Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

First up, if you're not going to be able to charge a car up at home, we'd recommend you do not buy the MX-30. Yes, it's much improved with the 'range-extender' engine on board, but it's still a car designed to be plugged in and charged up. Without that, it would be a very frustrating petrol car with a tiny fuel tank. Read our review of the MX-30 R-EV here if you're still interested.

We're big fans of the Qashqai e-Power. It feels very like an EV at times to drive, giving you a flavour for that, yet you don't plug it in to charge it up. Go take a test drive for yourself to see if you agree with us. And read our detailed reviews of the Qashqai e-Power here. https://www.completecar.ie/car/search/car-reviews/Nissan/Qashqai

There are 2021 examples of the plug-in hybrid Velar in the classifieds varying from about €49,000 to as high as €75,000, though none are as low-mileage as your car, so that will help get a strong price for sure. That €75,000 example is an anomaly though so bank on somewhere slightly north of €50,000.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

The issue with early PureTech petrol engines is well documented. They use what's called a “wet belt”, which means the timing belt actually runs in oil. Most timing belts do not. Unfortunately, many of these engines have reportedly suffered from premature timing belt degradation. This can lead to lots of other engine issues caused by the presence of bits of the timing belt in the oil system. This did not affect every example of the engine, though.

In an attempt to fix the issue, there was a change to the material used in the timing belt from about 2021.

Aside from that, using the correct oil at service time is key, and perhaps shortening the time between oil services is to be advised. Likewise, we'd urge owners to change the timing belt a little earlier than the official interval.

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

That doesn't seem like very high mileage for the year, so maybe get a history check on the car to look into that, and ask for as detailed a service history as possible as well.

Our top tip for buying used cars is to test drive as many examples of the car from other sellers as possible so you get a feel for which is a good one.  

As with any used car, check it drives well, there are no warning lights on when it is up and running and try to get a look underneath to make sure there's nothing drastically wrong. 

Ideally a mechanic you trust would take a look at it for you, but I guess you can't expect perfection from a 2007 car.

The price sounds ok rather than amazing, but if the condition and history are good then it's probably worth it.

Expert answer

Hi Margaret,

The first examples of the C3 Aircross will arrive in the third quarter of the year according to Citroen Ireland. And yes, the 100hp petrol model will be available with a manual gearbox.

Make sure you read our reviews of the car

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

There seems to be some confusion on this point, with some outlets reporting 37 litres and others 55 litres. We believe the former figure is the plug-in hybrid model with the 55-litre capacity tank is only on the petrol version of this car (which is not sold in Ireland).

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

The only tax rate that is exactly €400 is for cars registered between 2008 and 2021 with CO₂ emissions of 141-155g/km. If the car in question actually emits 199g/km then there does appear to have been a mistake made.

Unfortunately, that has no bearing on what would happen if you imported such a car yourself. In fact, if the 199g/km rating is according to the old “NEDC” system, then Revenue will uplift it to an equivalent WLTP figure for VRT and tax calculations. It comes out as 298g/km, meaning a potential €2,400 per year motor tax bill.

If the 199g/km is actually the WLTP figure, then the annual bill is a more palatable €790.

Expert answer

Hi Chris,

Assuming the vehicles are registered in your name and you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, the following steps must be completed:

1 - Apply for ToR relief by following the steps on Revenue's Moving to live in Ireland from outside the EU page. After completing this, you'll receive a reference number or ToR approval letter, ensuring no customs duty or VAT are due. 

2 - Book an appointment at NCTS.ie to have the cars inspected. Even if eligible for ToR with no VRT due, you still need this step. You'll then get Irish registration numbers to get plates made. 

3 - Tax the cars on Motor Tax Online and the Irish registration certificates will come in the post. 

For the latter steps you'll need the following:

- Original V5C 'logbook' for the cars

- Proof of Irish address

- Photo ID

You should start the ToR process immediately as you are supposed to book an appointment with the NCTS within seven days of arrival in Ireland and then complete the process within 30 days.

One word of caution though, and perhaps it's worth a call to Revenue in Ireland on this, but the above guidelines are correct when bringing one car into Ireland that you own. There is no specific guidance in the public realm for bringing more than one vehicle with you. In theory it should make no difference how many cars you bring in, but it's worth checking that before you commit to the process to avoid unnecessary costs.

Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Alexander,

We've looked those cars up. Both are BMW M140i with slightly different specification, but both powered by the same 3.0-litre petrol engine. 

Using Revenue's website to check the tax rates by reg does indeed show the discrepancy you've found and it suggests that the 171 car's emissions are in the 101-110g/km range, which is just impossible with that engine. We're not sure how that could have happened.

Someone somewhere put the wrong details in the system for that car. 

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

We're not convinced that's a good move. While we really like how the CLA looks, it's far smaller inside than your Mazda. That 1.3-litre engine is a little gutless as well and will feel it after your 2.2-litre diesel Mazda. The CLA has proven to be mostly reliable, though, other than a few possible gremlins.

Make sure you go and test drive the car before you make any decisions. 

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

There's loads of choice on the market at that price level, and one car that stands out as potentially perfect for you is the Honda Jazz. Manual versions are rarer, but they do exist. The seating position should be a little higher than your Rio's, but it's still a car that handles well in the corners rather than a lofty SUV. The rear seats have loads of versatility built into them as well.

If you found your Kia dependable, a natural replacement could be the Kia Venga, a kind of tall hatchback. The Hyundai ix20 is effectively the same car, and they're not bad, though probably won't tick the "bit of horsepower" box for you...

Let me know if we're on the right track and if you need help narrowing down your search. 

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I'm afraid we don't yet have any pricing information on the car in Ireland. KGM has confirmed that the regular petrol model we tested will not be offered for sale on the Irish market due to high CO₂ emissions and the resultant high price.

However, a hybrid version of the Acyton is planned and that should go on sale in Ireland in early 2026. We do not have prices for it as yet. 

Expert answer

Hi Marie,

I can confirm that those cars' engines do not have wet timing belts - they are traditional 'dry' belts instead. I believe the issues you mentioned relate to Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines only. 

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

All the various 2.0-litre engines (TDI diesel and FSI/TFSI petrol) in the 2004 Audi A3 used cam belts.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

When you're taxing a commercial vehicle for private use then the rate goes by the engine size. 

The Wildtrak can be had with 2.0 or 3.0-litre diesel engines, while the Ranger can be had with a 2.0-litre diesel or 3.0-litre petrol option. The 2.0-litre engines cost €710 a year to tax and the 3.0-litre units (doesn't matter what fuels them) are €1,494 per annum.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

As I’m sure you realise, we can only guess at the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) that Revenue will place on such a rare car. And the VRT calculation hinges on that. Let’s say it’s €25,000, and that its CO₂ emissions put it into the top VRT band at 41 per cent. That would mean a VRT bill of €10,250.

