Motor tax on 2008 Mazda6?
Please advise on cost of motor tax for an 08 Mazda6 petrol 1.8?
Noreen TiernanAug 2019 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Noreen,
If it’s taxed on the old engine capacity system, then it’ll cost you €636 a year. Theoretically, though, you could apply to have it taxed under the CO2-based system, and with emissions of 162g/km, it’ll actually be a little cheaper, at €570 a year.
With €11k budget, I'd like a modern small car.
Hi, planning to buy a small hatchback petrol/hybrid car (1.0-1.4-litre) where annual mileage will be approx. 8,000km-10,000km including motorway. Budget is €8,000-€11,000 but looking for a used car with near today level technology, dependable engine and impressive economy. Could you please give me top five models that may fit the bill? I don't mind the make and model but road tax shall not be more than €270.
Thanks in advance
Rory
Rory Rory (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
OK, the car that most obviously fits your criteria is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. However, the cheapest one we’ve seen for sale is a 2015 model for €12,995 so that’s a bit over budget and already four years old. A Toyota Auris Hybrid would also seem to fit the bill, but again you’re looking at a much older car to fit your budget — probably a 2012 or 2013 car, so that’s not going to have the modern electronic systems you’re looking for.
I think the best bet might be to go small — like really small. Like Volkswagen Up or Skoda Citigo or SEAT Mii small. You’ll easily find one of those in budget, with a small petrol engine (1.0) and, if you shop around a bit, with the high-tech options you’re looking for.
Could I afford to insure a 1.9 diesel?
Hi,
I am looking to buy myself a new car soon enough. I am simply waiting to have a full year on my insurance. I got insured on a 1.6-litre petrol Audi A3 Sportback, as my first car, with Axa insurance. The quote was around €3,700. I am looking for a diesel this time and I am wondering what kind of quotes I could be expecting if I try to get insured on a 1.9 diesel this time? There aren't many 1.6 diesel cars around that I would like to get.
Thanks!
Kris M (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Kris,
The problem is that Irish insurers are a bit blunt-force when it comes to deciding their rates, and generally speaking (and completely erroneously) they simply tend to go by engine size. So even though there are plenty of older 1.9-2.0-litre diesel engines with similar power outputs to a more modern 1.6, they’ll probably quote you more just because it’s a bigger engine. Stupid, but then that pretty much sums up the insurance industry in Ireland. All I can suggest is either biting the bullet and getting a 1.6 that maybe you’re not as keen on, or finding a really good local broker who can help you track down quotes that us mere mortals can’t find.
Most economical 1.4-litre cars?
What is the most economical 1.4 petrol or diesel car in Ireland, max 2015?
Ed Burke (Cork)Expert answer
Hi Ed,
That is an answer that will vary massively depending on which model of car you’re talking about. There are some Hyundai i30s and Kia Ceeds from around that era that came with a 1.4 diesel engine that would be hugely economical. You might be able to track down some Peugeot or Citroen models (a 2008 would be a good choice) with a 1.4 HDi diesel engine that’s good on juice, too. There’s also the Toyota Corolla or Auris D-4D, or if you don’t fancy diesel, the same cars with the 1.33-litre VVTi petrol engine, which was not too thirsty.
Audi A3 Saloon or Mercedes CLA?
Hi,
I am looking for a little advice on changing my car. I have a 2010 Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI and am trying to make my mind up between the Audi A3 Saloon and the Mercedes CLA. Petrol I'm thinking? And most likely new or one year old. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Claire
Claire Murphy (Cork)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Claire,
Both are really good cars, and I think it would be the Audi that we’d — just — come down on the side of. It’s not as cool to look at as the CLA, obviously, but the ride quality is better and that makes a big difference on Irish roads. It’s also a fraction more practical than the Mercedes and, if you can find one with the excellent 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, then you’re onto a winner. Basically, it’s the Audi if you want practicality, or the Mercedes if you’re more interested in style.
Is the new Dacia Duster safer?
Hi,
I'd like to purchase a 2019 Dacia Duster petrol, but I am concerned about its EuroNCAP safety rating of 2017. I do not find the latest rating for 2019 version. Could you please advise?
Thanks
Abala, Dublin
A Bala (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Abala,
I'm afraid that the 2019 model is the same one as tested by EuroNCAP in 2017, at this link.
