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Hi again Michael, 

Our answer on your other question is relevant here too: I would expect to see little to no change in the hybrid subvention in the coming budget. Although there will be some pressure to incentivise low-emissions cars that aren’t diesel, the focus will probably be more on higher incentives for battery-electric cars, and possible plugin hybrids, and some changes to the reclaiming of VAT on petrol for company users. The Department of Finance will be well aware that there is a huge number of new hybrid cars due for launch, and they won’t want to risk a fall-off in revenue by increasing the subvention, so I think, at this point, it’s unlikely to change very much.

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Hi Johnson,

The current motor tax bands run from A to G, based on the CO₂ emissions of the vehicle, with bands A and B — the ones into which the majority of cars on sale fit — split into sub-bands.

A starts with an electric-only band of A0 (which costs €120 a year) and then goes to A1 (up to 80g/km at €170 a year), A2 (80-100g/km, €180), A3 (100 - 110g/km, €190) and A4 (110-120g/km, €200).

Band B is spilt into B1 (120-130g/km, €270) and B2 (130-140g/km, €280).

After that it’s Band C (140-155g/km, €390), Band D (155-170g/km, €570), Band E (170-190g/km, €750), Band F (190-225g/km, €1,200) and Band G (over 225g/km, €2,350).

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Hi Pat,

You haven't actually given us a brand or model there, but as a rule items such as ambient lighting and remote electric boot opening are usually on the options list right enough. 

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Hi Kev,

It should be perfect for your work and that 3.0-litre engine is pretty solid. Watch for turbo trouble though and keep an eye on the electrics. If it has a full service history it should be fine. 

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Hi Henry,

You've not told us which engine your car has, but there are a few known issues with the 207 that it might be:

- The catalytic converter can break up internally, damaging the oxygen sensor, leading to poor performance.

- Engine coolant temperature sensor becomes faulty, causing poor performance, especially when cold.

- Turbocharger failure (on diesel models) due to build-up of sludge in oil supply pipe.

I must admit, I don't think it sounds like any of those, but it does sound like an electrical issue with a failed sensor from your description. It's very difficult to assess such things from afar.

My advice would be to bring the car to a different mechanic as a starting point.

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Hi Seamus,

If you mean the current-shape C-Class then we've heard no horror stories. Electrical issues are common, but they tend to be small irritants rather than a major problem. Just make sure you buy it with a full service history, preferably a Mercedes dealer history. 

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Hi Meabh,

No, don’t send off the V5 — you’ll need that and Revenue in Ireland will send it off to the DVLA in Swansea when they’re done with it. You’ll also need proof of sale or a receipt, proof of date of the car’s entry into the state, a VRT declaration form that you can download from the Revenue website, proof of your own address (house bills etc), proof of your PPSN number and documentation confirming the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions — the V5 should cover that nicely.

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Hi Paul,

The biggest issue is the infamous N47 diesel timing chain problem. The engine was designed with a zero-maintenance timing chain, mounted at the back of the engine, which then proved prone to (costly) failures. Most will have been fixed or replaced by now, but it’s still something to be cautious of. The rest is mostly irritating electrical issues, but just make sure you don’t buy one without a very full service history.

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Hi Bill,

We do love that V6 engine for its creamy-smooth torque hit, but there’s no question that the 2.2 is the better buy — it still has plenty of grunt and is far more affordable to run. Reliability is good too, although keep an eye out for minor electrical niggles.

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Hi Michael,

There does indeed seem to be a recurring problem with the actuator that controls the electric parking brake for the Avensis, so we’d advise a little caution when buying. Make sure you test the brake by parking on a gentle hill and taking your foot off the brake pedal, but be ready in case it does disengage and the car starts to roll. If you’re buying an Avensis, make sure it comes with a full service history and preferably a decent warranty as the actuator is an expensive part to replace.