How to get around my bust Jetta key?
I have a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and the key is very temperamental. Sometimes the boot opens, but generally not. I can’t find a manual way of opening it.
Any suggestions?
Tanya Jones (Naas )Jan 2021 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Tanya,
There should be a manual external boot release — on an 07 Jetta it’s a rubberised switch, up under the VW logo and above the number plate. If that’s not working then it could explain why the key fob release is being inconsistent. Either way, a visit to your Volkswagen dealer is probably in order. It may just be that the battery in the key needs replacing, but you may need a new key, or at worst a replacement boot release.
Is a converted camper cheap to tax?
Hi there,
I'm moving back to Ireland from UK with a 2006 VW Caravelle. I'm currently converting it to a campervan. Once it is converted would it then qualify to pay low motor road tax like the VW California? This is my only vehicle.
Many thanks!
Catherine Ireton (Falmer, Brighton)Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
Yes, it will do as long as you get the conversion done before you import the car. Camper vans pay the same 13.3 per cent of Irish market value in VRT as regular vans, which is helpful, but you will need to make sure that your Caravelle is signed off by a ’suitably qualified individual.’ In other words, if you’ve done the work yourself, you may need to get it inspected and approved by an official authority (a vehicle assessor who can check that it conforms to DVLA standards, for example) and make sure you have that paperwork with you when processing the import. Assuming that it passes muster in this regard, you’ll also qualify for cheap road tax — just €102 per annum for a camper van, regardless of size.
However, you do say that you’re ‘moving back to Ireland’ from the UK and bringing the car with you. That could mean that you’re exempt from paying any VRT, once you can show proof of ownership (tax and insurance) for at least six months, as well as proof of change of address. Have a look at the Revenue.ie page here.
Any more Ford Mondeos coming?
I've been a Mondeo driver forever. All good, no problems.
Do you know if the Mondeo will stay on sale in the Irish market? Dealers are coy about disclosing the full facts.
If I cannot have a lovely new Mondeo, what do you recommend? I like diesel and the Mondeo size suits me. Give me a few suggestions, please. My mortgage is now paid so I could go up a grade as a special treat...
Fergal Reidy (Co. Kildare)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
Sadly, for all us Mondeo fans, it will die in its current form soon (most likely in the next 18 months or so). Now, it will be replaced, but most likely not by another saloon, but a crossover of some description instead, sitting above the Kuga in the current Ford range, and likely with a seven-seat option.
Happily, there are still a few proper, full-sized four-door saloons around for you to choose from, and they’re good ‘uns. Our list starts with the Skoda Superb (massive inside, smooth to drive, handsome to look at and really good quality) and the VW Passat (all of the above but not quite so big inside). The Mazda6 is a big favourite of ours, too, not least because it’s so engaging to drive, and has such high quality and reliability levels, but Mazda is dropping the diesel engine option, so you might want to snap one up soon, before they’re all gone.
If you fancied going down the hybrid route, then Toyota’s excellent Camry is well worth a look, and there’s the Opel Insignia (probably one of the most underrated cars on the market) to consider too. If you fancy something a little moore stylish, check out the very slinky Peugeot 508.
You could go up a grade, as you suggest, to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the problem is you need to spend a LOT extra to get one with decent spec, so our recommendation would be to stick with one of the mainstream brands.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Petrol or diesel for 40,000km a year?
In the market for a new car. Currently driving a 2010 VW Golf TDI and considering a crossover like 2008 or similar. I do about 40,000km per year mostly on the motorway. Would you recommend a petrol or diesel engine?
Michelle Masterson (Knocklyon)Oct 2020 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
At that kind of mileage, at motorway speeds, most people will find a diesel car more economical. Just make sure you go for as new a model as possible within budget so you know you're driving the cleanest and most future-proof car you can that still fits your needs.
Any new Arteon colours coming in 2021?
Do you know if there are any new colours coming in 2021 for the Volkswagen Arteon?
Nicola Mc Donnell (Drogheda)Sep 2020 Filed under: paintwork
Expert answer
Hi Nicola,
Yes there are, though we don't yet know about Irish availability of them. The three new colours are called Oryx White, Lapiz Blue and Kings Red Metallic.
How much to tax an Amarok privately?
Hi,
I’m looking to buy a 2.0-litre Volkswagen Amarok for my VAT reg’d business, but also want to use it with the family. How much is the private tax?
Thanks
Aiden O Connor (Dublin)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Aiden,
You will pay the princely sum of €710 for a year’s private car tax for a 2.0-litre Amarok. One of the benefits of VW’s decision to go with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine instead of a larger unit.
Tax costs to convert a Transporter?
Hi,
I want to add three seats to a VW Transporter. So convert it to a six-seat vehicle instead of a three-seat vehicle. Any ideas what costs would be involved in this, other than the actual cost of conversion? I.e. changing seat number on logbook etc?
Eoin Byrne (Tinahely )Aug 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
The only cost will be in the change of tax. There’s no cost to have a commercial vehicle re-registered as a private car (although you will have to satisfy the NCT that the conversion has been carried out to an adequate standard), but your tax costs will go up, as you’ll be put onto the by-engine-capacity tax system, which, depending on the engine in the Transporter (I’m presuming it’s a 2.0-litre), will be much more costly than the existing commercial tax of €333 per year.
How much to tax a VW Caddy privately?
How much is it to tax a 2008 VW Caddy van privately in Ireland?
Shane Ward (Athlone)Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Assuming it has the 1.6 TDI engine then it’ll cost you €514 per year.
Toyota Avensis or Mazda CX-5?
I am driving approx 52k yearly in a 1.6-litre diesel 161 VW Passat with 125,000km on the clock. Thinking of changing to a 171 Mazda CX-5 2.2 with 62,000km or a 161 Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre with 98,000km. Which is the better option or is there another I should be looking at?
Mags
Mags Smith (CARRICK-ON-SHANNON)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mags,
OK, there’s a bit of a balance to be struck, here. The Avensis would, normally, be a good, solid choice and of the two cars you’ve mentioned, it’s the more economical overall. However, we’re always slightly wary of cars that may have been used in the past as taxis, so you’d want to carefully check the history on that one, using Cartell.ie, for example.
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favourite cars, but if it’s a 2017 model you’re looking at, then you’d want to make sure that it’s the second-generation CX-5 — not that the older car is bad or anything, but the newer version is a deal more sophisticated and refined, so worth stretching the budget for. The current version arrived in Ireland during 2017. It would be a bit thirstier than the Avensis but of the two it would be our choice.
Others worth looking at? Honda’s CR-V is always an excellent choice (massively roomy, hugely reliable), VW Passat (go for the estate), or the Skoda Superb. Here are a few our reviews to help:
VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara?
Looking at VW T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq or Suzuki Vitara... which would you recommend?
Mary Bane (Ennis)Jun 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
Of the three, it’s probably the T-Cross that we prefer. It is more expensive than the Skoda, but makes up for that by feeling rather more stylish and a little more engaging to drive. Both are very good, though. The Vitara is decent, and solid, but feels a little too cheap in the cabin these days, which does hold it back. Incidentally, if you’re buying new and you’re in the small crossover market, you should also look at the new Ford Puma — it’s the best car in the class by far. Here are our reviews to help you decide: