Motor tax for my Nissan Qashqai?
What is the motor tax for my car, a 2012 Nissan Qashqai petrol?
Michael Richards (Fetcham Leatherhead)Feb 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’m assuming that’s the 1.6 petrol engine, with a five-speed manual gearbox? If so, that has CO2 emissions of 155g/km, which will mean motor tax of €390 per year.
How much to tax a Ranger privately?
How much will I pay to tax a 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 manual for private use?
Paul Kelly (Dublin)Feb 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
It goes by the engine size when you're taxing a commercial vehicle privately, so it works out as €710 per annum for that Ranger. Read these for more info:
NOx figure for a 2018 Octavia RS?
NOx emissions on a 2018 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI CR vRS?
Thomas DALY (County Dublin)Jan 2021 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Thomas,
It will depend on the detailed specification of the car (manual or DSG; hatch or estate; which wheels?), but it looks to be 67-71mg/km.
How to get around my bust Jetta key?
I have a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and the key is very temperamental. Sometimes the boot opens, but generally not. I can’t find a manual way of opening it.
Any suggestions?
Tanya Jones (Naas )Jan 2021 Filed under: electrics
Expert answer
Hi Tanya,
There should be a manual external boot release — on an 07 Jetta it’s a rubberised switch, up under the VW logo and above the number plate. If that’s not working then it could explain why the key fob release is being inconsistent. Either way, a visit to your Volkswagen dealer is probably in order. It may just be that the battery in the key needs replacing, but you may need a new key, or at worst a replacement boot release.
Will my Astra fail its NCT because of the key?
Hi,
I have a 2006 Opel Astra. The electronic button on my key doesn't work. Will my car fail the NCT for using the key manually?
Moira Hannafin (Tralee)Nov 2020 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Moira,
No it will not. That won't cause any issues. However, make sure you tell the receptionist on handing over the key, as they may just assume something is wrong with the car and they can't do the test.
My Insignia's stop-start system is faulty.
I have a 2015 Insignia 1.6 CDTi Ecoflex. The stop-start system only works when the battery is charged manually and then stops after a few days. New battery fitted by dealer six months ago.
Brian Lochrie (Tralee)Jun 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
We get so many queries about stop-start systems (in all makes and models) that we wrote a feature about it: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
However, in your case, perhaps there's something up with the alternator that prevents it from charging up the battery fully.
It may be worth getting an auto-electrician to check it out.
How much to tax a 2015 Ford Focus diesel?
Just bought a 2015 Ford Focus 1.6 diesel car. How much do I need to tax it for the year please?
Michael Laffan (Dublin City)Jun 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
Assuming that it’s the 105hp version of the Focus 1.6 TDCi, and uses a manual gearbox, then it has CO2 emissions of 88g/km, which means tax of €180 per year.
My Fiat 500C's stop-start is playing up...
Hi,
I have a 2012 Fiat 500c manual. Over the past year, the stop-start has intermittently stopped working, warning light comes on saying stop-start not available and a yellow triangle. The last few months is has been happening more often, now warning light on constantly. I had the battery checked and it was 80 per cent. Charged battery and today warning light was on constantly for six miles, drove again and stop-start worked or at least no warning light for about a mile, then on again, tried quickly turning key in ignition 6 to 10 times and warning light stayed off for another 1/2 mile or so then back on, had a hose replaced in February from radiator and it started to say unavailable about middle of March. It's not affecting driving any other way just really annoying, don't know if a new battery will fix it. Fiat dealers are closed at the moment due to COVID-19 or I would have taken it for a diagnostic test.
Hope I've made sense.
Wendy Armson (Brierley Hill)Apr 2020 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Wendy,
We get a lot of queries from people with cars that have stop-start issues. We've published this article to help: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?
Saying all that, we also know that the Fiat 500's engine can develop a couple of issues that may be relevant to you, including a problem with the alternator belt tension (and hence battery recharging when on the move) and another with the engine control unit.
Sadly, unless you're comfortable with checking the alternator belt for yourself, these items will have to be checked by a mechanic.
How to change to imperial in my Peugeot?
How to change from Metric to Imperial units in my Peugeot 3008 SUV?
Robert Bease (Kirkcaldy)Mar 2020 Filed under: miscellaneous
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Just go to the system settings menu (have a look at your owner's manual) and change the selection from Metric to Imperial.
Which nearly-new crossover to get?
I am in the market for a compact SUV (small town SUV). My 17-year-old daughter wants to learn to drive in it also so I need a manual. I think a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol engine would be the sort of thing. I've driven a Captur, Juke, T-Cross, Kona, Crossland X, ix20 and a Toyota C-HR. The Toyota drove really well but it's pricier and longer. What would you recommend as a 2017/2018 vehicle based on drive and value for money and a learner driver?
Anne Marie O'Byrne (Wexford)Mar 2020 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Anne Marie.
Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable.
Read our Renault Captur reviews
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews