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Is the suspension comfy on this Mercedes?

Morning all, I hope youre well.

I'm looking at a used Mercedes C 220 d estate in AMG Line trim (2019), with passive sports suspension on 18-inch rims. Comfort and refinement are my priorities, after years of putting up with overly firm rides. Unfortunately, I can't test drive the car because of the current Covid lockdown. What do you reckon? Would my fillings loosen up or is it a more relaxed setup than that?

Any advice appreciated,

Jeremy

Jeremy Newell (London)

Dec 2020 Filed under: comfort

Expert answer

Hi Jeremy,

Sorry to say that's almost impossible to answer for you. What one person thinks is acceptable, another may call uncomfortable. My gut instinct is that it will be ok, as it's 'only' on 18-inch wheels, though the sports suspension will undoubtedly firm it up. If it's a deal-breaker for you, then I'd suggest waiting until you can test-drive the car. It's the only way to know for certain.


Do I have to display N plates again?

I passed a driving test a number of years ago but allowed my two-year certificate of competency to expire and have to resit my driving test. On passing test again do I have to display N plates for two years again?

Adam F (Co Galway)

Dec 2020 Filed under: learner

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

OK, this is going to be an ‘as far as we can tell’ answer because the legislation regarding N-plates is not spectacularly well-worded. However, the key word here appears to be ‘first’ as in: "In the first two years after acquiring a full driving licence a driver must display N plates on all vehicles.” So, if you’ve displayed your N-plates for the first two years, then in theory, you won’t have to display them for another two, even if you’re re-sitting your test. However, it’s the re-sit that may throw a spanner in the works here, as the NDLS and RSA may well take the view that, in official terms you’re starting from scratch. You will almost certainly have to abide by the lower drink-drive limits and lower penalty point threshold for a ban that applies to N-plate drivers, too.


Is a converted camper cheap to tax?

Hi there,

I'm moving back to Ireland from UK with a 2006 VW Caravelle. I'm currently converting it to a campervan. Once it is converted would it then qualify to pay low motor road tax like the VW California? This is my only vehicle.

Many thanks!

Catherine Ireton (Falmer, Brighton)

Nov 2020 Filed under: taxation

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Yes, it will do as long as you get the conversion done before you import the car. Camper vans pay the same 13.3 per cent of Irish market value in VRT as regular vans, which is helpful, but you will need to make sure that your Caravelle is signed off by a ’suitably qualified individual.’ In other words, if you’ve done the work yourself, you may need to get it inspected  and approved by an official authority (a vehicle assessor who can check that it conforms to DVLA standards, for example) and make sure you have that paperwork with you when processing the import. Assuming that it passes muster in this regard, you’ll also qualify for cheap road tax — just €102 per annum for a camper van, regardless of size.  

However,  you do say that you’re ‘moving back to Ireland’ from the UK and bringing the car with you. That could mean that  you’re exempt from paying any VRT, once you can show proof of ownership (tax and insurance) for at least six months, as well as proof of change of address. Have a look at the Revenue.ie page here.


Any more Ford Mondeos coming?

I've been a Mondeo driver forever. All good, no problems. 

Do you know if the Mondeo will stay on sale in the Irish market? Dealers are coy about disclosing the full facts. 

If I cannot have a lovely new Mondeo, what do you recommend? I like diesel and the Mondeo size suits me. Give me a few suggestions, please. My mortgage is now paid so I could go up a grade as a special treat...

Fergal Reidy (Co. Kildare)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

Sadly, for all us Mondeo fans, it will die in its current form soon (most likely in the next 18 months or so). Now, it will be replaced, but most likely not by another saloon, but a crossover of some description instead, sitting above the Kuga in the current Ford range, and likely with a seven-seat option. 

