Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

No, it has a traditional 'dry' timing belt. 

Expert answer

Hi Deirdre,

I'd be inclined to say keep it forever at this stage. It won't be worth much with that mileage on it, and if it's giving no trouble, then keep doing what you're doing. 

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Hi Conor,

I spoke with a representative of Opel Ireland today and they asked me to apologise to you for the confusion.

The electric version of the Sports Tourer is indeed available, but it's what's called a "special order" model, so it has been removed from the public-facing price list etc. If you contact your local Opel dealer, they should be able to talk you through the process of ordering one. 

Don't forget to read our review of the Opel Astra Electric (though we've not tested the estate model).

Update on 2 Sep 2025: Opel Ireland got in touch to say the online documentation has been updated. You can get the new Opel Astra price list here.

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Hi Rene,

If the camper was imported into Northern Ireland properly over two years ago and used there - and you can prove that - then you should not be liable for VAT or import duty.

There is no NOx levy on campers, you'll be glad to know, just VRT at 13.3 per cent of what Revenue calls the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).

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Hi Stephen,

You've not told us the year, so we're assuming the 2014-2015 model. Its belt should be changed at least every 180,000km or 10 years – whichever comes first.

Obviously come back to us with the model year if that's not your car.

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Hi George, 

The rate in this situation is defined by the engine size. For the 1.5-litre Dacia, it will cost €413 per year.

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Hi Callum,

That engine has a timing belt, but it is in fact a "dry" belt, not a wet one. It does not run in oil. For your information, there is an additional (small) timing chain in the cylinder head linking the camshafts, but that's essentially maintenance free and it's only the belt you need to think about changing. 

Come back to us with the engine code or power output and we can look up the replacement schedule for you.

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

We'd be fools to suggest that you can be 100 per cent sure you won't have a problem if you do x, y and z, I'm afraid as there's just no guarantees with DPFs.

Saying that, modern cars such as the Tucson and Octavia you mentioned have way better DPF regen logic than they used to, along with more sophisticated exhaust monitoring than before so that's a good start, as is knowing the type of driving that's needed for diesel cars with DPFs – as you've indicated you understand.

You could ask the dealer selling the car (assuming you're not buying privately) for a diagnostic readout with the DPF information, but they're under no obligation to do that and some may not even know how.

My advice would be to insist on a detailed service history, scrutinise that for anything related to the DPF, then ask the seller if any work on the DPF has ever been done. Finally, take it for a decent test drive and, if possible, get someone else to drive it while you follow to observe the exhaust for any excess and obvious regen activity. You may see nothing with such modern cars, however.

The key thing here is to only buy a DPF-equipped car if you spend a portion of your normal driving at higher speeds, allowing the whole exhaust to get hot and work effectively.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

As it goes by engine size in that scenario, then the annual motor tax bill would be €1,034.

Expert answer

Hi Harvey,

I'd thoroughly recommend the Volkswagen Multivan for your needs. It comes in two lengths with seven seats. Both are highly versatile, and the boot is big even if you're using all the seats, especially the one with the “long overhang” body.

We've taken this car away on long holiday trips and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. We're only a family of five, but we all fitted in comfortably as well as a few bikes and way too much stuff for a couple of weeks away camping.

What's more, there are diesel and plug-in hybrid versions available, depending on your needs, and it drives more like a car than any of the actual van-based people carriers out there.

The Tourneo would do the job, too, but it's not as flexible and nowhere near as nice to drive.

Go test drive one for yourself and let us know what you think.