Which exec EV to replace my Jaguar with?
I plan on replacing a Jaguar XF diesel next year and would like to move to a “greener” alternative. Are you aware of any PHEVs or pure electric cars that are expected this year in the executive category apart from BMW 530e and Mercedes E 350 de? I would like to go all electric but prices seem very high at the moment. I drive about 40,000km per annum so hybrid diesel or pure electric with good range look to me like the best options. The only executive EVs all seem to be around the €90k mark, which is too high for me.
Joe Peterson (Wicklow)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
With that annual mileage, I honestly don't think you, nor the charging network, are ready for a pure EV, at any price. The longest range version of the Tesla Model 3 gets closest to your needs, but is a good deal smaller than your Jaguar.
For now, I'd suggest that, if you're adamant that you don't want a pure diesel, then a hybrid is indeed your best option. Another to consider alongside the two you've mentioned is the Lexus ES. Nonetheless, with your mileage, I'd expect the diesel-electric hybrid Mercedes to be the best all-rounder - and the E-Class is a lovely car anyway.
Can I tax a Nissan van privately?
Can I tax and insure a Nissan NV 300 1.6 van for my own personal, social, domestic and pleasure use, and how much would road tax cost?
Thanks
James
James Clark (Ballina)Jun 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi James,
You can, and it’ll be taxed according to the old engine capacity system, to it’ll be €514 per year.
Read our feature on this subject: Buying a commercial vehicle for private use
Can I buy a Toyota Hilux for mixed use?
Hi,
I have a Toyota RAV4 for private use and I use it going to work everyday and now I’m planning to change my RAV4 for a Hilux pick-up. Is it possible for me to buy this car? I’m going to use for work as property maintenance and the same time I will use as the family car. I’m not VAT-registered, I’m only self employed with pay-as-you-earn business. Your thoughts?
Thank you
Alvin Brato (Dublin 7)Jun 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Alvin,
You absolutely can buy a Hilux and use it as a personal car, as well as for work, but if you’re not VAT-registered you won’t be able to claim back the VAT on the purchase, which will make it more expensive. On top of that, you will also have to register it as a private car, which means taxing it on the old engine capacity system. With a 2.8-litre engine, that means annual motor tax of €1,391 per year I’m afraid.
Read our feature on this subject for more: Buying a commercial vehicle for private use
Looking for a new estate car...
Hi,
I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?
Interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…
A few reviews to help you decide:
What's up with my Honda Civic's stop-start?
Hi, I recently got a new battery for my 141 D Honda Civic, but the auto stop function is not working correctly. I asked the installer and he said it is installed correctly and auto stop won't always work. Please clarify.
Kind regards, Kieran O'Brien.
Kieran O'Brien (Tallaght)May 2019 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Kieran,
We would expect most stop-start issues to be sorted by a new battery, but the installer is correct: auto stop won't always work. In fact, we get so many queries about the subject that we wrote this feature you may find of interest: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
When does the A-Class Saloon arrive?
When is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon coming to Ireland?
PJ Horkan (Charlestown )May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi PJ,
It has officially gone on sale here already, though there can't be many examples in the country yet. See our news story on the A-Class Saloon in Ireland here.
Is my Fiat 500 ok to drive?
My Fiat 500 has just told me that my start-stop system is unavailable and to check engine; is this dangerous and do I need to take it to a garage?
Kate Bailey (Portsmouth)Apr 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Kate,
There are loads of reasons for an engine's stop-start system to stop working (see our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature), but it rarely is linked with a dangerous issue.
Saying that, there's no harm at all in bringing your car to a good mechanic to have it diagnosed to confirm that nothing major is amiss.
Best of luck with it
How much to convert Jaguar X300 to electric?
Hello
Just a query for my uncle please. How much roughly would it be to change a Jaguar X300 3.2 from petrol to electric please?
Regards
Jackie
Jackie Daly (Glenageary)Apr 2019 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Jackie,
There is no simple answer to that one I'm afraid. I assume this query comes off the back of this news story. That Ferrari cost close to €200,000 to convert, but every car is different - and the owner has a lot of input into the conversion, which can alter the price.
Needless to say it is an expensive project to undertake by any measure.
Motor tax on the Great Wall Steed?
What is the Irish road tax for a Great Wall Steed 2.0?
Avril O Brien ( Co Roscommon )Apr 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Avril,
Being as the Steed is a commercial crew cab pickup truck, it’s on commercial tax so that’s €333 per year. You could tax it as a private vehicle if you need to, but that means reverting to the old engine capacity tax system so that would be €710 a year.
Read our Buying a commercial vehicle for private use feature for more details.
What's up with my stop-start feature?
Hi
Regarding the stop-start feature, I was told that I needed to recharge my battery by going on a 20-minute journey driving over 50mph. I have done two 125-mile journeys in the last month and it still is not working; this was done with no radio, heaters or devices charging. I was also told that engine will only stop start for so many times, and is there I a way of resetting this?
Clare Constable (NOTTINGHAM)Mar 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Stop-start systems are a source of annoyance for a lot of people. We get so many queries about them that we wrote this feature you may want to read: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, the point of a stop-start system is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, so it's seriously pointless to go on a drive specifically to charge up the battery to make it work. It could be that your battery needs to be replaced completely.