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Hi Sébastien,

That engine has a timing belt. It should be replaced at least every 105,000km, regardless of time. 

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Hi Derek,

Based on the information you've given us, I do not believe there is any way you can avoid the VRT in this case.

It is quite possible that no VAT will be payable on the Hilux, however, regardless of your status. If the Hilux has been registered and used in the North for “a reasonable amount of time” (according to Revenue) then no VAT or import duty will be payable. Essentially, so long as a car dealer in the North didn't just import it there to sell it on to someone south of the border it should be fine.

You'll need paperwork to prove it has been used in Northern Ireland of course.

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Hi Mary,

You've not told us the year of your car so we can't realistically estimate the price. Take a look at what dealers are selling similar cars to yours for on the large classifieds websites.

If you sold your car privately yourself then you'd likely get a little less than those figures – as you can't offer the warranty that they will all come with. However, if you trade in the vehicle against a new car, then you will be offered considerably less, as the dealer needs to prepare the car for sale, offer a warranty and turn a profit.

How much you are offered will vary by dealer depending on how much they do/do not want your car, so shop around.

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Hi John,

Everything we know about it so far is in this news article, including a video we produced showing the updated car: Toyota bZ4X updated for 2025.

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Hi Niamh,

We'd never consider those cars to be rivals as the Kodiaq is so much larger inside, but if that's your shortlist, we can work with that.

The Kodiaq is a lovely car, but the RAV4 has the edge in terms of reliability. The Skoda isn't inherently unreliable, but Toyota has an exceptional reputation in that regard.

Nonetheless, I highly recommend you go and test drive both cars for as long as possible, as they drive in a hugely different manner. No point a car lasting forever if you don't actually like how it drives.

Do let us know how you get on.

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Hi Teresa,

There's no definitive answer to that, but let's talk through some of it.

First up, while three-cylinder engines might be less balanced and more susceptible to stress when pushed than their four-cylinder counterparts, that's entirely unimportant if you generally pootle around and don't extend the engine to its fullest. And you service it properly.

If you like your car and you don't have to change it, why bother? The more you change your car, the more it costs you in the long run after all.

Nonetheless, if you've got it in your head that you don't trust the three-cylinder engine for some reason, then both the 1.5 Golf and the Corolla are good options.

If all that matters to you is reliability, then it's hard to ignore the Toyota as it has such a strong reputation on that front. We wouldn't expect the Golf to be unreliable as such, but the Corolla is bombproof.

But there's a lot more to a car than dependability and if you already like the Golf, you may well prefer another one over the Corolla. The drive very differently and feel very different, too.

Our advice would be to go and test drive the cars for yourself to see which you prefer, but don't hurry into a decision if there's nothing wrong with your current car.

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Hi John,

As you're considering changing car, I'm going to assume you have the previous-generation C-HR. Officially this used 4.8 litres/100km, which equates to 58.9mpg.

The new Alfa Romeo Junior hybrid's official figures are remarkably close, and our tester saw 6.5 litres/100km at the car's international launch. Cars are often driven quicker in these scenarios so that bodes well for the Junior to manage well under 6.0 litres/100km for most drivers.

You'll know yourself how the C-HR does at your hands - in comparison to the official numbers - so make a call on which would be more efficient for you based on that.

For what it's worth, we do really like the Junior. Read our first drive of the Junior Ibrida here.

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Hi Joan,

Prices vary considerably depending on specification and engine. We've seen as low as €13,500 for an import, but as high as €20,000 for a low-mileage hybrid as well.

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Hi Harvey,

I'd thoroughly recommend the Volkswagen Multivan for your needs. It comes in two lengths with seven seats. Both are highly versatile, and the boot is big even if you're using all the seats, especially the one with the “long overhang” body.

We've taken this car away on long holiday trips and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. We're only a family of five, but we all fitted in comfortably as well as a few bikes and way too much stuff for a couple of weeks away camping.

What's more, there are diesel and plug-in hybrid versions available, depending on your needs, and it drives more like a car than any of the actual van-based people carriers out there.

The Tourneo would do the job, too, but it's not as flexible and nowhere near as nice to drive.

Go test drive one for yourself and let us know what you think.

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

The Tiguan eHybrid officially manages up to 121 kilometres on a charge of its 19.7kWh battery. That's up among the longest-range PHEVs on the market right now. Cupra's Terramar is built on the same underpinnings and has more or less the same electric range as well.

In comparison, the Tucson PHEV and Sportage PHEV manage 70km at most as they have a smaller battery. Same story for the Toyota C-HR. The Toyota RAV4 PHEV goes slightly further on a charge than those, but we suspect that situation will improve further in the new generation that is about to be unveiled.