Expert answer

Hi Nick,

Yeah, it's quite normal to do both together. The main reason is that, to do the water pump, it would require taking off the timing belt anyway, so it makes sense, as they don't last forever, to do it at the same time, as it costs no extra labour, just the parts.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

If the specific model isn’t shown, then you can make a rough back-of-a-napkin calculation based on the CO₂ emissions and the prices that such a car would sell for In Ireland. The 508 1.6 turbo GT-Line’s emissions of 125g/km put it into Band B1 for VRT, which means 18 per cent of the Irish market price. That price is a little difficult to calculate as most 508s sold here in 2019 were diesel, but values seem to run between €25,000 to €30,000 — so, splitting the difference, 18 per cent of €27,500 is €4,950. The NOx levy on top of that will only be €135. 

Obviously all of this is an approximation only.

Expert answer

Hi Nittin,

With such low mileage, it's sensible to stay away from diesel power for sure. The 1.6-litre petrol engine works pretty well, though be aware that the front-wheel-drive X-Trail can struggle for traction in wet conditions. 

Read our review of the 1.6-litre petrol Nissan X-Trail here

Expert answer

Hi Dean,

Not specifically. Pre-2008 motor tax is calculated on engine capacity, so there’s no direct distinction between petrol or diesel engines. 

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

For a a 1.9 engine, switching back to the old by-engine-capacity tax system, that’s going to be €673 per year.

Expert answer

Hi Colman,

Well, it depends. If it’s a van, then you’ll pay 13.3 per cent Vehicle Registration Tax, based on the vehicle’s Irish market value, which would be around €8-9,000. Which would mean in and around the €1,000 mark, depending on the model and spec. If it’s a Berlingo passenger version, then you’re looking at a VRT cost of around €4,500, including the NOx levy (and assuming a NOx figure of 158mg/km). 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

It should be changed every 75,000km or five years, whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Because you go back onto the old by-engine-capacity tax when you tax a commercial vehicle privately, that’s going to cost you €514 a year to  tax.

Expert answer

Hi Ken,

You've not mentioned the year, but in general, that 1.3-litre CDTi engine was a decent powerplant, mixing good economy with surprising performance. It's not the most refined in the world, but it has proven to be quite robust.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The NOx rating for the 2015 E 220 CDI diesel E-Class comes in at around 170mg/km. That adds up to a NOx charge of some €2,850, and that will be on top of whatever the VRT is.