Expert answer

Hi Michael,

That model has a CO₂ emissions rating of 208g/km, so if it’s one that’s been imported since 2008, then it will have motor tax of €1,250. If it’s an original Irish market car registered in 2007, then it’s on the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so that’ll be €1,345.

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

Well, if you could tell us the exact make and model you’re looking at,  we can tell you. All motor tax rates since 2008 are calculated on the CO₂ emissions of the car (unless it’s a commercial version) and that can be affected by everything from the engine to the gearbox to items of trim and equipment. The more detail you can give us, the more precise an answer we can give. For reference, read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.

Expert answer

Hi Natash,

Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.

Expert answer

As this Honda Civic is a pre-2008 car its motor tax is engine capacity rather than emissions based. With the 1.7-litre diesel engine the Civic will cost €544 a year to tax (up from €506 as of January 1, 2013).

We hope this helps.

Expert answer

Hi Bob,

We spoke to the Motor Tax Office on your behalf to ensure we have the right information, and no, there are no issues. A new registered owner of a car is only liable for the tax from the start of the month they buy the car.

The only inconvenience may be that you are likely to have to go into a Motor Tax Office instead of renewing the tax online - for the first time in any case.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

The two-wheel drive 2.2 D-4D 150 emits 156g/km, which puts it in Band D. That's €481 per annum. The same engine with four-wheel drive costs the same with 159g/km.

Go for the automatic version with four-wheel drive and emissions rise to 186g/km, with motor tax costing €677 per year - Band E.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

A fair degree depends on your mileage and how much you are prepared to pay per year in motor tax. Bearing in mind that you will be getting an older car, the motor tax can be pricier, but that is just a fact of life. If you want to carry lots of people and stuff then a diesel will be a better choice in an estate because there is more torque but it isn't essential. 

If you weren't afraid of the odd bill, then a BMW 320D Estate would be a super car. I've owned one and they are great, but get expensive the older they get. 

I'd be very tempted by this Nissan X-Trail which has low mileage, is diesel and would be great for the family. 

This Peugeot 407 SW is superb value and lots of car for the money. 

I think out of that lot, I'd probably have the Focus though. 

I hope this helps! 

I'd say something like a 2005 Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel Estate would be a good place to start - something like this one as it would be cheap to run and spacious as well as good to drive too. 

Expert answer

Hello Ailis,

Well for a start you have forgotten about the new Mazda5, which could be right up your street and it comes in €2,000 less than the Ford C-Max . It is a really impressive car and has a 1.6-litre diesel engine, which is frugal and puts it into Motor Tax Band B. It isn't quite as engaging as the C-Max to drive but it is well equipped and feels like a very high quality product. Here it is:

€24,995 will get you the entry-point into the Mazda5 and we think it is a really good car and would seem to suit your needs. 

While it doesn't have sliding doors, you simply must try the Peugeot 5008 because it is so good. Click on the link to read our full review. That would make a great buy.

With regards to the Ford Grand C-Max you need €26,995 to get into the 1.6-litre Activ model. 

Out of all of these, Ailis, I think you should really consider the Mazda5.

Hope that helps!

Expert answer

Hi David,

According to the NCT website:

"All cars should be tested on or before the anniversary date of first registration of the car in the country of origin. There is no link with motor tax or insurance expiry date.

PLEASE NOTE: NCTS can issue your certificate up to six months early for a first time NCT and three months early for subsequent NCT tests. For example, a car was first registered on the 5th June 2006. The car was due for its NCT on the 5th June 2010, the car is brought for its NCT on the 26th January 2010 and it passes. An NCT Certificate is received with an expiry date of 4th June 2012"

If your car is eligible for the NCT (please refer to the testing chart) then please phone us on 1890 412 413 or you can check our on-line service by simply typing in your car registration number and date of first registration of the vehicle (which can be found on your vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate."

So, it would appear that you need to contact the NCT to check if your car is eligible for a test. 

I hope this helps. 

For more visit the National Car Test Website.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

Two new models have been launched in the Skoda Yeti range and these make up part of a strong model line-up for 2011, which will include a new 4.9 per cent finance offering on Yeti models. Skoda, as part of the Volkswagen Group, will offer finance through its own bank.

The two new models in the Skoda Yeti range are a 1.6-litre TDI Greenline that has 105hp and replaces the 2.0-litre 100hp diesel. It has emissions of 119g/km, which means it sits in motor tax band A.

The car features stop-start technology, low-rolling resistance tyres and brake energy recuperation. Prices start at €23,165 for the Greenline Active, €24,125 for the Ambition model and €26,035 for the Experience.

Also on offer for the first time is the 4x4 version. It comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine putting out 170hp and with emissions of 155g/km it sits in motor tax band C.

There are Ambition and Experience specifications available for this model and prices are €29,545 for the Ambition and €31,480 for the Experience.

Skoda sold 775,000 cars worldwide in 2010, but has ambitions to sell 1.5 million by 2015. It will launch several new models to the line-up between now and then.

A small A-segment car that will take on the Ford Ka and Toyota iQ will go on sale in 2013, followed by a replacement to the Skoda Octavia that same year. A new version of the Skoda Roomster comes in 2014 and that same year a new version of the Fabia will arrive.

The new Yeti models are now in dealerships. 

Hope that helps