Don’t forget about the NOx levy on top of that, which is likely to be the top €600 limit for petrol cars, and of course import duty and VAT if the car is coming from England, Scotland or Wales.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Assuming it has been registered and used in the North “for a reasonable period of time” (Revenue’s words, generally accepted to mean more than three months), then no VAT or import duty should be payable, and as the car is over 30 years old the VRT is a flat €200.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

The savings are not what they were, and effectively non-existent if you're talking about England, Scotland or Wales. The only realistic option is to look to Northern Ireland as most cars won't be subject to VAT and import duty, just VRT and the NOx levy. Read more below:

Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland

Guide to importing cars from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

That engine has one of Volkswagen Group's so-called 'long life' timing belts that don't actually come with any set replacement schedule. That's very low mileage but even so there's no harm asking your mechanic to take the 'top cover' off each time the car is serviced to check the condition of the belt itself.

Expert answer

Hi John,

There really won't be much to choose between them. Both manufacturers have good reputations for the reliability of their petrol engines. In your position I'd go with the car I prefer and not worry about the reliability. 

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost engines in the 2015 Kuga use "dry" belts, not "wet" ones.

Expert answer

Hi Syam,

Unless you need the long-distance efficiency of diesel then I'd suggest sticking with the petrol model if you can find one. They won't be very common though.

The diesel model feels faster and is more economical, but is likely to have higher maintenance costs as it gets older, even if nothing major goes wrong. And unfortunately the timing chain on that diesel engine can be a weak point.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

VRT might be a little higher, but it shouldn't be much more. It's nothing to do with the body style directly, though; it comes down to the VRT band, which is determined by the official CO₂ rating (which can be a little higher in open-topped cars as they're generally a little heavier and less aerodynamic than their coupe equivalents) and what Revenue calls the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The latter may be a little higher for the TT Roadster, but there really shouldn’t be a lot in it.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

It certainly sounds like you're the ideal candidate for a hybrid. Indeed, with less than 12,000km a year, you could easily live with a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric car if you wanted to install a home charger. 

A hybrid such as the Camry or Lexus would be nearly as efficient as your diesel Mercedes in most situations, and likely to mean much lower running costs in the long term. I'd certainly recommend a hybrid over a purely petrol alternative. 

In terms of new vs. nearly new, there are pros and cons to both. Nearly new cars have usually suffered a big chunk of their depreciation already, though you can't finance them the same way as you can a new car and of course, you're limited in choice to what's on the market at that moment in time rather than choosing your ideal specification. 

On that front, it's worth noting that the Toyota Camry is no longer on sale as a new car, though the Lexus ES is and it's an exceptionally well-made car. Almost all other hybrids in this sector are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), however, so you'd ideally need to have a way to charge them up at home for them to be of use.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

There's nothing stopping you from using any car for business purposes, but there are no official commercial versions of the BYD cars on sale at this time. Though you've not said what you will use the vehicle for, I'd suggest that the Seal saloon is not suited for carrying bulky goods at all, as lovely as it is as a car. 

The Seal U SUV is much better suited as it has a large boot and rear seats that can be folded down. You could in theory have those rear seats removed completely and turn it into a commercial, but as it's so new we don't know of anyone that has done that. 

The Seal U runs on petrol, obviously, which you couldn't claim VAT back on, so that may rule it out for many.

Come back to us with more details if you need more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Wayne,

I think it's a good time to change into an EV if it suits your needs. With that mileage, you really would have to have a charger at home to keep the cost down and to make charging as convenient as possible.

Once you do make the changeover you'll never want to go back. I speak from experience on that score (we're on our second new EV) despite still classing myself as a 'petrolhead'. A Volkswagen ID.4 did us well for three years on PCP (we also have three kids and that car had ample room for our needs) before we replaced it this year.

Don't expect technology and range to dramatically improve overnight as that just won't happen - it'll be a gradual improvement with each year. PCP is well suited to making that change without worrying too much about future values.

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

First up, the BMW i3 is a great option for your needs based on what you told us. It's a cracking compact car that will cost you nothing to run and is an idea runabout. And yes, I'd agree that the fully electric version is the best one, especially when you have access to other cars in the household for longer journeys. 

I really like the 4 Series Gran Coupe as well, but understand the reticence to trust the diesel engines. Would you consider a petrol one instead perhaps? The NOx levy on the diesel on importation can be expensive as well. Because of potential engine issues I'd be inclined to stick with a local BMW dealer and get as good a warranty as you can.

Obviously electric cars don't emit any NOx or CO₂, so it's a bit bizarre if Revenue's site can't deal with that... There is a VRT exemption up to €5,000 and anyway, it's only 7 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).

If you're looking to buy in the North, just make sure the car has been registered and used by a private individual in the North for at least three months before you import it, and that must be verified by documentation. Then no VAT or import duty should be due, just VRT - and the NOx levy if applicable. 

Hopefully all that helps, but come back to us with other specific questions if you need more assistance of course.

Expert answer

Hi Raymond,

Following on from our separate conversation, you've confirmed that car is on a Northern Ireland number plate, so I'd assume it has been used in the North by a private individual for quite some time. A quick check of the UK's MOT history service confirms the car was tested in the North since at least 2018.

You'll need documentation to prove all this on importation, but it would appear that you will not be liable for VAT or import duty on this car.

So then it's just VRT and the NOx levy.

It would appear that the NOx rating is 23mg/km, which means a bill of €150 if that's correct.

The CO₂ rating appears to be 190g/km, though that would be on the old pre-WLTP system and it needs to be 'uplifted' by Revenue's calculations. That would bring it into the top band, at 41 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price). The OMSP is the value Revenue believes the car to be worth on the Irish market, and it's not always an easy figure to guess accurately.

There don't see to be many similar cars on sale in Ireland now so our job is made more difficult by that. If you assume an OMSP of €12,000 as a worst case then VRT would be 41 per cent of that, at €4,920. Obviously, that final figure depends massively on the OMSP.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Joshua,

The belt in your car is a 'long life' belt and doesn't need to be checked until it has passed 240,000km.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

In our time with that car back in 2022 (assuming you mean the regular hybrid, not the plug-in model), we averaged about 6.2 litres/100km so the car is clearly capable of better. 

Obviously fuel consumption depends on many factors, including driving style, where and how fast you are driving and even how well-maintained the engine is. Make sure you're not carrying around any unnecessary weight in the car, remember that roof/bike racks affect the consumption and check your tyre pressures. 

Other than all that, check how clean the air filter is. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

The plug-in hybrid model would be very cheap to run if you can keep its battery charged up at home or work to carry out those small local journeys you mentioned, but it will certainly be thirstier than your current diesel on longer drives where you can't charge up the battery from an external source. You'll need to do the maths and decide whether you can actually keep it charged up easily.

