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Hi Niall,

We can't think of any new hybrids that will come in under €23,000, so you'd have to look on the used market. Most of them are Toyotas in that case.

There are a few new EVs within budget, such as the excellent Hyundai Inster.

Regardless, looking at it purely in terms of the cost of fuel, and assuming you can install a home charger and make use of a cheap night rate for charging up, there's no comparison – EVs cost a lot less to run.

The equation changes somewhat if you have to rely on public charging a lot, however.

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Hi Nuran,

I'm afraid not. The car is not designed to accept a spare wheel. 

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Hi Nuran,

This is a challenge that affects a lot of modern cars, not just the Yaris hybrid and the issue here is not the battery itself, but the entire system that takes energy from it.

The Aygo X's electrical system is very very similar to that of the Yaris so, unless Toyota has made changes to reduce the chances of the 12-volt battery draining while the car is left idle for long periods, we'd have to assume that the Aygo X also needs to be regularly started up to avoid issues.

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Hi Imeraan,

Generally, the Corolla of that age is pretty solid, but it's getting on in years now so you should watch out for high oil consumption, brake issues and rough running that could be because of dodgy mass airflow meters or oxygen sensors. Parts of the suspension are likely to be worn out. The springs and dampers may have been replaced, but bushings are often overlooked and if these are worn then it'll greatly affect how the car rides and handles.

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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.

Expert answer

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.