Will my private van be given a CVT still?
Hi there,
I’ve just bought a van it’s described as a goods vehicle on my registration document. I’m taxing it for private use as I’m not farming anymore. Do I need to get goods changed to private on the registration document? And how much will DOE test cost and will it be still tested in centre for vans?
Regards Catherine
Bridie Kenny ( Galway)Aug 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Bridie,
Yes, if you’re going to use a van or pick-up as a private vehicle, then you really ought to change the classification on the registration document. A trip to your local motor tax office will help in this regard. As for the test, yes, even though it’s now being used for private driving, it’ll still have to go through the Commercial Vehicle Test (CVT — the new name for the old DOE test) and that costs €94 for a van or 4x4 commercial.
Is my Jaguar's stop-start ok?
On my new Jaguar E-Pace, the stop-start system only turns the engine off for a maximum of 16 seconds; do you think this acceptable?
R Hill
Robert Hill (Tenbury Wells)Expert answer
Hi Robert.
Stop-start systems have a mind of their own — literally. They’re designed to only stop the engine when demand for electrical supply within the car falls low enough that it’s safe to do so. So if you’re running the air conditioning, for instance, or have the heat turned up, or if the engine is still in its warm-up phase, then it will either not shut the engine off at all, or will only shut it off briefly. Driving style also plays into it, as does where and when you’re driving. It also depends on the battery condition, so if you’re concerned about the short stop-start times, it’s worth having the health and charge level of the battery checked.
Finally, as we get so many questions on this subject, we put together a quick feature on it for your interest: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Do I need a van AND a car?!
Hi there,
I am looking to get a van. I wish to use it for commercial purposes as I am a fitness instructor and need to transport gear around. Also for personal use. It seems that I can ONLY use the van for commercial purposes and am denied insurance if it is for personal use as well. It seems unnecessary, and is an unfeasible cost, getting a car for personal use and the van for work. I cannot fit the work gear in a car, hence the need for a van. Any advice would be great!
Thanks a mill!
Aime Perkins (Tenbury Wells)Aug 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Aime,
As ever, welcome to the wonderful world of Irish car insurance… You’re totally within your rights to be able to use a van as a private car, and actually you’re doing the right thing by registering it for private use, and informing your insurer. Many people just break the law by driving a commercial for private use without ever paying the extra tax or informing their insurer. If you’re struggling to find cover, I would track down a good local broker — they’re usually much more clued into the market than the call-centre staff of insurance firms, and can often find deals that we mere mortals can’t.
How much to tax this Ford Transit?
How much is it to tax a Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi 125hp crew van with six seats?
Thank you
Bernie O Toole (Galway)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Bernie,
As long as it’s registered as a commercial vehicle and used only (and strictly only) for work purposes, it’ll cost €333 a year to tax. If you want to use it for family or social driving, then it goes onto the old by-engine-capacity tax system, which is €951 a year on that vehicle.
What's the 1.2 petrol Qashqai like?
I am looking at the 1.2 N Connecta Nissan Qashqai from 2017 and was wondering what you thought of the engine? Is the car relatively big for a smallish engine?
Lee Thompson (Gloucester)Jul 2019 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on what sort of driving you’re doing. If you’re a low-mileage driver, and doing mostly short hops in and around town, then it’s about perfect. If you’re into doing longer journeys, then it’s not quite so good as it can get a little thirsty on motorway runs.
Can I privately run a Nissan Navara?
Hello,
I work as a care assistant, I do not have a company; can I buy a 2016 Nissan Navara 2.3 automatic and transfer insurance from private car to the Navara and pay tax to CO2 emission and pay €750?
David A (Youghal)Jul 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi David,
If you are using the Navara strictly for business work, and not for social, domestic or pleasure use, then you can tax it as a commercial vehicle for €333 a year. If you are using it for any personal driving, then you have to transfer it back to the old by-engine-capacity tax system and, with a 2.3-litre engine, that’s going to work out at a hefty €994 a year, I’m afraid.
Is the BMW Z4's wind deflector standard?
Does the 2019 BMW Z4 sDrive20i come with the wind deflector as standard? If not, what is the cost of this accessory and do you consider it necessary?
Myles Kelleher (Youghal)Jun 2019 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Myles,
It is not standard, unfortunately - it is only sold as part of the Comfort Pack. If you plan on driving your Z4 at higher speeds with the roof down, then it is definitely necessary. And of course the car will be easier to sell on later with a deflector than without, so bear that in mind, too.
Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Not sure which car to go for. Previously had 2016 Toyota Auris Hybrid and found it very economical and a comfortable drive. Unfortunately it was stolen. However, I'm driving a rental 191 Volkswagen Polo and liking the drive. Which car would you recommend: another 2016 Auris Hybrid or 2018 petrol Volkswagen Polo?
Thanks
Antoinette Kiely (Dublin)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Antoinette,
The thing is that they’re two very different cars — the Polo is a significantly smaller vehicle than the Auris. So, if you need the space, and you like the hybrid aspect, then definitely go for another Auris. If you’re happy with the space in the Polo, and you can live without the hybrid bit, then the Polo is a very fine car.
Looking for a new estate car...
Hi,
I am looking for a new estate car and would like to hear your opinion. I have been driving an Octavia Combi (1.6-litre TDI diesel, Ambition) for the past six years. I do approx. 25,000km per year, not many of those on the motorway. I really like the Skoda but would prefer something with a little more power and spec. I am thinking a 2.0-litre diesel in a high spec and have my eye on a one-to -two-year-old Superb or Passat. Any advice when choosing between those two? Also, I see if I go maybe one year older I could get an Audi A4 Avant. Would the A4 be a better option for comfort/spec over the other two?
Interested to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
M Lowe (Carrick On Shannon)May 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi there,
The A4 would be a little better in terms of comfort, but not in terms of space or practicality, and to be honest the benefits are pretty marginal. Either the Passat or the Superb make fantastic estate cars. The Superb has an edge on luggage capacity (around 60 litres extra), but the Passat is a little sharper to drive, and has arguably a nicer interior. A marginal decision then, but we’d probably go for the Superb on balance. Or, just to throw a spanner in the works, have a look at the excellent Mazda6 Tourer before deciding…
A few reviews to help you decide:
Can I tax a small van privately?
Hi,
Can I insure a small van (Ford Fiesta) commercially and tax it privately?
Thanks.
Trevor Byrne (Portlaoise)May 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Trevor,
No, not really. If you’re insuring your car (or van) one way and driving it another, then technically you’re not being honest with your insurers and if you do need to make a claim, and they investigate the circumstances, you could be caught rotten and find yourself unable to get a payout. Just be honest, it’s always the best policy.