If you want us to look for alternatives, come back to us with a rough budget, whether you want a new or used car and the number of people you need to carry regularly and we'll see what else might suit you.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

A battery in a PHEV (and an EV for that matter) and its various components are no less waterproof or more susceptible to damage in such conditions than an engine and its various components. EVs and PHEVs go through the same stringent quality control checks and have to withstand the same lifecycle as their petrol-powered counterparts. 

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

In your case, it'll likely depend on your driving style. The driving you described really suits a diesel engine if you tend to accelerate up to speed and maintain the speed limit for most of your journey. If, however, you tend to amble along a little slower than that with a more relaxed outlook, then a hybrid will be just as efficient, while also being a little more 'futureproofed'. 

Depending on the model, we'd expect lower overall maintenance bills for a petrol-fuelled hybrid than a diesel.

And while you didn't specify it, a plug-in hybrid might suit you if you can plug the car in at home and also at work, as very few of them can do 100k on a charge.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention that almost any electric car - used or new - would cope with your commute with ease so long as you could charge it up at home. 

Come back to us if you want to discuss your choice in more depth. 

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The answer is yes. And maybe no. And maybe… maybe. We know that Ford will replace the current Mondeo with a new model, but that it will be a crossover, possibly retaining the Mondeo name in some way, or possibly being called the Evos. We know that it will be a tall-ish crossover, rather than a full-on SUV, kind of in the mould of the Subaru Outback, but what we don’t know is whether or not this new Mondeo (or Evos) will be coming to Europe. Right now, it’s being readied for a launch in the Chinese market, as both a petrol and hybrid car.

Ford has committed to going all-electric in Europe, so it’s hard to see how such a car would fit into those plans. It’s more likely that the next-gen Kuga will effectively be the Mondeo replacement for us, with the larger Mustang Mach-E taking on the range-topping duties. 

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

OK, at the very top of your list should be the Skoda Superb. It’s massive inside, hugely comfortable, has a huge boot, is well made and has an excellent 2.0-litre TDI 150hp diesel engine. It’s well worth checking out the 150hp TSI petrol too though — it's smoother, quieter and nearly as economical unless you're driving at motorway speed all day.

Next go and check out the Mazda6. Now, there’s no five-door fastback version, but there is a hugely handsome Touring estate model, and it’s very good to drive. Tremendous interior quality too. Only problem? Mazda has dropped diesel engines from its line-up, but the 2.0-litre petrol is an excellent unit, and surprisingly economical.

Finally, you could go for one, last Mondeo. It’s coming to the end of its production life right now, but it’s still a firm favourite of ours, and with it being on run-out, you’ll get some proper bargains if you want to buy one of the last ones. 

Read our Skoda Superb reviews

Read our Mazda6 reviews

Read our Ford Mondeo reviews

Expert answer

Hi Karen,

The Alhambra is an excellent choice, and to be honest it’s probably the one we’d go for, though there are no petrol or hybrid versions as you probably know.

However, Ford is just now introducing hybrid versions of both the S-Max and Galaxy and those could well be worth checking out, not least because Ford has some very sharp 212-plate offers around at the moment, so you may be able to nab yourself a bargain.

If you want some other hybrid seven-seat options, you’re really looking at large SUVs, which are expensive to buy and run. The best ones are plug-in hybrids, too, but you did say that you don't have a way to plug a car in at home, so perhaps those are not for you.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi John,

We really can’t comment with any accuracy on a specific car, sight unseen. However… the charitable answer could be that the 1.6 TDI diesel is rather unfashionable, especially in a car as small as the A1 (the 1.0 TSI petrol engine was always the better seller), so it could be that the previous owners decided that diesel wasn’t for them and the dealership has since struggled to move it on.

That said, we’d tread carefully. Have you gotten an independent history check through the likes of Cartell.ie? It might also be worth getting an AA Inspection, which will go through the car with a fine toothcomb and find anything that’s wrong. In theory, buying a car that’s been idle shouldn’t present a major problem, but we always work to the rule that mechanical devices are at their best when used, and regularly serviced, rather than left to sit. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Read our Skoda Kamiq reviews here

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.

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.

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

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.

Expert answer

Hi Eric,

That engine has a timing chain, with no scheduled changes. It's designed for the life of the engine.

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.

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.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

I'm afraid we have no way to reliably get that figure and, if a car is presented for inspection without acceptable proof of the figure, the maximum will be assumed. That maximum is €600 for a petrol car. Bear in mind that, in 2022, that car would be considered a classic and would not be subjected to the NOx levy if imported and registered then.

Read our How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland? feature for more.

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

If you're talking about a regular combustion-engined petrol or diesel car and their 12-volt battery, then yes, assuming the alternator is working properly, it will be driven by the engine and will charge up the battery so long as the electrical load from the battery is less than it can supply.

If you're referring to plug-in hybrids, and their high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, then it's not as simple as that and it differs per model and even depends on the driving mode. Most will, by default, use the battery to the fullest before starting up the engine and then may not charge the battery much except for kinetic energy recovered during braking. The idea is that you plug them in to charge up the battery regularly for maximum efficiency. However, most of them have a setting to override that and actively charge up the battery using the engine. It's usually activated by a button or option in the infotainment menu.

Expert answer

Hi John,

For a petrol car, the new CO₂ rating = (old NEDC rating x 0.9227) + 34.554g/km
For a diesel car, the new CO₂ rating = (old NEDC rating x 1.1405) + 12.858g/km

Expert answer

Hi Thomas, 

It certainly will.

The NOx levy calculation has been tweaked slightly, as detailed in our How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland? feature, with the €15 per mg rate starting earlier on.

The changes to the VRT bands will also likely have an effect, but the largest change is the 'uplifting' of the CO₂ rating to WLTP-equivalent values.

For a petrol car, the new CO₂ rating = (old NEDC rating x 0.9227) + 34.554g/km

For a diesel car, the new CO₂ rating = (old NEDC rating x 1.1405) + 12.858g/km

This will significantly raise the CO₂ rating, putting the imported cars into a higher VRT band, with likely much higher costs.

We did such a calculation for another reader here if you're interested: Should I register my imported Mercedes now?

Expert answer

Hi Maeve,

Assuming your car is taxed according to its engine size, then there will be no changes to its taxation from January 2021. If it's taxed according to its CO₂ emissions, it's possible that there will be a small increase, but nothing drastic. We don't have the full details of the new motor tax scheme as yet.

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

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

OK, we THINK (emphasis on the think, as reliable NOx emissions for older vehicles are hard to come by) that the 1990s SL 320 had NOx emissions of around 177mg/km. Now, that’s a heck of a lot of NOx and would lead to a charge of €3,025 in just the NOx levy alone. However, the Revenue website says that "If satisfactory evidence of NOx emissions cannot be provided then maximum charges will apply.” And the good news is that the maximum charge for a petrol-engined vehicle is just €600, so as long as you can show that there is no reliable figure (and we doubt that there is) then you should be fine.

