoda Superb wagon recently and loved all the gadgets, but felt the ride was spongey. Budget is €45k including trade in/private sale. Open to going the import route again as choice and range much better for hybrids.
Any insight would be really appreciated.
Thanks.
Daragh O’Reilly (Dublin)Sep 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
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.
Can I privately tax and insure this Transit?
Taxing a five-seat M-Sport Transit for private use. What will it cost and will insurers cover it?
Paul Barrett (Kerry )Sep 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
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.