Expert answer

Hi Dilan,

The lower CO₂ rating of that earlier car was according to the old “NEDC” standard. Any cars imported since 2021 with an NEDC-standard CO₂ figure (as this Jap import would have had) would have had the number 'uplifted' by Revenue to make it comparable to the newer WLTP standard. It was trying to reduce the number of older, more polluting diesels being imported, but it just means that people may more motor tax at times, even if the cars are identical to those already registered in Ireland.

Of course, a Japanese model's CO₂ figure could be a little different on top of all that.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

That's actually becoming a bit of a challenge as regular cars such as the Mondeo have fallen out of favour with buyers, so the carmakers are slowly doing away with them. At the same time, demand for diesel engines is waning. Nonetheless, here are a few possibilities:

- Audi A5 'Saloon' (it's actually a five-door hatch)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon
- Skoda Superb (another hatchback and the closest match to the Mondeo today)

That's pretty much it. A leftfield alternative could be the Peugeot 508 SW, which is the estate model. It can be had with a diesel engine still, but the five-door 508 fastback cannot. We reckon it looks stunning.

How do these strike you?

Expert answer

Hi Bernard,

I can confirm that, if you tax a commercial vehicle privately as described here, the rate is determined by the engine size, so, for an engine of 1,901-2,000cc, the rate is indeed €710 a year.

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.