Expert answer

Hi James,

You're not alone in having this issue. We can find that T-Roc on the MLIT website and get its CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption data, but we cannot see a document showing its NOx rating. The best we could come up with is a spec sheet for the 2025 model on sale today in Japan. Given that this should be the same as the 2022 version, Revenue may accept that. It's 150mg/km.

We've not heard of anyone successfully obtaining this information from a European brand directly, and it's unlikely that Revenue would accept data for the T-Roc sold in a country other than Japan, as there can be regional differences.

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

The belt in that engine is 'dry'.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

The information is supposed to be on this page but it's difficult to find your way around. First up, make sure you use whatever browser you have to translate to English.

Scroll down to the section marked '5. 1. Gasoline passenger car fuel economy'. We found the VW Up in the Volkswagen tab of the Excel file that downloads when you click on 'Imported vehicle (JC08 mode)'. However, that only gives the CO₂ emissions (106g/km) for a single version of the Up, so hopefully that's the correct one.

To find the NOx, we searched the page that link is on for "Volkswagen Up" and found a series of documents, including this one showing a NOx value of 0.013g/km.

Hopefully Revenue will accept both of those documents as proof.

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Hi Elizabeth,

On such a new vehicle, which presumably has a full service history and part of its new-car warranty in place, there aren't many 'cons' we can think of. That's assuming you have access to the car's history and that it has been registered in Ireland already by the dealer.

Ask for all the documentation showing when it was registered and for the full service history, etc. 

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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 Martin,

As I'm sure you know, the 330e was updated late in 2024, so if you can find one of those within budget, you'll appreciate the upgrades. Read our review of the revised BMW 330e here.

We're big fans of the 330e as well. It's difficult to beat its blend of performance, driving dynamics, style and efficiency. Here are a few alternatives to consider, nonetheless:

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: I love the look of these, and it feels like a proper luxury car inside, more so than the BMW. Its chassis is more comfort-focused though, so you need to choose which you prefer. There's not much to choose between this and the updated 330e when it comes to performance, electric range and space, but the Mercedes is very expensive.

Volkswagen Passat GTE: I suspect this is not what you're looking for in terms of badge appeal, but the GTE is a very decent car. It's much bigger inside than your BMW and exceedingly comfortable, with perky performance when you need it (ok, not as perky as the 330e's). Its electric range isn't great, but fine for short commutes. And this car is more affordable than most on this list.

Skoda Superb iV: Much the same can be said about the Superb as for the Passat above, though the Superb is larger again and it doesn't always come with a sporting badge, which some will like. It's not massively common in the classifieds though.

Volvo V60: Now this is a hidden gem and would be my choice of the lot here, even as a serious fan of rear-drive cars such as the 330e. And yes, it is an estate body style, which you might not have been looking for, but it is such a fantastic, polished car that is great to drive, looks sensational and packs a bigger punch than many will expect.

Give our review of the V60 T6 Recharge a read and go test drive one for yourself to make up your own mind. Same advice really for all of the above cars, but this one stands out.

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Hi Terrie,

I'm afraid there is no new Volkswagen Beetle anywhere in the world that we know of.

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Hi Eric,

Every garage has its own pricing structure, but you should know that this is a pretty large job, requiring about eight hours of work. I don't think you'd get much change from €400 no matter where you get the work done. 

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Hi Gerry,

Connolly's Volkswagen Sligo is the official garage of course, but you may get a better price at an independent mechanic. I'm afraid we don't have any first-hand experience with any in the region so advise you to ask friends and family for a recommendation.

Any mechanic can change a timing chain, but it won't be cheap no matter where you get it done as it's a big job.

Expert answer

Hi Conor, 

There's a wealth of choice at that price point on the used market really. Here are a few options to consider, many of them early 2025 registrations:

Dacia Duster
Hyundai Kona (the newer model)
MG ZS (newer model)
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Taigo or ID.4 if you fancy going electric

I've added links to our reviews of the cars so you can take a look and see what you like the look of. Come back to us and let me know if we're on the right track here, and your thoughts on each of these as we help you narrow down your search.