How can I estimate VRT on a new Kia Niro?
Regarding the Kia Niro hybrid: there are two Irish models and four UK model specifications (1, 2, 3 and First Edition). To date, only one of the UK specs have been imported, the Niro 2, which is why only one appears on the Revenue VRT calculator.
I would like to import the top-spec (First Edition) since this spec is not available in Ireland. The problem with this is that I have been told that I cannot get an estimate of this high-spec'd car until after I purchase it and then bring it to the VRT office for evaluation, after which they compile a report of the extras and then I sit back and wait.
This is too much of a risk for me to take. It is all to do with OMSP value. The difference between the highest Irish Niro spec to the highest UK spec is electric sunroof, front parking sensors and an eight-speaker high quality sound system. In your expert opinion, by how much could I expect the Rosslare Revenue office to increase the OMSP value by for my First- Edition model?
Currently, of the four UK models available, the Niro 2 has a VRT OMSP value of €27,535 (but try adding the previous three extras...).
Apologies for this rant.
Many thanks!
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The price gap, new, in the UK market is around £4,200, but it will depend on whether Revenue treats the extra equipment as a separate model, or extras added to an existing car, in which case the gap would probably be higher still. I think, and this is a pure finger-in-the-air calculation, that if you add about €6,500 to the OMSP of the Model 2, then you’ll be in the right ballpark, but sadly this is yet another example of the inequity of a system that charges you based on what they think you should have paid, versus what you actually paid.
Will hybrid VRT relief change in the Budget?
I would welcome your opinion on the upcoming 2018 Irish Budget in November. The current VRT relief on hybrid cars is €1,500. In light of current poor sales of hybrid cars in Ireland (two per cent of total Irish sales), do you see them raising this value or could they possibly withdraw it?
I ask this because I am planning to purchase a hybrid for 181 and I would like to take advantage of the 'increased' value.
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
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.
Will there be Budget changes for 2018 VRT?
Budget 2018 and the hybrid reduction amount of €1,500 on a new Kia Niro: in your opinion. would you expect this figure (VRT reduction) to increase, based on the fact that hybrids have not been selling very well this year (two per cent of total sales in Ireland), and the government needs to encourage hybrid sales. Hence, I would wait until the budget is announced before buying my 2018.
Thanking you as always for your expert opinion.
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
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.
What are the Irish motor tax bands?
What are the Irish motor tax bands for new cars in Ireland?
Johnson Thoppilan (Angamaly)Aug 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
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).
Should these things be standard on GT?
Hi,
I bought a GT model 1.2 and it has no ambient lighting and no kick back boot opening; is this extra or just for certain countries?
Pat Kennedy (Kildare Ireland )Jul 2017 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
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.
Any advice on a BMW 7 Series?
Hi guys,
I've been looking at a 2007 BMW 730Ld for chauffeur work. One owner from new who is also a chauffeur, all timing chains replaced and gaskets and seals and full auto transmission service done. There's 160k miles on the clock.
Any advice on this model BMW please?
Cheers,
Kev
Kev Dillon (Dublin )Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
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.
What's wrong with our Peugeot 207?
Hi,
Our Peugeot 207 has a problem that the mechanics can't get right. When engage (D) Drive, it loses power even when you step on the accelerator. However, when you engage (R) Reverse, it has all the power.
What could be the problem?
Henry Buwembo (Kampala)Jul 2017 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
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.
How reliable is the Mercedes C-Class?
How reliable is the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI SE Executive?
Seamus O'Callaghan (Raheen)Jul 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
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.
Help me import my electric car please!
I bought an electric car (a Renault Zoe) from Charles Hurst in Belfast, but I am finding it difficult to be sure of the paperwork to be presented at a VRT centre in Ireland.
Is there a number I can ring? Revenue only seem to have answering machines. Do you know if I should fill out the V5 form (red and blue form given by dealer) and send part of it away? On the form it says to send it to Swansea, but is that not just for people in the UK? Also as I have bought a second hand electric car, I do not have to pay VRT, but do I need an official letter confirming this before I go to aVRT appointment?
Any advice would be very helpful.
Meabh Durand (Scarriff, Co Clare)May 2017 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
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.
Anything to look for on 09 BMW 5 Series?
Thinking of buying an 09 BMW 5 Series M Sport (2.0 diesel), the E60 model. Any advice or things to look out for? Mileage is circa 75k.
Thanks
Paul O'Neill (Dublin)May 2017 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
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.