How much VRT on imported Honda Civic?
Hi!
I'm having trouble calculating the VRT due on a car that I'm thinking of buying from Northern Ireland. The VRT Calculator on the ROS website doesn't seem to have the exact spec I'm looking at, although the car is for sale in Ireland too. It's a Honda Civic - five-door hatchback, 1.5-litre petrol engine, manual transmission, 12,000 miles, registered November 2017. If you have any advice that would be great!
Thanks, Katie
Katie Hughes (Meath)Sep 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Katie,
OK, it’s only a rough calculation, but assuming that it’s a Civic VTEC Turbo 1.5 Sport, we reckon that’ll cost you around €2,600 in VRT.
Should I change this B-Max's timing belt?
I'm buying a 2013 Ford B-Max 1.4 petrol. It has been lying up for six months with a drive a couple of times a week. The mileage is 57,647km; should I look at changing the timing belt since it wasn't driving much and is six years old?
David Geoghegan (Mullingar)Sep 2019 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi David,
The recommended interval is 160,000 kilometres or eight years, whichever comes first, so technically it's not due yet. However, in your position, I'd definitely go ahead and change it, just in case.
How good is the Toyota Auris 1.2-litre engine?
How good is the Toyota Auris 1.2-litre petrol engine?
Tom Coughlan (Dublin)Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
It’s lovely — plenty powerful enough, decent economy and good refinement. Arguably, the hybrid is the better Auris model, but if part-electric power’s not your thing then the 1.2 is a very good substitute.
Which head-turning SUV to go for?
Selfishly, I would like a head-turning vehicle, that's a comfortable ride and stylish. Unselfishly, I need to consider older parents that can get into the vehicle fairly easily and be comfortable in the back. Prepared to pay for the luxury but looking for right choice. Don't drive many miles a year, with a mix of motorway and urban. Petrol or hybrid seems sensible option. Have looked at SUVs briefly including Macan and Maserati, but not sure these are best buys? Looking for recommendations for a nice sized vehicle for up to four people.
Michelle Morgan (Bromley)Aug 2019 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michelle,
Well, a Porsche Macan or Maserati Levante would certainly be fun choices, but possibly not the best from the point of view of your parents… One potentially very good option could be the Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar — a plug-in hybrid with serious performance and excellent handing, but loads of space in the back and really comfy seats. Audi’s new SQ5 diesel is another good choice (really comfy and plenty roomy), as would be the mighty V8 diesel Audi SQ7. To be honest, though, if you want to spend big on a luxurious SUV that’s also fun to drive, it’s pretty hard to look past a Range Rover...
A little reading to help you decide:
Motor tax on 2008 Mazda6?
Please advise on cost of motor tax for an 08 Mazda6 petrol 1.8?
Noreen Tiernan (Bromley)Aug 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.