OK, we THINK (emphasis on the think, as reliable NOX emissions for older vehicles are very hard to come by) that the 1990s SL 320 had NOX emissions of around 177mg/km. Now, that’s a heck of a lot of NOX and would lead to a charge of €3,025 in just thew NOX levy alone. However, the Revenue website says that "If satisfactory evidence of NOx emissions cannot be provided then maximum charges will apply.” And the good news is that the maximum charge for a petrol-engined vehicle is just €600, so as long as you can show that there is no reliable figure (and we doubt that there is) then you should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Tim,

The 120i is due to come at the end this year, with 184hp and with the M Sport suspension should be a bit of fun to drive. However, I don’t think it will be as engaging as the 128ti. Not only will the 128ti still have a power advantage, I suspect there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality to what the 120i might offer. The 128ti has compliance in the suspension and involving steering that makes to a real joy to drive. More details for the car are due in the coming days, so take a closer look then and see if it helps make up your mind. 

Expert answer

Hi Michelle,

At that kind of mileage, at motorway speeds, most people will find a diesel car more economical. Just make sure you go for as new a model as possible within budget so you know you're driving the cleanest and most future-proof car you can that still fits your needs.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The T5 hybrid version of the Volvo XC40 (read our review of it here) is front-wheel drive only, as you said, while the XC60 T8 hybrid (here's our review of that) has an electric motor on the rear axle, giving the car all-wheel drive at times. 

As to your second question, lane-keeping aid/assist technology is quite different to what Volvo calls Pilot Assist. The former can warn a driver if they're wandering out of lane and assist with a small steering correction if needs be, while Pilot Assist is an advanced for of active cruise control that also helps with steering inputs.

Expert answer

Hi John,

As far as we know, there is no fuel station in Ireland selling 98 octane fuel. Circle K has a 97 octane fuel. If you really want to up the octane rating then you'll have to add aftermarket octane boosters each and every time you fill the tank, I'm afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

If the specific model isn’t shown, then you can make a rough back-of-a-napkin calculation based on the CO₂ emissions and the prices that such a car would sell for In Ireland. The 508 1.6 turbo GT-Line’s emissions of 125g/km put it into Band B1 for VRT, which means 18 per cent of the Irish market price. That price is a little difficult to calculate as most 508s sold here in 2019 were diesel, but values seem to run between €25,000 to €30,000 — so, splitting the difference, 18 per cent of €27,500 is €4,950. The NOx levy on top of that will only be €135. 

Obviously all of this is an approximation only.

Expert answer

Hi Nittin,

With such low mileage, it's sensible to stay away from diesel power for sure. The 1.6-litre petrol engine works pretty well, though be aware that the front-wheel-drive X-Trail can struggle for traction in wet conditions. 

Read our review of the 1.6-litre petrol Nissan X-Trail here

Expert answer

Hi Dean,

Not specifically. Pre-2008 motor tax is calculated on engine capacity, so there’s no direct distinction between petrol or diesel engines. 

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Yup, such are the vagaries of the CO₂-based tax system that we switched to in 2008. The idea was to reward those choosing vehicles with lower emissions, and that is often most starkly shown up when you start looking at older cars with larger engines versus newer models, which probably have much more power, but have smaller, more efficient engines. Of course there’s an argument that says that keeping an old car going, rather than buying a new one, is actually overall better for the environment, but that’s not going to wash with the tax authorities I’m afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Tommy,

Sorry, but no. As far as Revenue and the motor tax system are concerned, a car will always be taxed on its original, homologated figure, whether that be the engine’s swept capacity or its CO₂ emissions.  An LPG conversion is considered an aftermarket modification and so isn’t taken into account for tax purposes. 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

Yup, the problem is that 2008 was the switchover year to CO₂-based taxation, and the old Toyota petrol engines were pretty high up the charts in that respect. Actually, are you sure it’s 1.4? Because we only have data for a Corolla Verso with a 1.6-litre engine from that year. That engine had emissions of 177g/km, which would account for the high motor tax cost, but in theory a vehicle bought in 2008 should be eligible to revert to the old engine capacity system, which would bring down the cost a little. It’s certainly worth raising the issue with your local motor tax office to see what’s possible.

Expert answer

Hi Chee,

The Countryman SE plug-in hybrid can, potentially, be capable of tremendous fuel economy, but it all depends on how you use it. If you (a) have a driveway or a garage and (b) can install a home charger and (c) tend to do short hops around town most of the time, then conceivably you could get from one end of the week to the next without burning any petrol at all. The Countryman SE will do in and around 30-35km (realistically) on a full charge of the battery. If you’re regularly taking on longer journeys, though, it gets a bit thirstier and can dip as low as 25mpg if you’re really using all the power. That said it is, as with pretty much all MINI models, really good to drive.

The RAV4 is not. Well, not that it’s bad to drive or anything, but it’s not sharp and rewarding like the MINI. That said, it’s squishy and comfortable, so if you’re on lots of long journeys, it’s great, and it’s massively roomy inside, much more so than the MINI, so with one kid and another on the way, that’s worth taking into account. Being a closed-loop hybrid with no plug-in version (yet) it’s also better for you if you don’t have a driveway or can’t install a charging point. Figure on about 6.0-6.5 litres per 100km overall, although you can get better than that on longer, gentler runs. Oh, and it should be more or less faultlessly reliable, too. 

Read our MINI Countryman reviews here

Read our Toyota RAV reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Nicola,

Sadly, that is the correct rate. A 2009 Auris, which would have been on the CO₂ tax system from the get-go, with the 1.4-litre VVTi petrol engine, has CO₂ emissions of 163g/km, and is therefore liable for €570 a year in motor tax or, as you currently pay, €160 every quarter. 

Expert answer

Hi William,

The 1.6-litre petrol engine's belt of that era requires a change every 160,000km or eight years, whichever comes first. 

For the 1.6-litre diesel, it depends on when the engine was manufactured. Pre July 2011, it's 140,000km and ten years, and after that it's 180,000km or ten years.

Expert answer

Hi Wilstan,

Assuming you mean the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, our information is that the belt should be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, neither of which applies to your car.

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

It depends on which petrol-engined version of the Audi A1 that you mean. The basic 1.2 TFSI, with 86hp, has CO₂ emissions of 118g/km, so will cost €200 a year to tax. The 122hp 1.4-litre TFSI has CO₂ emissions of 126g/km, so will cost €270 a year. Oddly, the more powerful 140hp engine is rated at between 109g/km and 113g/km, so will cost between €190 and €200 a year. 

