How much to privately tax a Hilux?
Hi,
I am thinking of purchasing a Toyota Hilux 2.4 auto twin cab; could you please let me know what would be the cost of the motor tax, as I would have to register it for private use?
Thanks.
Patrick Murray (Dungarvan )Apr 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Sadly, with a big engine like that, it’ll be €1,080 a year.
What's up with my Toyota Yaris?
My Toyota Yaris's power steering light comes on and car loses power. What's going on?
Lee Davis (London)Apr 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
We are not aware of any specific issue on the Yaris that relates to, but it sounds to us like an electrical problem that needs a good mechanic or auto electrician to sort out.
Diesel Avensis or petrol Corolla?
Hi there,
I’ve had a 1.4 petrol, three-door 2000 Toyota Corolla for years, but I need to change it and I’m looking at a 1.4 petrol five-door 2010 Toyota Corolla or a 2.0 diesel five-door 2011 Toyota Avensis. They're similar mileage with the Avensis slightly more expensive, but the tax is more on the Corolla. I don’t do a lot of mileage but my husband commutes and could take my car occasionally.
Denise Murphy (Rhode)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Denise,
If you’re not doing big miles every week, then the diesel Avensis just makes no sense (other than the fact that it’s a bit bigger and comfier than the Corolla). With relatively low mileage you’re much better off with a petrol engine, and besides — even if your husband is using it occasionally for longer runs — that Toyota 1.4 engine is very economical so I think the Corolla is the best choice here.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews
Motor tax on a 1993 Toyota Starlet?
How much is motor tax on a Toyota Starlet 1.3, year 1993?
Martin Bredican (Swinford)Mar 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
That’ll be €358 for a year’s worth of motor tax, for a 1993 1.3 Starlet. Probably more than the value of the car itself...
Weights of the Astra, Megane and Corolla?
Empty car weight for 2020 examples of the Opel Astra, Renault Megane and Toyota Corolla?
Wafaa H (Swinford)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Wafaa,
Well, obviously vehicle weight will vary according to engine and equipment, but let’s take the best-case scenario in all cases: petrol engine and a manual gearbox (except in the case of the Toyota, which is only available as a hybrid). The officially quoted kerb weights are: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo - 1,205kg. Renault Megane 1.3 TCe - 1,231kg. Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid CVT - 1,345kg
Which of these Toyota Auris to go for?
Which should I buy: a 2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid with 90,000km on the clock or a 2016 Auris Hybrid with 40,000km? Similar price.
Ann Smith (Swinford)Feb 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ann,
Well, in general, it’s usually better to go for the younger, lower-mileage car — but, it’s far more important to buy on the basis of condition and history. Does one have a full, complete and bulging service history file? Go for that one. Is one in obviously better shape? Is one being bought from a franchised dealer who’s offering a good warranty? All of these things need to be factored in; it’s not just age and mileage.
Belt or chain on a 2004 Toyota Avensis?
Model year 2004 Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol: was it fitted with a camshaft belt or a chain?
Michael Osborne (Haverhill)Jan 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
That engine uses a timing chain.
I imported a car from Japan and need help...
Hello,
I got a 1999 Toyota Cresta 2.0 auto petrol in from Japan in November. I went to the VRT/NCT office to get the reg and, as I was missing one document, was told to come back after Xmas. Nobody said anything about the NOx charge coming in 2020...
So now I have to pay this charge even though I have the NOx/CO2 numbers for the car from the seller in Japan. Also, the VRT came in at €5,500; this a crazy price for a 1999 car - Revenue thinks the car is worth €20,000 and it's actually only worth €4,000 or €5,000 at most; I cannot pay this amount so what can I do?
Mike Grant (Waterford)Jan 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately, Revenue and the VRT process are inexplicably cruel in this regard. You have to pay the money before you appeal, but the good news is that more than 50 per cent of appeals are successful. It would be helpful to find some expert in Japanese vehicles (and I would suggest tracking down a garage that imports them regularly) to give you their opinion on the value, as Revenue is legendarily awful at coming up with reasonable values for unusual cars.
As for the NOx charge, I would ask for a statement in writing from the VRT/NCT office that you brought the car for inspection before January, but were told to come back afterwards. That might (emphasis on the might) get that waived when you make your appeal.
How much to import a 2016 Toyota Verso?
I was thinking about importing a 2016 Toyota Verso 1.6 diesel and I’m just wondering how much roughly will it cost to import. It has 50,000 miles on the clock I know it may very depending on spec. But with duty and the new charge?
Bryan Morton (Cavan)Jan 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Bryan,
It’s not going to be too bad, actually. A 2016 Verso will run you about €2,400 in terms of VRT and, unusually, it’s one of those older diesels that’s not too bad in terms of NOx, with an official figure of just 24mg/km, meaning an extra charge of €120 on top of that.