Happily, there are still a few proper, full-sized four-door saloons around for you to choose from, and they’re good ‘uns. Our list starts with the Skoda Superb (massive inside, smooth to drive, handsome to look at and really good quality) and the VW Passat (all of the above but not quite so big inside). The Mazda6 is a big favourite of ours, too, not least because it’s so engaging to drive, and has such high quality and reliability levels, but Mazda is dropping the diesel engine option, so you might want to snap one up soon, before they’re all gone.

If you fancied going down the hybrid route, then Toyota’s excellent Camry is well worth a look, and there’s the Opel Insignia (probably one of the most underrated cars on the market) to consider too. If you fancy something a little moore stylish, check out the very slinky Peugeot 508. 

You could go up a grade, as you suggest, to the likes of a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, but the problem is you need to spend a LOT extra to get one with decent spec, so our recommendation would  be to stick with one of the mainstream brands.

Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:

Skoda Superb reviews

Volkswagen Passat reviews

Mazda6 reviews

Toyota Camry reviews

Peugeot 508 reviews

Opel Insignia reviews

BMW 3 Series reviews

Audi A4 reviews


How much VRT to import a van from NI?

Hi,

We are hoping to import a van from NI and I understand that we have to pay VRT, but how is it calculated? Also is it more expensive to import a van that has more than three seats? The official websites are very confusing.

Brenda Coney (Co. Kildare)

Oct 2020 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Brenda,

It depends on the van, and the configuration of those seats. According to Revenue "Car derived and jeep derived vans” will be charged 13.3 per cent of their OMSP (Open Market Selling Price, basically what Revenue thinks the car would be worth were it on sale in Ireland), but "Other vehicles such as tractors, large vans, lorries, vintage cars (over 30 years old), minibuses (minimum 12 passenger seats)” will be charged a flat rate of €200. The easiest way to find out is to get the VIN number and description of the vehicle you’re looking at and give your local motor tax office a ring and ask.

They’re usually very helpful people.


Motor taxation for a disabled person?

Motor tax for disabled person?

Yvonne Odonnell (Galway)

Oct 2020 Filed under: miscellaneous

Expert answer

Hi Yvonne,

If you’re a disabled driver or passenger, you’re entitled to claim back, or in some cases not pay in the first place, both VRT and VAT on a new car, as well as not needing to pay VAT on the cost of any modifications needed to the vehicle to adapt it to your particular abilities.

However, right now there’s a crisis in the system. The problem is that the issuing of primary medical certificates, which are needed to confirm a person’s disability and therefore their meeting the criteria for the scheme, has been suspended following a supreme court judgement against. The Government, and the Minister for Finance have said they are working on a potential solution to the issue (which surrounds the competence of the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal to refuse the issuing of a certificate) but right now, if you’re waiting for a Primary Medical Cert, you’re sort of stuck. 


Are 2018 tyres still ok as new?

Hi there,

Purchased “new” tyres only to discover that they were actually manufactured in 2018 and have been told that this is perfectly legal. I wonder how many people realise this. Find this rather troubling to think that a product can sit for two years if not more and still be described as new when it has been stored for a period of time.

Surely there is deterioration in the product as a result of the passage of time?

Sarah Murray (Drogheda)

Oct 2020 Filed under: tyres

Expert answer

Hi Sarah,

This shouldn't be anything to worry about and is not unusual. The only thing to watch for is that the NCT centre may draw your attention to their age when they are six years old, if they've not worn out by then, so from that point of view it's better for you to have more recently manufactured tyres, but there should be no safety issue with these.


Disabled driver that wants to trade up in Feb...

I am on the Disabled Drivers Scheme and want to trade up next Feb '21. I currently drive a Mercedes A-Class hatchback that has been valued at €22,500. I would like to change to something a bit more robust as most of my driving is on country roads. I carry backseat passengers very occasionally and would like a decent sized boot. Automatic gearbox and reversing camera are neccessary. Also something stylish. I have €4,500 to spend with my current car and the DDS allowance. Don't mind petrol or diesel.

