How do I get the original value of my Golf for BIK?
Hi, I am wondering would you know a way of finding the original market value of a car? I.e. a 2007 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Comfortline for BIK purposes.
Thank you.
Fiona Crowley (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) keeps an online archive of its recommend retail price lists dating back as far as 2004 and you can find them here: http://www.simi.ie/Statistics/Recommended+Price+Guides.html
Your Golf cost €22,620 by the way. Mind you, that's without options, which would have an effect on the price. The only way to find the options inclusive price would be to go back to the dealer that originally sold the car and see if they have a copy of the original bill of sale.
Will a Volkswagen Passat's alloys fit a Golf?
Will 16-inch alloys from a 2008 Volkswagen Passat fit onto an 08 Golf?
Anthony Torpey (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: aftermarket
Expert answer
Hi Anthony,
It’s unlikely we think. The Passat wheel hubs are actually shared with the Audi A4 and not the Golf, so the spacing of the wheel studs is slightly different. One can always try, of course...
How much VRT would a Volkswagen Tiguan attract?
How much in VRT would it cost me to bring in a Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 petrol from Northern Ireland?
Derek Yeates Yeates (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
It depends on which model and what year for a start. Assuming that you're looking at a 2012 version, that has CO2 emissions of 156g/km so the VRT is going to be 27 per cent of what the Revenue Commissioners estimate the car's Irish market value to be. That will depend on a lot of variables though - including condition, history, mileage and spec. Unfortunately, given that we have an entirely opaque and non-transparent tax system, you won't know exactly how much until you have the car here and it has been inspected.
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat?
What is the market value of a 2007 Volkswagen Passat, 165,000km, 1.9 TDI. two years' NCT, full service history, four new tyres, new battery?
Niall O'keeffe (Nenagh)Apr 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
Probably around €8k retail or €6,500 - €7,000 as a trade-in.
Opel Insignia or Volkswagen Jetta - both 2009?
Which is better: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 TDI or 2009 Opel Insignia 2.0?
Sharon Joyce (Galway)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
Quite different cars - the Insignia is bigger and plusher and feels, as it should, a lot more sophisticated. That said, the Jetta is comfy and has a massive boot, and is ruggedly reliable too. That old 1.9 TDI is a rattly old thing though. If they're similar on price, spec, history and condition, I'd say the Insignia shades it.
Who are the top ten car finance providers in Ireland?
Who are the top ten car finance providers in Ireland?
Shane Murray (Galway)Mar 2015 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
It's complicated because some of the providers are also providers to the providers - for instance Bank of Ireland provides the finance for many of the car companies themselves.
Generally speaking though, it's a list of the usual suspects - AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank and the Credit Unions followed by the big car company banks - Volkswagen Bank, Renault Bank, BMW Finance. There are some leasing companies too such as Lease Plan but they don't really work with individuals.
What commercial SUVs have rear seats?
Can you give me a list of commercial SUVs that have seats in the back?
Philip Stroughair (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
There are some very good options here actually. Both the Land Rover Discovery Business and the Mitsubishi Pajero Executive have full five-seat, leather-and-everything cabins, but their boots are big enough to qualify for commercial VRT and motor tax (assuming you can demonstrate that your business needs a commercial vehicle). The Land Rover Defender can be had in similar layout but if you want something really rugged then go for the Volkswagen Amarok pickup, which matches comfort with utility. There's also the Toyota Hilux crew-cab and Mitsubishi is about to launch a new L200 pickup later this summer.
Will a gearbox from a 1.6 Volkswagen Golf fit a 1.4?
Will a gearbox from a 2001 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 five-speed fit a 2001 Golf 1.4?
Michael Mc Crossan (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It may well be that the housing of those gearboxes is the same, and that they appear interchangeable, but there could be important differences internally that would make the swap less than ideal. Most mechanics won't necessarily know the answer either. We reckon you should should check with a well-established car dismantler, as they come across that sort of thing all the time.
Best of luck
Should I repair or replace my trusty Golf?
I have a 2007 Golf that needs replacement fuel injectors. Obviously that's expensive. Previously the car gave me no problems, however I'm wondering is this the start of issues. Is it time to replace or should I repair?
Colette McCann (Dublin)Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Colette,
It shouldn't be. The MkV Golf was really well made and in fact actually had to be redesigned so that it cost Volkswagen less to build. Generally speaking, cost of repair is always less than cost of change but if you're getting spooked that the car is about to start running up big bills, have a word with your local Volkswagen dealer and get them to give the car the once-over. They'll either be able to reassure you or give you a good deal on a trade-in.
How much to trade my Sharan in for a new Verso?
I have a 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. What trade in price will I receive against a new Verso?
Paul Heffernan (Dungarvan)Mar 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It depends on condition and service history of course. We've seen Sharans priced up around the €6,000 mark at that age, which would suggest a trade in of €4-4,500. However that's a very good price for one and I suspect you'd get less than that.
The good news is that Toyota currently has an offer in place that gives a €3,000 trade-in on almost any car. So, strike fast and you should get a reasonable trade in. More details on that here.