How often to change my 2012 Fiesta's belt?
How often should I change the timing belt on my 2012 Ford Fiesta?
Betty Bernard (Charlottetown )Jul 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Betty,
It depends on the engine:
1.25/1.4/1.6-litre petrol: every 160,000km/8 years
1.4/1.6-litre diesel:
- to July 2011: 140,000km/10 years
- after that: 180,000km/10 years
Should I buy a new Tesla Model 3?
Hi,
I’ve been doing a lot of research into buying a car lately, specifically would love a Tesla Model 3 - Standard range plus. I’ve been looking at price from GB compared to Ireland and it’s around €5k cheaper (around £38k v €48k). I also understand I would be in receipt of €5,000 SEAI grant, but I cannot seem to calculate the VRT.
1. Can I buy in the UK and ultimately would I save money doing so vs Ireland?
2. I live in Dublin and I get the DART to work everyday (roughy €100 per month). I also currently drive home roughy three nights per week to Monaghan (roughly costs me €325 in petrol and tolls). I have a free parking space in work. (Quicker to drive than DART to work) Would I be naive in thinking that I would almost eradicate all of that €425 with an EV? Aside from electricity costs, also what would you estimate those to be?
The alternative for me was to buy an 15/16 Audi A5 or BMW 4 Series in around the €20k mark, but still be subject to aforementioned €425 monthly costs on top.
Am I trying to convince myself that a Model 3 is my best option or is it my best option? NB: I want something that I actually want, i.e. I don’t want a Nissan Leaf; if I’m going EV it would be Tesla or equivalent.
Brendan Traynor (Dublin)Jul 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Brendan,
We do love a bit of car-related man-maths around the CompleteCar.ie office. Yes, in theory, you could save that €425 per week travelling cost with a Tesla Model 3, once we make a couple of assumptions, and bearing in mind that a Model 3 is not free — a basic Standard Range Plus model is quoted at €625 per month in repayments on Tesla’s Irish website. With a claimed one-charge range of 409km, your theoretical Model 3 should be able to get from Dublin to Monaghan and back in one charge, with a little left over for safety (assuming it’s around 135km door-to-door). If you can charge at home and charge in Monaghan, then each full charge will cost you around €8-10, depending on your electricity tariff and how low the battery gets before you plug it in. That should put a significant dent in your travelling costs. It would also be helpful if you could charge up at work, but that’s more for ensuring you have a full charge in case you need it — the shorter intra-Dublin commute wouldn’t put much strain on your battery.
So, that’s all good. Buying in the UK, though? Not worth it. We ran the maths on this a while back and working off the base model prices — £38,500 in the UK and €48,900 here, a quick conversion at today’s rates shows that the equivalent Euro price of a new Tesla Model 3 would be €45,069. A saving? No — although the VRT would cost you nothing at the point of import (thanks to the €5,000 rebate), you would have to pay VAT on entry, as it’s a new car, and so the price would go up by €10,350. You’re better off buying local in this instance.
Volkswagen Polo or Toyota Auris Hybrid?
Not sure which car to go for. Previously had 2016 Toyota Auris Hybrid and found it very economical and a comfortable drive. Unfortunately it was stolen. However, I'm driving a rental 191 Volkswagen Polo and liking the drive. Which car would you recommend: another 2016 Auris Hybrid or 2018 petrol Volkswagen Polo?
Thanks
Antoinette Kiely (Dublin)Jun 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Antoinette,
The thing is that they’re two very different cars — the Polo is a significantly smaller vehicle than the Auris. So, if you need the space, and you like the hybrid aspect, then definitely go for another Auris. If you’re happy with the space in the Polo, and you can live without the hybrid bit, then the Polo is a very fine car.
When to change my Ford Kuga's belt?
Does the 2014 Ford Kuga have a timing belt or chain and at what mileage should it be changed? If so, does it give a warning when it needs to be changed or will it just snap?
Tshegofatso Grace Bathuleng (GABORONE, BOTSWANA )Jun 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tshegofatso,
The only 1.6-litre Kuga of that age is the petrol model, so we're assuming you mean that. It has a timing belt, which must be changed at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.
There will be no warning when the belt needs to be changed, so keep an eye on the mileage. If you let it go too far above the suggested change interval, the belt may snap, but that's not a very common occurrence.