Expert answer

Hi Martin,

The information is supposed to be on this page but it's difficult to find your way around. First up, make sure you use whatever browser you have to translate to English.

Scroll down to the section marked '5. 1. Gasoline passenger car fuel economy'. We found the VW Up in the Volkswagen tab of the Excel file that downloads when you click on 'Imported vehicle (JC08 mode)'. However, that only gives the CO₂ emissions (106g/km) for a single version of the Up, so hopefully that's the correct one.

To find the NOx, we searched the page that link is on for "Volkswagen Up" and found a series of documents, including this one showing a NOx value of 0.013g/km.

Hopefully Revenue will accept both of those documents as proof.

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

The heating element should have no effect on the toll tag being read at all, but if the glass has a layer to help reduce noise etc. that can have an effect. 

Near the very top and as close to the middle as you can ususally works, but no harm trying a few options manually (with a passenger holding the tag in place) to ensure the chosen location works.

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Hi Martin,

As I'm sure you know, the 330e was updated late in 2024, so if you can find one of those within budget, you'll appreciate the upgrades. Read our review of the revised BMW 330e here.

We're big fans of the 330e as well. It's difficult to beat its blend of performance, driving dynamics, style and efficiency. Here are a few alternatives to consider, nonetheless:

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: I love the look of these, and it feels like a proper luxury car inside, more so than the BMW. Its chassis is more comfort-focused though, so you need to choose which you prefer. There's not much to choose between this and the updated 330e when it comes to performance, electric range and space, but the Mercedes is very expensive.

Volkswagen Passat GTE: I suspect this is not what you're looking for in terms of badge appeal, but the GTE is a very decent car. It's much bigger inside than your BMW and exceedingly comfortable, with perky performance when you need it (ok, not as perky as the 330e's). Its electric range isn't great, but fine for short commutes. And this car is more affordable than most on this list.

Skoda Superb iV: Much the same can be said about the Superb as for the Passat above, though the Superb is larger again and it doesn't always come with a sporting badge, which some will like. It's not massively common in the classifieds though.

Volvo V60: Now this is a hidden gem and would be my choice of the lot here, even as a serious fan of rear-drive cars such as the 330e. And yes, it is an estate body style, which you might not have been looking for, but it is such a fantastic, polished car that is great to drive, looks sensational and packs a bigger punch than many will expect.

Give our review of the V60 T6 Recharge a read and go test drive one for yourself to make up your own mind. Same advice really for all of the above cars, but this one stands out.

Expert answer

Hi William,

As it's now a classic, the process and the costs should be minimal enough. 

Take photographs before and after you've done the physical work to convert the Land Cruiser back to a passenger car and keep any related receipts.

You'll then have to have it inspected by an 'SQI' (Suitably Qualified Individual) to sign it off as safe, etc. They will also stamp the "VRTCONV" form for you, which must be submitted to Revenue. 

Full details on the requirements are provided on the Revenue Conversions website.

As it's a classic now, the VRT should only be the flat rate of €200.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

So long as you don't alter the seating capacity or interior in any way that might suggest the van is used for passengers, it shouldn't make any difference to the classification of the vehicle. It might be worth informing your insurer as it's a modification.

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While it sounds like the car shouldn't attract VAT or import duty (you'll need to prove it was used in Northern Ireland), all passenger cars being imported are subject to VRT and the NOx levy. If it's a commercial, there is no NOx levy, but there would still be VRT, calculated differently. Revenue has quite a strict definition of what a commercial SUV is though, so make sure you know what you're doing before you make that move.

Read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide for more information

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

I spoke with a representative of Opel Ireland today and they asked me to apologise to you for the confusion.

The electric version of the Sports Tourer is indeed available, but it's what's called a "special order" model, so it has been removed from the public-facing price list etc. If you contact your local Opel dealer, they should be able to talk you through the process of ordering one. 

Don't forget to read our review of the Opel Astra Electric (though we've not tested the estate model).

Update on 2 Sep 2025: Opel Ireland got in touch to say the online documentation has been updated. You can get the new Opel Astra price list here.

Expert answer

Hi Nedas,

It certainly sounds like that car would be VAT and import duty exempt, so long as you can prove all the details you've given here.

Expert answer

Hi Tad,

The cable plugs into the left-hand side of the 2025 HS PHEV above the rear wheel (the passenger side of the car in Ireland) and yes, the petrol filler is on the opposite side. The flaps covering them look identical. 

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Given you'll be on the motorway for an hour each way, presumably a few days a week at least, a diesel car seems to make the most sense in your case.

We'd also suggest that you stick to a car rather than an SUV as it will be better to drive, generally more comfortable and definitely more efficient.

Scouring the classifieds for options, here's what we reckon might suit:

Honda Civic 1.6 diesel
Hyundai i40 1.7 diesel
Kia Optima 1.6 diesel
SEAT Leon 1.6 diesel
Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 diesel
Volkswagen Golf 1.6 diesel

Come back to us if you'd actually rather stick with a premium marque. The above are a good bet in general when it comes to reliability, though as ever, take your time to choose a good example with a detailed service history, and take test drives as well.