Can I have full VRT break down for the ID.3?
I'm trying to get my mother onto the disabled passenger scheme that means they'll give you a refund of VAT and VRT every second year.
Take the Volkswagen ID.3: your site quotes prices net of delivery, VRT and SEAI grant. Can you tell what an ID.3 would cost net of VRT as well? There's a limit on that scheme of €16k every two years on disabled passengers compared to €10k for driver scheme so taking max benefit of grant can I get breakdown of car with no grant list price maybe including other charges minus VAT minus VRT minus SEAI grant. Or is the SEAI grant part of VRT, ie one or the other?
Thanks
Tom Richardson (Tipperary)Feb 2021 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
OK, so rather than run our bad-home-school-maths brains over this, we just went straight to the source, Volkswagen Ireland, and asked for a break down of the figures for us.
So, here goes:
Can I tax a 3.2 Ford Ranger privately?
Hi,
Is it possible to change how a 3.2-litre Ford Ranger is taxed from commercial to M1 private tax? I'm looking at buying one as its suits my hobbies a lot better then a car. Also, if it is possible, is it done with the old motor tax basis of assessment by engine capacity in cc?
Thanks
Luke Melia (Carrick On Shannon)Jan 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Luke,
Yes, it is possible — you just need to ring up your local motor tax office and get them to switch you to the private car system. The downside is that, yes, you will be taxed on the engine capacity at that point, which, with a 3.2-litre Ranger is going to be top-whack — €1,809. You might be better off looking for a newer Ranger with the 2.2-litre engine, or the older Volkswagen Amarok, which had a 2.0-litre.
Take a read of our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature.
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.
Can I claim back VAT on this Passat?
Hi.
I saw a 2018 Volkswagen Passat GTE for sale in the UK. It is VAT-qualifying. Does this mean I can claim back the VAT on it, therefore cancelling out paying the new VAT applied after Brexit? If so I will just be paying VRT?
Eoin Burke (Naas )Jan 2021 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
If you are, yourself, VAT registered, or if your company is and you’re buying the car through the company, then that may well be possible, but I would check with your accountant just to be certain before taking any leaps. Also, don't forget about the NOx levy and customs duty that will be due regardless. Read our Guide to Importing Cars from the UK feature for full details.
How much is the VW Grand California?
Will the Grand California ever be available in California? How much do they go for?
Thanks!
Robert
Robert Young (Sonoma)Dec 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
We don't believe there are any plans to officially sell the Grand California in the USA anywhere. Here in Ireland it costs from €79,920.
Can I buy a VW Transporter in 2021?
I would like to buy a Volkswagen Transporter in 2021. I do not have business or VAT numbers. I know I can insure it privately, but can I tax it privately and if so for roughly what money?
Fiona Moran (DUBLIN)Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Fiona,
It's easy to tax it privately, as well. You just need to inform your local Motor Tax Office of the change of category. The price is then based on the engine size. Assuming it has a 1,968cc engine, then that'll set you back €710 per annum. Read Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained for more.
Can I privately tax and insure a VW Amarok?
Can I tax and insure a Volkswagen Amarok privately?
George Howard (Dublin)Nov 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi George,
Taxing it privately is an easy one - anybody can do that. Insuring it privately may be more difficult, so make sure you ring a few insurers to get an answer on that. If you're having no joy then consider employing the services of an independent broker.
Should I upgrade my 2021 Tiguan?
Hi,
I am planning on buying a Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance 1.5 petrol in the New Year; as it comes with 19-inch wheels and I like my comfort should I get Adaptive Chassis Control as an extra?
Thanks
James Duffy (Dunleer Co Louth)Nov 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi James,
I think that would be a wise investment. Even if you never change the setting out of the default Comfort mode, it's highly likely that Volkswagen did most of the core development work for the adaptive dampers using larger wheels, so the car should be well set up combining both.
Try hard to get a test drive in a representative example in the dealer network, though. I know that may not be likely, but well worth a try.
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Polo a reliable car?
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Polo a reliable car? I'm used to an 03 Golf, which was excellent; I need a reliable car on a tight budget.
Catherine Prior (Galway)Nov 2020 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
In general, yes, the 2006 Polo is quite reliable. However, you have to adjust your expectations given that it would be over 14 years old now. Go for as simple a model as you can find and best to go for petrol rather than diesel to keep the maintenance costs low.
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 (Celbridge, 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: