Expert answer

Hi Razanne,

If this is the diesel version, it's possible that the issue has nothing to do with the stop-start system at all, as its engine is known to develop problems with the fuel injectors that could lead to poor running and stalling.

Otherwise, all we can suggest is that you read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature to see if anything helps - and persevere with your mechanic to get to the bottom of the issue. An auto-electrician might be worth visiting, too.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Yes, all the major car companies and dealers providing electric cars can offer you finance packages with monthly payments, or leasing deals. Have a chat to your company accountant as to which is the best solution for you.

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Hi Richard,

We've not come across any issues with the GLC, though most would still be under warranty. It sounds like an issue with the wiring loom or possibly even the battery. We recommend you bring the car to a good auto-electrician to have it checked over.

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Hi Philip,

Generally speaking, long-term hybrid reliability seems to be excellent. It probably helps that most hybrids that have been built and sold so far have been made by those paragons of reliability, Honda and Toyota. Both companies say that many of their older hybrid models — first generation Prius dating back to 1997, and Civic IMAs dating back to 2002 — are still on the road and in regular use. Indeed, Honda says that it has never had to replace a battery pack on models such as the post-2010 Insight or the little-seen Jazz Hybrid. Toyota says similar things about older Prius and Auris models, and points to the huge numbers of those cars being used on taxi fleets, racking up mega-miles with no major reliability issues to report. That’s likely helped by two things — electric motors are simple and therefore generally reliable, and most hybrid cars on the road at the moment use older-style nickel batteries, which aren’t as energy-dense as newer lithium-ion batteries, but which again are simple, rugged and reliable.

Even if you do need to eventually replace a battery pack, it’s not that expensive to do so — a second generation Prius pack change costs around €1,400 — not far off what you’d have to pay for a major engine rebuild or replacement, and you’re about as likely to need one. Basically, the advice is as for any second hand purchase — buy on condition, not mileage, make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if you have any concerns in the longer term, consider taking out a second-hand warranty programme.

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Hi Peter,

You make a good point about the spare wheel, and it’s something we should look at more often. Actually, it’s a serious issue — a great many cars now come with no spare at all, as car makers trim them to save weight for emissions and economy tests.

Try the Kia e-Niro before you take the leap — it’s mechanically the same as the Kona but roomier inside, and should come with a slightly better standard spec. The Leaf is an excellent car, but we can’t comment on the longer range version as we’ve not driven it yet. Likewise the Volkswagen I.D., which looks set to be a game changer, but obviously as we’ve not driven one it’s hard to tell. Basically, the best advice is if you can hang on for a few months, that might be worth doing.

A few reviews to help you decide:

Hyundai Kona Electric review

Kia e-Niro review

Nissan Leaf reviews

Expert answer

Hi Felicitas,

It’s a tricky one. Theoretically, the amount of VRT you’d have to pay on an imported Kona would be zero or close enough to it, as the €5,000 rebate should more or less cover the VRT payment (I say more or less because the Irish spec of the Kona is slightly different to the UK’s so there may be some optional equipment charges). The payment you will have to pay is the VAT. If a car is less than six months old, even if the VAT has already been paid in the UK, you have to pay it here, so that’s going to be 21 per cent, which will be around €4-5,000. Also, beware of the BIK rebate — that is designed strictly for company car users, so I’d check with your accountant to make sure everything is above board. 

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Hi Pat,

Short answer is no, we don’t know. And nor does anyone, as yet. It seems more than likely that the Government will be making tweaks to the tax system this year, and SIMI (the Society of the Irish Motor Industry) has been lobbying for a movement of around ten per cent at the top end of each tax band. The EU has stated that the transition to WLTP has to be ‘revenue neutral’ so theoretically, something HAS to be done to mitigate any major increases in cost for consumers.

There’s always a but, though… The Government could theoretically say that leaving the system as is pushes people towards electric and hybrid models, and therefore is part of the overall environmental strategy, or they could decide that for the moment the tax system can continue to be based on the existing NEDC2 correlated figure.

We shall have to wait and see.

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Hi Colm,

Expensive? No. From a  domestic feed, it should cost no more than €1-to-€2 for a full charge, depending on what electrical supply rate you’re paying. As for public charging, for the moment that’s still free of charge, as long as you have an RFID card from ESB e-Cars, for which you can apply online. Difficult? Yes, definitely. The public charging network as it exists right now is pretty small, spread out and not very reliable. Because of that, there’s a bit of aggro in the air between drivers of PHEVs like the 740e, and those driving pure electric cars, with frequent arguments and frustration over the use of public chargers. If you’re doing most, preferably all, of your charging at home, you’ll be fine.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Well, the nice thing is that you get a €5,000 rebate on VRT when importing an electric car. The bad news is that, with a Tesla Model S, that doesn’t mean you’ll be paying no VRT at all. A 2015 Model S is going to be worth in the region of €60,000, as far as Revenue is concerned (NB: these numbers are our best guesses, your actual figures and costs may, and probably will, vary). So, at the lowest 14 per cent VRT rate, that’s €8,200. Minus the €5,000 rebate gives you a final VRT bill of €3,200. Ish. 

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Hi John,

The Qashqai is a decent choice, and that 1.6 dCi diesel engine is a superior unit to the older 1.5-litre model. The four-wheel-drive system is useful too, especially if you’re living out in the sticks, but if most of your mileage is in town, then it might be a bit redundant, and doesn’t do any favours to the fuel consumption. The only concern would be that, long-term, the Qashqai does seem to develop its fair share of reliability issues, with electrics being the primary culprits, so make sure you get one with a full service history and check every switch and system.