Expert answer

Hi Marietta,

I think a Skoda Karoq might be a good bet for you. It’s a roomy car, and a safe one too, for the grandkids. Get it with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and it’ll be economical on those short runs to town and back, and good enough on those four regular long journeys. It's cheap to tax, and Skoda makes reliable cars, so it should cover all bases. 

Read our Skoda Karoq reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

We'd suspect the battery or alternator aren't performing at their best. Stop-start issues are very commonplace, across all cars. So much so that we've written a feature for drivers on the subject: Why won't my car's stop-start system work?

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The first generation 330e has an electric-only range, on a fully-charged battery, of 40km (about 30km in real-world use) and the new, and current, version is claimed to be able to get 65km out of a full charge. Here are links to our reviews of both, which may give you more information:

2017 BMW 330e review

2020 BMW 330e review

Expert answer

Hi James,

The Qashqai has long been one of the most popular cars on the market, and with good reason — it’s roomy, quite stylish, decent to drive and mostly reliable. We say "mostly” as there have been reported issues with turbocharger problems (although those seem to affect the diesel engined version rather more) and suspension problems. With a five-year-old car, we’d recommend getting an inspection by someone like the AA to ascertain if there are any serious issues with the car, and of course do a full history and background check with Cartell.ie.

Other than that, as long as it comes with a full service history, it should be a good buy.

Read our Nissan Qashqai Mk2 (2014-2021) used car buying guide for more.

Expert answer

Hi Rebecca,

You've not given us the year or engine size, so here's a summary:

Kuga gen 1 (2008-2013): both engines (2.0 TDCi diesel and 2.5-litre petrol) use timing belts that must be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Kuga gen 2 (2013-2020): the 1.5 and 1.6 EcoBoost petrol engines and the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine have timing belts that must be changed every 200,000km or 10 years, whichever comes first. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses a timing chain. 

Unusually, the schedule for the 1.5 TDCi diesel engine's timing belt replacement depends on the model year. Up to 2018 it's the same as the others above, but after 2018, the interval is reduced to 180,000km.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Actually, yes, it is. If you’re in the market for a small crossover, the original 2008 was one of the better ones. Aside from a slightly cheap-feeling cabin, it was good to drive, reasonably roomy, well-made and reliable. Good choice.

Read our Peugeot 2008 reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Joanne,

If it’s just the one car you want, then I think your best bet would be a Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or possibly a SEAT Alhambra. All three cars do all the important family hauling work really well, and the two Fords will tow a maximum 2,000kg load, while the Alhambra can haul as much as 2,400kg.

If you want to go down the two-car route, then maybe go for a Mercedes E-Class Estate, with the fold-down seats in the boot, as the family machine and a Volkswagen Amarok pickup (the early model with the 2.0-litre turbo engine so as to keep the tax costs down) as the tow-car. It can haul a whopping 3,500kg, but is also comfy and refined enough to be a daily driver.

Read our Ford S-Max reviews

Read our Ford Galaxy reviews

Read our Mercedes E-Class reviews

Read our SEAT Alhambra reviews

Read our Volkswagen Amarok reviews

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

It will depend on the make, model and year. Motor tax is calculated based on the car’s CO₂ emissions, and that’s specific to each individual model. Unless of course it’s a pre-2008 car, in which case tax for a 1.2-litre engine is €330 per year.

Expert answer

Hi Gavin,

In terms of roominess, there’s no contest — the Civic is the winner here, by a long chalk. Bigger in the boot, too. Actually, we really like the current edition of the Civic. In terms of exterior and interior design, the Golf is ahead, but the Civic is actually the sweeter of the two to drive, and being a Honda it will almost certainly never break. Go for the Civic. 

Read our Honda Civic reviews

Read our Volkswagen Golf reviews

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

If it’s a full LPG conversion — i.e. the entire petrol fuel system has been removed and replaced — then there may be some way of applying for a lower VRT rate. Revenue doesn’t currently allow for LPG in its NOx ratings, and the likelihood is that if the car is still capable of running on petrol, then it will still be charged at the normal rate.

The really tricky part is the acceptance of the figures. In theory, Revenue will only accept the NOx figure taken from the car’s original Certificate Of Conformity, which obviously won’t cover any later conversions. I think the first thing to do is to get every scrap of papwerwork relating to the LPG conversion, and then have a long chat with your local motor tax office. 

Expert answer

Hi Laurie,

Well, keeping an old car going is often the cheaper solution, but obviously we can understand the desire for something a little newer. The Rio is a decent choice — reliable and economical — but to be honest it’s a bit of a bland machine. I think you’d be better by far simply upgrading to a newer Kia Ceed. The second-generation model, launched in 2012, feels really sophisticated and is actually very good to drive. With your 60km daily mileage, it would probably be worth looking for another petrol version, rather than going for a diesel. 

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

The government knows the emissions of each vehicle simply because each vehicle is put through a series of official laboratory tests as part of the process of homologation — the legal process whereby a car is pronounced as passed for sale to the public - and that data is made available by the car manufacturers. As for which is cheaper to tax, it’s down to the CO₂ emissions and we’d have to know which make and models you’re looking at before we could give you a precise answer, but in most cases, for a given car, the diesel would have lower CO₂ emissions and hence motor tax.

Expert answer

Hi Nithin,

You’re kind of shopping in two separate segments of the market, there — small city cars (such as the Up and the i10) and larger superminis (such as the Yaris and Clio). If it’s one of the small ones you want, then the decision is kind of made for you. The Up is one of our favourites, but there’s no automatic option, so the Hyundai it has to be. No bad thing — it’s an excellent car.

If you fancy something a little larger and roomier, then I’d suggest going for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid — it gets you the automatic transmission you want, plus you’re future-proofing yourself a little with the hybrid powertrain.

Hyundai i10 reviews

Skoda Citigo reviews

Kia Picanto reviews

Toyota Yaris reviews

SEAT Ibiza reviews

SEAT Mii reviews

Opel Corsa reviews

Peugeot 108 reviews

Renault Clio reviews

Volkswagen Up reviews

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

I’m afraid this is a bit like asking us how long a piece of string might be… Especially given the current coronavirus crisis. It’s simply impossible for us to tell quite where the car market is going to go in the next while. Broadly speaking, we are moving steadily towards an electric future, and so — yes — diesel values will be under pressure in the coming years. That said, the current crisis might push the market back a little, and it’s possible that for the next little while, people might be more keen to go with something familiar, rather than taking risks on new tech.

Given all of that, and given that you’re looking at a three-year timeline, I think you’d be OK buying a diesel, especially in a premium model like an Audi. While it’s certainly possible that values may not hold up quite as strongly as they have done, it should still be solid enough, and of course you can insulate yourself — to an extent — by buying on a PCP plan with a guaranteed minimum future value.

