Expert answer

Hi David,

Diesel particulate filter issues are common to all modern diesel engines and it's basically down to how the car is driven. It's part of why diesels aren't suitable for low mileage, short-hop drivers. 

The Mazda issue appears to be down to the fact that the diesel particulate filter warning light double-jobs as a warning light for other exhaust and emissions issues, meaning that fixing or replacing the filter might not be the whole story. Essentially, if you've got this problem, it's best sorted by a trained and informed Mazda mechanic, as they can interrogate the engine's computer in detail.

Expert answer

Hi Alanna,

I reckon the Qashqai +2 might be the best one to go for. The extra seats are pretty small but the boot on the +2 is simply massive when they're folded flat, so that's helpful when you're lugging around two small ones and their various chattels. Don't worry about running costs too much - the Qashqai looks like an SUV but it's really a hatchback with attitude and the 1.5 diesel engine is reliable, economical and has reasonably low emissions too.

That Toyota 1.4 diesel you mentioned would indeed be much less powerful than your Mazda's engine - it's about 20hp down and noticeably so. Volkswagen Jettas are indeed reliable, but I reckon that the Nissan would be slightly more so, so make that your first choice.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Well, it kind of depends on the car. If you mean something along the lines of a Hyundai i10 or even a Peugeot 208 (ok, so that one's a 1.2 but still...) then the answer is not much. Fuel economy should work out at around 50mpg depending on how you drive; emissions should be under 120g/km; and insurance should be dirt cheap.

If you're talking about an older model, the waters are a bit muddier. Smaller engines generally mean lower running costs but there are cars out there with underpowered smaller engines, and you have to spend so much time ragging them to keep up with the flow of traffic that your fuel consumption goes through the roof.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

The registration you provided is for a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 300 CDI BlueEfficiency with an automatic gearbox. That falls into the emissions band 191- to 225g/km, which costs €1,200 per annum to tax.

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

The last-generation S60 got a bit unfairly hit by various Irish tax regimes (it never had an engine under 2.0 litres for instance), but it's actually a cracking car - well built and superbly comfy, as Volvos tend to be. Keep an eye out for minor electronic glitches (the cruise control and electric windows seem to be vulnerable points) and if the engine is 'lumpy' when you're switching it off, you're looking at injector issues - expensive ones.

In terms of day-to-day running costs, it should do 44mpg with a manual gearbox (a little less with the optional automatic) and emissions of 175g/km mean you can tax it for €750 a year. That's pricey, but better than buying a pre-2008 model (2008-2009 was the last full year of production) when the engine capacity would land you with a €1,034 tax bill. One running cost to keep an eye on is front tyres. The S60 is quite nose-heavy and has a massive turning circle, things that tend to banjax the front boots. Check any potential purchase for worn rubber and budget for at least a new set every year.

Expert answer

Hi Glenn,

If you mean one of the early pre-2008 models it goes on engine capacity, so the annual road tax is €1,809. All other examples of the V8-engined Audi R8 since then have had emissions well in excess of the starting point of Band G (225g/km and higher) so the annual tax bill is €2,350.

Hopefully that doesn't put you off! Here's our drive of the updated V8-engined R8 Coupé to whet your appetite...

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

As you say, the Revenue.ie VRT calculator doesn't have a listing for Morgan, which makes this all rather difficult, but based on the very small sample of other Morgans in the country, I'm going to stick a finger in the air and say your car is going to be valued at an MSRP of around €45,000. Combine that with the 23 per cent VRT rate for cars emitting over 140g/km of CO₂ and you get a total VRT bill of €10,350.

Pricey, but then it does get you a Morgan, so it's probably worth it.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

You need the vehicles’s own registration document (usually called the V5 if it’s a UK import), a filled out VRT purchase details form (available from Revenue), proof of your own identity and address, your PPSN number, a receipt or bill of sale, proof of the date of the vehicle’s arrival in the State and documentation confirming the make, model and type’s CO₂ emissions. You can find all the relevant details here: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/vrt-guide.html#section2e

Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

As far as we can find, none. The highest emissions model in the Polo range is the GTI and that has a CO₂ rating of 139g/km, which puts it, albeit only just, into Band B2, and tax of €280 a year.

Did you find otherwise?

Expert answer

Hi Mag,

If it's newer than 2008 then that car's tax is based on its emissions. It's it Band C, at €390 per year. If it's older than that and based on engine size then the annual tax is €951.