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Hi Carthach,

Frustrating as it is, the rules are quite clear from Revenue on this and, if the vehicle is not being used 100 per cent for the purposes of a business, then it must be taxed for private use. The herd number alone won't change that.

If you have a business related to towing horses, and that's the only thing the Hilux would be used for, then you would have a case for getting commercial tax, but if you use it for towing horses for leisure, then I'm afraid not.

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Hi Hans,

Not unless it has been specifically calibrated to allow it, no. Toyota's engines in Europe require 95 RON fuel at a minimum.

You may get away with it, as the engine will have knock sensors to allow it adapt, but it is definitely not recommended.

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Hi Feilim,

You can certainly estimate the VRT payable, but that's all it will be. And you'll need proof of the car's CO₂ emissions as well.

With the CO₂ rating, go to our How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland feature and find the corresponding VRT band. I'd assume it'll be in Band 7 or 8. Let's say 8 for the calculations.

Then you'll need to estimate the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of the car in Ireland. This is the value Revenue believes it to be worth after registration in Ireland.

You've not told us the year so we can't do that for you. I suggest going to Carzone.ie to find similar spec cars to yours and taking the average price as a rough estimate.

From those two things you can then estimate your VRT. Beware it will only be that, though, an estimate.

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Hi Anais,

All diesel engines available in the 2014 Avensis used timing chains.

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Hi Charlie,

There's a bit to consider there, including the lower total costs if you went for an electric van instead of an SUV. Businesses get an SEAI grant if buying an electric van, but not an SUV. And the VAT on a van should be fully recoverable, while it may not be for the SUV.

As you probably know, there is no VRT relief on an EV costing over €50,000.

There's a wide range of good electric SUVs available in and around this price bracket, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Peugeot E-5008, Toyota bZ4X, Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya.

Come back to us if you have other criteria to narrow down the search with as these all have decent boots and range.

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Hi William,

As it's now a classic, the process and the costs should be minimal enough. 

Take photographs before and after you've done the physical work to convert the Land Cruiser back to a passenger car and keep any related receipts.

You'll then have to have it inspected by an 'SQI' (Suitably Qualified Individual) to sign it off as safe, etc. They will also stamp the "VRTCONV" form for you, which must be submitted to Revenue. 

Full details on the requirements are provided on the Revenue Conversions website.

As it's a classic now, the VRT should only be the flat rate of €200.

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Hi Conor,

Undoubtedly the Octavia is the most spacious of those three. The Mazda is arguably the most stylish and the Toyota probably the most reliable. Come back to us with full details of each of the cars if you want us to delve further into this with you.

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Hi Denis,

Regardless of its year, as the Hilux is a commercial vehicle, if you want to tax it for private use, then it's according to its engine size. If you are using it for a business then it can be taxed as a commercial.

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Hi Annabel,

It doesn't really matter where you live to drive a modern hybrid as they're generally quite efficient. With lots of short trips, a hybrid could be ideal for you. Your use might even suit a plug-in hybrid if you can get a charger installed at home. 

There are hybrids of all shapes and sizes now, though yes, many are SUVs. Toyota has a large range of hybrid cars to consider, but it's not the only one. 

Come back to us with your budget, and whether you're buying new or used, and we'll try to help you narrow down your search.

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Hi Deirdre,

I'd be inclined to say keep it forever at this stage. It won't be worth much with that mileage on it, and if it's giving no trouble, then keep doing what you're doing.