Expert answer

Hi Denise,

If you’re not doing big miles every week, then the diesel Avensis just makes no sense (other than the fact that it’s a bit bigger and comfier than the Corolla). With relatively low mileage you’re much better off with a petrol engine, and besides — even if your husband is using it occasionally for longer runs — that Toyota 1.4 engine is very economical so I think the Corolla is the best choice here.

Expert answer

Hi Lynn,

There are actually a huge number of tax breaks for disabled drivers in Ireland, including exemption from paying Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on new cars or imports, plus a repayment of any VAT spent on converting or adapting a vehicle to your needs. You’ll need to be able to provide a Primary Medical Certificate, which you may need to wait until you’ve moved here to get, as it’ll have to come from your local Health Service Executive (HSE) office - although it’s possible that a UK cert would also be acceptable.

You can claim back the VRT and VAT on a new vehicle of up to 6,000cc engine capacity, and there’s also a fuel grant of 60c per litre for petrol, and 49c per litre for diesel, which can be reclaimed at the end of each year (up to a maximum of 2,370 litres). You’ll also be exempt from annual road tax, and you can find out more on all of this by getting in touch with your local Motor Tax office.

Expert answer

Hi Anne Marie.

Well, normally for a learner driver and for mostly in-town driving, we’d recommend a hatchback, rather than an SUV or crossover, but if your heart is set on one… Of the list you’ve given us below, the Toyota is the best, although arguably as a 1.2-litre petrol, you’re not getting the best C-HR (which is the hybrid, but then that’s an automatic). The Volkswagen T-Cross would be an excellent choice, has a brilliant little 1.0-litre engine and is a bit more upright and square than the others, so is a bit easier to see out of, which might be helpful for your daughter while she’s learning. The Kona would also be an excellent choice, but we’d also add the Suzuki Vitara to your list as its a solid and rugged choice - and hugely reliable. 

Read our Renault Captur reviews

Read our Nissan Juke reviews

Read our Volkswagen T-Cross reviews

Read our Hyundai Kona reviews

Read our Opel Crossland X reviews

Read our Hyundai ix20 reviews

Read our Toyota C-HR reviews

Read our Suzuki Vitara reviews

Expert answer

Hi Maria,

Both are very good. We’d rate the Hyundai for its reliability, neat styling and roomy cabin, and the Astra for its peachy chassis and steering. Worth considering the turbocharged petrol versions of both, too, as they make more sense overall than diesel, unless you’re doing mega-miles every week.

Read our 2013 Hyundai i30 review

Read our Opel Astra reviews

Expert answer

Hi Gavin,

I'm afraid the registration you gave us came back as a Hyundai on Cartell.ie, so we assume there's a typo there. However, looking at the 2008 Focus:

1.4/1.6 petrol: timing belt

1.6/2.0 TDCi diesel: timing belt, with small timing chain at back of engine joining the camshafts

1.8 TDCi diesel: timing belt, with separate belt or chain for high-pressure pump drive

1.8/2.0 petrol: timing chain

Hopefully that covers your car, but come back to us if not, with more details.

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

Well, the NOx tax isn’s about the size of the engine, it’s about the NOx emissions, which are not specifically related to the size. It could be worth getting on to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, who may be able to provide you with a specific NOx figure for the car you’re talking about, but otherwise, just be thankful it’s not a diesel — those are subject to a maximum €4,850 extra in NOx tax if you can’t provide an accurate figure. 

Expert answer

Hi Shaun,

That engine has a timing belt. It should be changed every 210,000km regardless of time.

Expert answer

Hi Wafaa,

Well, obviously vehicle weight will vary according to engine and equipment, but let’s take the best-case scenario in all cases: petrol engine and a manual gearbox (except in the case of the Toyota, which is only available as a hybrid). The officially quoted kerb weights are: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo - 1,205kg. Renault Megane 1.3 TCe - 1,231kg. Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid CVT - 1,345kg

Expert answer

Hi Mick,

You should be able to get a figure from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. According to Revenue: "If a NOx figure cannot be provided for a vehicle then a flat charge will apply.” For a petrol-engined car that’s a maximum of €600, so it’s not the worst news in the world (a diesel-engined car would be charged as much as €4,850).

Expert answer

Hi John,

There's a lot less going on in the exhaust aftertreatment of a modern petrol engine than the equivalent diesel so I suspect the diesel needs the warm-up more. It may also be due to the extra strain on the starter and battery due to the high compression of the diesel engine. When the oil is cold, the friction may be higher, causing a higher strain again. 

Either way, it's nothing to worry about.

Expert answer

Hi Gino,

That Ford 1.6 TDCi diesel engine is one of the most common engines around, as it has also been used by Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It has one major vulnerable spot and that is that sooty, gummy deposits can build up in areas that are supposed to be kept cool and lubricated by oil. If the deposits build up enough, they can block the oil passage and cause component failure — most commonly of the turbocharger. The best way to prevent that happening is with regular servicing (at least once a year depending on mileage) and making sure that you always use a high-quality grade of synthetic oil for the engine.

The 1.6 petrol engine, the 100hp version, is a much simpler unit and it’s pretty reliable, mostly because it’s a much older design. It won’t be as economical nor as punchy in its performance as the diesel, but if it’s reliability you’re looking for, it might be the better option. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

That engine uses a timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Unfortunately, Revenue and the VRT process are inexplicably cruel in this regard. You have to pay the money before you appeal, but the good news is that more than 50 per cent of appeals are successful. It would be helpful to find some expert in Japanese vehicles (and I would suggest tracking down a garage that imports them regularly) to give you their opinion on the value, as Revenue is legendarily awful at coming up with reasonable values for unusual cars.

As for the NOx charge, I would ask for a statement in writing from the VRT/NCT office that you brought the car for inspection before January, but were told to come back afterwards. That might (emphasis on the might) get that waived when you make your appeal.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Very roughly speaking, its performance is equivalent to an old 1.4 or even 1.6-litre petrol engine with no turbocharger.

You might find our review (with video) of the Octavia 1.0 TSI interesting.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

It would have been useful to have more details about the car, such as age and engine, as it varies considerably. I'll deal with the 2013 on model, which is still in production.

All 1.2-litre petrol engines:
 - up to Sep 2014, 180,000km/10 years
- Oct 2014 to Apr 2017, 175,000km/10 years
- from then on, 100,000km/6 years first, then every 200,000km/12 years

1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel: every 180,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre diesel engines: 175,000km or 10 years

All 1.6-litre THP petrol engines: timing chain

1.6-litre VTi petrol engine: 150,000km or 10 years

All 2.0-litre diesel engines: every 180,000km or 10 years

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Well, fuel consumption depends very much on your own driving style and where (and to an extent when) you do most of your driving. That said, in general, we wouldn’t expect that 1.0 TSI engine to be much thirstier overall than the 1.6 diesel. In our tests, both engines are in and around as economical as each other and you should expect to get around 50mpg from either with a light foot. The diesel may be a little better than the petrol option at a sustained high-speed cruise. However, with such low annual mileage, we suspect that the petrol engine will cost less to maintain in the long run. It's probably the best option for you.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Every gearbox is different and our advice would be to follow the manufacturer advice. For life means for life, with no limit on mileage, odd as that sounds.

