Are commercial vehicle rules being broken here?
Hi,
I have a commercial vehicle, a Land Rover Discovery Commercial; I have it both taxed and insured in the name of a limited company. All sounds good to me. I have a friend who started up a new limited company and transferred his Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial into the company. He has not changed the tax or insurance and both are in his own name. So in effect the Toyota is in the company from an accounts view but in reality it is still owned and insured by the individual. Is this legal and how are you from an insurance point of view?
A second question is in relation to the commercial SUVs, I know of an individual that has the SUV in the company and taxed as commercial in the company for €333, but the insurance has remained private. Is this correct?
Thanks,
Richard in Waterford
Richard Tobin (Waterford)May 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Richard,
The phrase ‘can of worms’ springs to mind. In general, a car can be registered to a company, and taxed and insured by the company, and still used by an individual for social, domestic and pleasure use. That’s how company cars work, obviously, but equally obviously there’s a Benefit-in-Kind tax liability to be paid. So it’s possible that your friend with the Land Cruiser is trying to avoid paying BIK.
In the case of the SUV, in theory a car that’s taxed as a commercial cannot be used for personal, social, domestic, or pleasure driving and there’s a fine to be paid if you’re caught displaying incorrect tax. Now, we should state at this point that we’re neither legal nor tax experts, and that the people you’re talking about could be operating entirely above board, and we’re not going to cast any aspersions on anyone.
Of course, this is Ireland and as we know, we don’t like sticking to the rules...
Looking for used automatic car...
Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?
Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic
Expert answer
Hi Nithin,
You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.
If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.
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.