Thank you,

Grainne D, Cork

Grainne Dennehy (Rosscarbery)

Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

As previously noted, you’ll need to have a current and valid primary medical cert as new certs are not being issued right now thanks to a Supreme Court decision that  has thrown the rebate scheme for disabled drivers into limbo. However, if you already have the cert, you should still be able to avail of the VRT and VAT rebates, so that should be fine (although it’s worth checking ahead of time — it’s a bit of a moving target at the moment).

I think that a Skoda Kamiq might be the right sort of car for you. Not much bigger on the outside than the Merc, but more roomy within, and with the necessary automatic gearbox and reversing camera on the options list. Get it with the sweet little 1.0-litre petrol  engine and you’re onto a winner. It’ll be well within your budget, too. 

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews here


My Jaguar XJ8's floor is getting wet...

I have a 2004 Jaguar XJ8; water is depositing on the floor on the passenger side; what could be the problem? No roof leak.

Reginald Davis (Houston Texas)

Sep 2020 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Reginald,

We don't know of a common issue on the XJ8, but on some cars this points to blocked rain channels, in the roof, windscreen or under the bonnet even. 


Can you help me select my next car?

Hi there guys.

Can you help me with selecting my next car? Currently have a 161 BMW 420d Gran Coupe with 50k km on the clock (GB import bought from a main dealer in Dublin). Do 10k km per annum. City center living, on street parking. Very happy with the car - love the drive experience but now it’s a bit small in the back for toddler passenger and all our baggage etc. Looking to change in next couple of months, with a hybrid in mind.

Disappointing range of options though for any of the estate/MPV cars I fancy, e.g. BMW Touring or Volvo XC60. Looks are important but driving experience and space are key. As is easy parking into tight spaces! Did drive a Skoda Superb wagon recently and loved all the gadgets, but felt the ride was spongey. Budget is €45k including trade in/private sale. Open to going the import route again as choice and range much better for hybrids.

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

Daragh O’Reilly (Dublin)

Sep 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Daragh,

OK, with on-street parking, I’d recommend you steer well and truly clear of a plug-in hybrid for now. I’m in the same position and with the dearth of public chargers, it’s a real nightmare to get a charge into them and use them at their most efficient. Unless you feel happy using local public chargers, of course, but if you’re going to do that I’d make sure to do the literal legwork, and see how far they are from your home as you may sometimes have to leave the car charging and walk home. Not the most convenient.

If you’re looking at a hybrid, of course, that turns us instantly in the direction of Toyota. The Camry is a truly excellent car, but it’s a bit of a mobile sofa. If you thought that the Superb’s ride was a bit too soft, then I don’t think you’d be a candidate for a Camry. Possibly a Lexus, then? An ES 300h is basically a Camry in a smarter suit, but again it’s not the sharpest car to drive. An NX 300h SUV might be a good balance — roomy enough to be toddler-friendly, reasonably sharp to drive and a hybrid without a plug. The Toyota RAV4 is another good (even excellent) option, but again would perhaps be a bit too soggy at the controls for your taste.

There is a hybrid (as opposed to plug-in hybrid) Hyundai Tucson on the way soon, and we mean the incoming new version, which gets much more dramatic styling than that of the current car, and which will have suspension and steering fettled, in part, by Hyundai’s N-Sport division. Could be worth hanging on for that if you like the look of it.

If, and I know as we said at the top, it’s a big if, you’re willing to go down the plug-in hybrid route, then the possibilities open up a bit. Skoda has just launched a plug-in hybrid Octavia RS, which in estate form could be the ideal blend of performance, poise and buggy-hauling abilities. Of course, you could then stay in BMW’s orbit and get the incoming new 300e Touring (or indeed the existing 330e Saloon, if you don’t need the extra  practicality) as that’s probably the best all-round plug-in hybrid currently on the market. Volvo’s V60 plug-in is another good shout, but if you were going to go for the XC60, I’d insist you get the fantastic Engineered By Polestar version and that’s pretty pricey.


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