Expert answer

Hi Roy,

You haven’t said whether this is a BMW 420i (petrol) or a 420d (diesel), so we’ve checked both. For a 420d diesel, the VRT charge is going to be in the region of €3,900 depending on the specific spec of the car. For a petrol 420i, it’s going to be pretty similar — around €3,500. There will be NOx tax charges on top of that, but thankfully even the older 4 Series diesel models were very NOx-efficient, just 23mg/km officially, so that’ll only be an extra €115 onto the VRT for the diesel. Oddly, the petrol 420i was actually a little worse off for NOx (28mg/km) so that’ll cost you €140 extra.

Expert answer

Hi Len,

It has a timing belt, which must be changed at least every 200,000km or 10 years - whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Elroy,

The only 1.6-litre engine fitted to the 2014 Kuga was the petrol-fuelled EcoBoost unit. It uses a timing belt, which must be changed at least every 200,000km or 10 years - whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Tamas,

Well, it depends on which version of Zafira each one is. From the detail you’ve given there on the tax costs, I’d suspect that the 141 car has the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine, the 129g/km of CO₂ emissions of which would put it in Band B2 for a €280 tax cost. Is the 161 car a 1.4 turbo petrol? Because that version’s 156g/km emissions put it just into the €570 Band D. Or the discrepancy could be down to one having an automatic gearbox, instead of a manual. Without more details, I’m afraid, we can’t be sure. 

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

We have indeed reviewed the A-Class Saloon and you can read our thoughts on the car here. As for whether it’s good value for money, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Compared to other similarly-priced cars — Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, or Opel Insignia for example — it’s not good value as you’re paying the same or more for a smaller car, probably with less standard equipment. That three-pointed star on the bonnet costs a fair bit… On the other hand, viewing the A-Class Saloon as a slightly smaller (but not that much so) alternative to the C-Class saloon — an entirely valid point of view — it’s actually really good value. Models available range from the basic A 180 petrol and A 180 d diesel versions, through A 200 and A 200 d, all the way up to the slightly rabid 300hp A 35 AMG model. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Basically, rocking up to an inspection with a Lamborghini is a licence for Revenue to charge you whatever it fancies… I wouldn’t be surprised to see a VRT bill of more than €30-40,000 for this one. 

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The second-generation Octavia launched in 2004, which means you're most likely looking at two completely different generations of the model. There will be some small number of parts potentially shared across both, but not a lot at all, especially as the engines are also different.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

We certainly have noticed this trait in all Volkswagen Group DSG-based gearboxes (that's what the S tronic transmission is) and their attendant engines of late. The only explanation seems to be that VW’s various brands have trimmed back both engine power and responsiveness at low speeds, and especially at idle or when waking up from a stop-start cycle, in order to optimise their figures in the new WLTP emissions and economy tests. VW is certainly not the only one to do this, but it does seem to be more obvious with VW Group models than with some other manufacturers. Shifting the gearbox into Sport helps a bit, but it’s not a total fix.

One cure might be a total vehicle upgrade — we’ve noticed that the new ‘Evo’ versions of the 1.5 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines are noticeably less sleepy. Or, alternatively, trade in for a version with a manual gearbox — that is the simplest cure of all.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Is that a 100km round trip every day? Or 100km each way? Either way, you could potentially get away with a fully-electric car, assuming that you can charge at home and charge again at work. Either way, though, you’ll have to spend big and go for one of the latest electric cars with a  50kWh or 62kWh  battery, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric or the new Renault Zoe. What could well be an easier (and much cheaper) option would be to go for a hybrid. There’s only one hybrid-engined car in the Polo-size class at the moment, and that’s the Toyota Yaris. The current version is pretty good, but there is an  all-new one coming next year, so you might be best off waiting for that to appear. By then, the new Honda Jazz, also a hybrid, should be available. Or, you could keep it a lot simpler and go for a new Polo with the excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It'll be tough to beat your diesel Polo for outright economy, though.

Expert answer

Hi Margot,

Well, you could go for the alternative option to both — the Toyota Auris Hybrid estate. Lots of space and excellent economy. I’ve put my reputation on the line recommending these to a couple of friends recently and so far, I’ve not been told off for sticking them with a bad car...

Other good alternatives are the Peugeot 308 SW, the Kia Ceed SportWagon, the VW Golf Estate and the Skoda Octavia Combi. The only issue, really, is finding any of these — estate sales in Ireland are so small that you may have to consider an import.

Here are our relevant reviews to help you decide:

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review

Peugeot 308 SW review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Skoda Octavia reviews

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

Assuming this is the current shape Mondeo, and that you're talking about the 2.0 TDCi diesel engine (the 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses a timing chain, not a belt), then the interval is at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years - whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Leigh,

It depends on the engine. There's a timing chain in the 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol engines and a timing belt in the 2.0-litre diesels. The 2.2 diesel, which only went into production in 2005, has a timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

That petrol engine in the Qashqai has a timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Yes you’re right — the T8’s acceleration is a combination of the engine and the electric motor working in concert. When you run the battery down in electric-only mode, it will always keep a minimal charge on board, so that the car can then function in hybrid mode. If you use maximum acceleration repeatedly and in quick succession, you might well reach a point where the battery cries enough, but it will have charged up again — from both the engine and the regenerative braking system — to go again within a few minutes. 

Wall chargers generally cost around €900 to €1,000 fully installed, but there’s a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland available that will cover up to €600 of that.

Finally, you’re absolutely right — a V60 only gives away a 31-litre advantage to the larger V90 when it comes to boot space.

Expert answer

Hi John,

That's kinda a 'how long is a piece of string?' question, as no two engines are created equally. I mean, every different 1.6-litre diesel engine has a different realistic life span. And while it's reasonable to presume that a diesel engine is designed to be driven over higher mileage, I don't believe that manufacturers aim for 'worse' durability for their smaller petrol engines. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Read our Toyota Auris reviews here

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:

Our Porsche Macan reviews

Our Maserati Levante reviews

Our Volvo XC60 reviews

Our Audi SQ5 review

Our Audi SQ7 review

Our Range Rover reviews

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Read our Audi A3 reviews here

Read our Mercedes-Benz CLA reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Abala,

I'm afraid that the 2019 model is the same one as tested by EuroNCAP in 2017, at this link.

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

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.

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.

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.

