How much to tax a 2017 Outlander diesel?
How much to tax a 2017 diesel 2.2 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Gary Coughlan (Waterford)Oct 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Gary,
If our data is correct, that should be in Band B2 for tax because of its 139g/km emissions. That means €280 per annum.
Things might change in tomorrow's Budget of course...
Do I need to change my Ford Kuga's belt?
I have a 2016 Ford Kuga 2.0-litre diesel; does the timing belt need changing?
David Morgan (Blackwood)Oct 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
It should be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.
Should I wait for the BMW 128ti?
Hi,
I have a question regarding the new BMW 128ti. Having recently ordered a BMW M Sport 118i auto, I am now in a quandary due to the announcement of the 128ti. I have spent a long time driving many cars and ended up making my decision to purchase the BMW 118i. Preferably the car would have had a little more performance (and economy for the level of performance), I waited around a year in the hope that a petrol 120i would become available (diesels are not an option for me), but nothing has yet been announced even though they exist in other markets.
Before placing my order I tried the M135i and, other than the raw power difference I far preferred the driver engagement of the 118i M Sport. I can only put this down to the 200kg or so weight difference? I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on small twisty, hilly lanes with some nice back roads, I rarely drive on main roads or motorways. So suspension compliance and driver engagement are important to me. My BMW dealer has immediately suggested I could change my order to the 128ti once it becomes possible, but it's early days with no hard facts on cost or a test drive available - I have already sold my car so it's a push bike and motorcycle only at the moment.
I would be very appreciative if you could spare some time to consider my position and would value your thoughts on the 128ti versus my ordered car. Having read your account of your experience with the 128ti, i thought you would be the best person to help.
Very best wishes
Tim
Tim Williams (Dartmouth)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Tim,
The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind.
Petrol or diesel for 40,000km a year?
In the market for a new car. Currently driving a 2010 VW Golf TDI and considering a crossover like 2008 or similar. I do about 40,000km per year mostly on the motorway. Would you recommend a petrol or diesel engine?
Michelle Masterson (Knocklyon)Oct 2020 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
At that kind of mileage, at motorway speeds, most people will find a diesel car more economical. Just make sure you go for as new a model as possible within budget so you know you're driving the cleanest and most future-proof car you can that still fits your needs.
Cost to tax a VW Caddy privately?
I bought a 2011 1.6 diesel Volkswagen Caddy; any idea how much I will be taxed if looking to tax privately?
Evan Boyle (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Evan,
When you go to tax a commercial vehicle privately then it goes on engine size, regardless of its age. That puts the 1.6-litre Caddy at €514 per annum.
Do I change the water pump on my S-Max?
I have a 2010 Ford S-Max 1.8 TDCi diesel. It's time to change the timing belt. Somebody suggested the water pump should be done at the same time but I'm not sure why or if this is correct!
Nick Spratling (Chippenham)Sep 2020 Filed under: servicing
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.
How to work out VRT of non-listed car?
What if the specific car is not shown on the VRT calculator? For example 2019 Peugeot 508 1.6 petrol automatic GT-Line. There is no 1.6 petrol shown. I don't want to import the car without knowing the price to pay.
Thanks
Ian Delaney (Naas)Sep 2020 Filed under: importing
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.
Thoughts on petrol Nissan X-Trail?
Hi,
I am planning to buy a Nissan X-Trail, after 2014 model. What do you think about petrol 1.6? I run around 5,000km per year, not driving daily.
NITTIN MATHEW (MAYNOOTH)Sep 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
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.
Is pre-2008 tax for petrol and diesel different?
Hi.
Is there a difference in motor tax between petrol and diesel pre-2008 cars?
Dean Kinsella (Westport)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
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.
How much to tax this Caddy privately?
How much to tax a Volkswagen Caddy Max van (1.9 diesel) privately?
Caroline Carey (Ballina)Sep 2020 Filed under: taxation
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.