BIK on a Volkswagen Amarok?
BIK rates for VW Amorak?
CJ Murphy (Wexford)Jan 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi CJ,
Should a disabled driver buy a new commercial?
I am a disabled driver. Would I be better off to purchase a new five-seat commercial SUV given that I am exempt of VRT and VAT?
Hugh Cormack (Blacklion Co Cavan)Jan 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Hugh,
Sort of, yes. The thing is that there aren’t any five-seat commercial 4x4s anymore — the N1 certification loophole for that kind of car was closed off in 2018, so now five-seat SUVs pay a full rate of VRT. However, if you’re exempt from paying both VRT and VAT then one of those very cars (Toyota Land Cruiser, perhaps? Or maybe a VW Touareg?) would be an ideal car for you as you will be getting one at an effective 50 per cent discount compared to the rest of us. Well worth investigating.
Where can I view the Volkswagen California?
Where can I view the Volkswagen California camper?
Vic Tejera (Brentwood Ny11717)Dec 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Vic,
Easy — you can see the California at one of VW’s network of commercial vehicle dealers. You can find the one nearest you here.
Or read our Volkswagen California reviews of course.
Does the Polo have known engine issues?
Hi,
I don't know where to turn, but you might be able to help. I have a 2015 VW Polo bought a as an ex-hire from a VW main dealer in Dublin. Full service history etc. There was some engine noise so I brought it back in to be told that essentially the bottom half of the engine needs to be rebuilt (although by their own admission have not done any report or can give me same to confirm the position). My question is, do you know of any history of engine problems in 2015 or similar 1.0-litre Polo engines?
Many thanks
Nigel Healy (Dublin)Nov 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Nigel,
We know of an issue with the clutch assembly that causes what sounds like engine noise in the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre Polo engine. In the 1.0 TSI models, apparently a fault with the engine control unit (ECU) can cause whining from the engine as well. Neither of those sound like the problem you have, though.
How much to tax a VW Caddy privately?
So how much is the tax for a 1.6 diesel VW Caddy taxed privately?
Tristan McMurray (Dublin)Nov 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tristan,
If you’re taxing a van or commercial vehicle as a private car, you go back to the old by-engine-capacity system, and for a 1.6-litre engine that’s €514 per year.
Can I fix my Audi's slow gearbox response?
Hi,
I have a 2019 Audi Q3 35 TDI S tronic and it's a great car, but with an annoying trait, especially in heavy traffic in Galway, Dublin etc. The gearbox is hesitant and dim-witted and changes into second gear in about five metres after take off, even going uphill, which leaves it very lethargic. It seems to hesitate for 1 to 1.5 seconds, which means it's hard to nip into gaps in traffic. Have you heard of any cure or is this a trait of this gearbox?
Thanks,
Pat Higgins, Galway
Pat Higgins (Galway)Nov 2019 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
We certainly have noticed this trait in all Volkswagen Group DSG-based gearboxes (that's what the S tronic transmission is) and their attendant engines of late. The only explanation seems to be that VW’s various brands have trimmed back both engine power and responsiveness at low speeds, and especially at idle or when waking up from a stop-start cycle, in order to optimise their figures in the new WLTP emissions and economy tests. VW is certainly not the only one to do this, but it does seem to be more obvious with VW Group models than with some other manufacturers. Shifting the gearbox into Sport helps a bit, but it’s not a total fix.
One cure might be a total vehicle upgrade — we’ve noticed that the new ‘Evo’ versions of the 1.5 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines are noticeably less sleepy. Or, alternatively, trade in for a version with a manual gearbox — that is the simplest cure of all.
How much to tax a Caddy van privately?
If I want to tax a VW Caddy van as a private vehicle, how much will road tax be?
Carole Tuite (Longford)Oct 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Carole,
Assuming it has the 1.6 TDI diesel engine, then it’s going to cost €514 a year to tax it as a private car — that’s because when you tax a van as a car, you revert to the old by-engine-capacity taxation system. No, we don’t know why either.
Which 2017 estate to go for?
Hi,
I want to upgrade my old Ford Focus Estate (2005) as it's not very economical. Would like another estate but don't know if I should go for diesel or petrol or a different make of estate. Hoping to purchase a 2017.
Thanks a mill
Margot
Margot O'Leary (KINSALE)Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Margot,
Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...
Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.
Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:
Can I buy a Grand California in the USA?
Where and when can I purchase a VW Grand California RV in the USA?
Korey N (Brandon )Oct 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Korey and sorry to be the bearer of bad news - the Grand California is not sold in the USA at this time.
Can I buy a commercial for private use?
I want to buy a 3.0-litre Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200 vehicle, for the purpose of transporting horse and ponies by horsebox. I have a herd number as I am the owner of several equines and have my premises registered. Can I buy the above models, as commercial vehicles, but get private motor tax and insurance on them, as I do not have a business or trade and am using the vehicle for recreational use? I can't seem to get any answers or details from tax office.
Thanks.
Jane, Co. Galway
Jacinta MCarthy (Galway)Aug 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Jacinta,
Yes, you can. Anyone can buy a commercial vehicle and take advantage of the lower rates of VRT — that’s fine. The only tricky part comes, as you rightly point out, when it comes to taxing them. Then you have to tax the vehicle as a private car, and that means (for some bizarre reason) reverting to the old by-engine-capacity tax, which obviously is going to be a bit pricey for a 3.0 Hilux. Maybe consider a 2.0-litre turbo VW Amarok, as that will bring down your annual motor tax bill considerably.
Read this for more: Buying a commercial vehicle for private use