Expert answer

Hi Michael,

If it's being used solely for business use then it can be taxed as a commercial for €333 per year. However, if it's for any private use whatsoever then it needs to be taxed privately. The rate is then determined by the van's engine size, no matter how new it is. 

Hence, for a van with an engine of 1,501-1,600cc, the annual motor tax is €514.

Expert answer

Hi Birenda,

Prices for the parts and the labour will vary wildly depending on where you bring the car, so our best advice is to shop around before you decide.

It's unlikley that you'd change just the clutch plate if the gearbox is off in any case, so factor in replacing the pressure plate, thrust bearing and maybe even the dual-mass flywheel.

Likewise, with the timing belt, you'd likely also replace the water pump at a minimum, possibly a tensioner too depending on the car's age.

In total, we'd suggest somewhere in the region of €1,200 for all this work.

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. 

Expert answer

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.

Expert answer

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).

Expert answer

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.

Expert answer

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.

Expert answer

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.