Motor tax for my Nissan Qashqai?
What is the motor tax for my car, a 2012 Nissan Qashqai petrol?
Michael Richards (Fetcham Leatherhead)Feb 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’m assuming that’s the 1.6 petrol engine, with a five-speed manual gearbox? If so, that has CO2 emissions of 155g/km, which will mean motor tax of €390 per year.
How much to tax my old MINI?
My MINI will be 20 yrs old next year. It’s a petrol 1.6-litre; how much tax do I pay please?
Thank you
Margaret Diskin (Galway)Feb 2021 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Margaret,
Same as before — €514 for a full year on an engine sized between 1,501- and 1,600cc. If you were thinking that vintage or classic tax might apply, sadly you’ll have to wait another ten years. Vintage status doesn’t kick in until the car is 30 years old.
Diesel or petrol Skoda Kamiq?
Is the diesel or the petrol a better investment in the Skoda Kamiq?
Anne Heffernan (Listowel )Feb 2021 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Anne,
It entirely depends on the type of driving you do. If a diesel engine isn't used regularly at higher speeds and loads (i.e. on the motorway), then its various components, including its Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust, don't get up to temperature and can't burn off desposits of soot etc. They eventually clog up and can cost a fortune to repair or replace. Along with that, diesel engines emit more NOx, which is a pollutant that is bad for human health.
So, petrol is the sensible way to go in the Kamiq unless you rack up well over 20,000km a year at higher speeds in our opinions.
Should I stick with BMW diesel for now?
I drive 65,000km a year, mostly to Dublin, Cork and Galway and Dublin Airport. I have owned four 520d M Sports and on average get 40mpg. I am changing again and very interested in hybrid and considering a 530e M Sport with 26,000km on it. I change the car about every 15 months as I do high mileage and would like to go greener but running costs are my main concern. Currently I get the VAT back on diesel as I am VAT registered. I'm conscious that we will eventually have to go this way and wondering should I make that move now. What do you think?
Howard Simpson (Ballymoe)Dec 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Howard,
If I were you, I'd stick with diesel for now. Assuming that, with such high mileage, you won't have time to plug the car in to charge it up regularly, the 530e won't get near the 520d's average economy. Once the battery charge is used up, you're effectively driving a heavy petrol car. The fact you're VAT-registered and can claim back the VAT on the diesel is another reason to stick with it for now.
Yes, electrification is coming to all cars, but we don't believe it suits all motorists just yet. The beauty of you changing your car every 15 months is that you can react quite quickly to changes in taxation and new model launches.
Does my Audi A3 petrol have belt or chain?
Does my Audi A3 S line, petrol 16 valve, 2.0-litre quattro engine have a timing belt or chain drive?
Peter Humphreys (Fraserburgh)Dec 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
You've not mentioned the model year. The 2003-2008 2.0 FSI engine has a timing chain, as does the 2007-2013 2.0 TFSI engine. If those don't cover your car, come back to us with more details.
Belt or chain in a 2011 Audi A3?
Does my 2011 Audi A3 Sportback have a cambelt or chain and when does it need changing?
Asif Hussain (Longton)Dec 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Asif,
It depends on which engine it has.
Cambelts: 1.6 TDI, 1.6 non-turbo petrol, 2.0 TDI
Timing chains: 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI
Should I upgrade my 2021 Tiguan?
Hi,
I am planning on buying a Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance 1.5 petrol in the New Year; as it comes with 19-inch wheels and I like my comfort should I get Adaptive Chassis Control as an extra?
Thanks
James Duffy (Dunleer Co Louth)Nov 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi James,
I think that would be a wise investment. Even if you never change the setting out of the default Comfort mode, it's highly likely that Volkswagen did most of the core development work for the adaptive dampers using larger wheels, so the car should be well set up combining both.
Try hard to get a test drive in a representative example in the dealer network, though. I know that may not be likely, but well worth a try.
Belt or chain in my 2011 Astra petrol?
Hi there,
I have a 2011 Opel Astra H, 1.4-litre petrol car. Does this have a timing belt or chain and how many miles or years should this be changed after?
Thanks!
Eric Walshe (Passage West)Nov 2020 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Eric,
That engine has a timing chain, with no scheduled changes. It's designed for the life of the engine.
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Polo a reliable car?
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Polo a reliable car? I'm used to an 03 Golf, which was excellent; I need a reliable car on a tight budget.
Catherine Prior (Galway)Nov 2020 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
In general, yes, the 2006 Polo is quite reliable. However, you have to adjust your expectations given that it would be over 14 years old now. Go for as simple a model as you can find and best to go for petrol rather than diesel to keep the maintenance costs low.
Motor tax on a 2008 Toyota Auris?
Good evening,
Can I ask what would the motor tax be on a September 08 registered 1.4 petrol car please? It's a Toyota Auris.
Catherine Breen (Wexford)Oct 2020 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Catherine,
It will depend on the car's CO2 rating. We believe that is 163g/km. Assuming that this car is already registered in Ireland, then the annual motor tax for that car is €570 up to the end of 2020, and €600 thereafter.
Full details on the Irish motor tax system can be found in our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained article.