Expert answer

Hi Lee,

There’s a lot of weighing up in this, but it’s mostly about the finances. The car will, to all intents and purposes, be identical in either scenario, PCP deals are tempting, because of their low monthly repayments, but don’t forget that they are a lease, not a purchase, so you have to keep the vehicle to an agreed standard and condition, or there will be penalty costs at the end of the three years.

There shouldn’t be any issue in terms of depreciation, but obviously a 2017 car will be worth less than a new car at the end of three years, but then you’ve paid less up front for it in the first place, so it should more or less balance out.

Of course, buying from the UK, you won't be able to trade in your current car, so you'll have to factor in the hassle of selling that yourself.

Expert answer

Hi Evan,

That does seem like an anomaly. According to our data, a 1.6 petrol Jetta with a manual gearbox from 2009 should have emissions of 165g/km, so should be taxed in Band D, on €570 a year, not €750 a year. I’d raise a query with your local motor tax office. 

Expert answer

Hi Colin,

Yup, Mercedes will be bringing the CLA 220 and CLA 250 diesel models, with their 2.0-litre engines, to the market in due course, but the CLA is launching initially in Ireland with the lower-power petrol and diesel versions. The rest will follow over the next few months.

Expert answer

Hi Francis,

The cost of the parts and the labour will vary considerably depending on where you get the work done and where the parts are bought from. We can tell you that the work, on the 1.2-litre petrol engine, should take about five hours in total.

Expert answer

Hi Jackie,

There is no simple answer to that one I'm afraid. I assume this query comes off the back of this news story. That Ferrari cost close to €200,000 to convert, but every car is different - and the owner has a lot of input into the conversion, which can alter the price. 

Needless to say it is an expensive project to undertake by any measure.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

OK, we’ve had a look around on this one and we think we’ve found a possible solution. It’s true that the Irish insurance industry isn’t as up to speed as some others when it comes to conversions such as this, but the nice people at insuremycars.ie said that they’d be willing to take a look. They told us that: "The main concern would be who is doing the work – is it a professional firm or a bit of a DIY? An engineer's report would be required too, and it may have to be an engineer on the insurer's panel and this could be at the client's cost.” So there are a few hoops to jump through but it’s not a no. 

Expert answer

Hi Zura,

OK, the good news is that you’ve got a clean record and a decent budget. The bad news, I’m afraid, is that an Irish insurer just won’t care about any of that. As far as they’re concerned, you’re starting with a blank slate. Sorry to have to tell you that, but the sad fact is that Irish insurers are incredibly hard to deal with and incredibly expensive on top.

I would think that €1,200 should be enough to cover a Focus 1.6 (especially given that you’re in your mid-thirties, which is considered a safe age), but it could be a safer bet to go for the Yaris, as insurers prefer a 1.0-litre engine (it’s an outdated view, but there you go). It would definitely be worth getting in touch with a good local insurance broker, though. They can often find better deals than are available through the usual websites etc. so definitely worth having a chat with.

Expert answer

Hi Sinani,

That is indeed very poor fuel consumption. Lots of things could cause that, though one known issue in the early 2.5-litre petrol X3 is a cracked intake manifold. If that is your problem, then it will require replacement.

Best bet is to have the car looked at by a good mechanic.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yes, it’s a very solid shortlist, although obviously we can’t comment either way on the Tiguan plug-in hybrid as we’ve not driven one yet. As for the Honda and the Toyota, the Honda is roomier and rather more engaging to drive (better for all those twisty roads) so is probably the one we’d go for. The new RAV4 is well worth looking at, though, and it has impressive performance, so it’s good for all that overtaking. Links to our reviews below:

Honda CR-V Hybrid review

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Karla,

Your best bet is to use it as a trade-in against your next purchase. A dealer may offer you more than it's worth to sweeten the deal.

Expert answer

Hi Orla,

Get the Skoda. Trust me, as the father of two growing boys a Qashqai is just not big enough inside. The Octavia, on the other hand, has lots of rear legroom (crucial for people in rear-facing child seats or boosters) and a massive boot, especially if you go for the very practical Combi estate version. If you’re looking for other alternatives, stick within the mid-size estate market — they’re much more practical for families than a compact SUV, and usually cheaper too run too. Oh, and they’re not much bigger than the hatchbacks they’re based on, so parking etc. is still a doddle.

Good alternatives to the Skoda are the Ford Focus Estate, the Kia Ceed Sportswagon, the Hyundai i30 Tourer and the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Click on those links to read our reviews of each.

Expert answer

Hi Marc,

The only 1.6 Kuga we know if is the 2013-2015 Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost petrol. It uses a timing belt - change it at least every 200,000 kilometres or every 10 years, whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Generally speaking, long-term hybrid reliability seems to be excellent. It probably helps that most hybrids that have been built and sold so far have been made by those paragons of reliability, Honda and Toyota. Both companies say that many of their older hybrid models — first generation Prius dating back to 1997, and Civic IMAs dating back to 2002 — are still on the road and in regular use. Indeed, Honda says that it has never had to replace a battery pack on models such as the post-2010 Insight or the little-seen Jazz Hybrid. Toyota says similar things about older Prius and Auris models, and points to the huge numbers of those cars being used on taxi fleets, racking up mega-miles with no major reliability issues to report. That’s likely helped by two things — electric motors are simple and therefore generally reliable, and most hybrid cars on the road at the moment use older-style nickel batteries, which aren’t as energy-dense as newer lithium-ion batteries, but which again are simple, rugged and reliable.

Even if you do need to eventually replace a battery pack, it’s not that expensive to do so — a second generation Prius pack change costs around €1,400 — not far off what you’d have to pay for a major engine rebuild or replacement, and you’re about as likely to need one. Basically, the advice is as for any second hand purchase — buy on condition, not mileage, make sure it has a full and complete service history and, if you have any concerns in the longer term, consider taking out a second-hand warranty programme.

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

At 20,000km a year, you’re just on the cusp of choosing between diesel and petrol, so I’d tread carefully, and make sure you do your sums before you decide. Of the four cars you’ve mentioned, the ix35 is the oldest in tech terms and, although it’s a decent car, it’s feeling pretty out of date by now. The Qashqai is the nicest to drive, but both the Tucson and the Sportage are more roomy, so with kids to cart around, I’d go for one of those. It sort of doesn’t matter which — mechanically, they’re identical, so it comes down to which one you prefer on a personal level, and which one you can get the better deal on. Also, do consider a SEAT Ateca. They start from 2016, and the 1.4-litre turbo petrol is a terrific combo of performance and economy. Here are links to the relevant reviews to help you decide further:

Hyundai ix35 reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

Kia Sportage reviews

Hyundai Tucson reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Currently you can buy the following hybrids on the Irish market: Toyota Corolla, CH-R, RAV4, Prius, Yaris, and there are probably a few run-out  examples of the Auris Hybrid out there still in dealerships. There’s also the Kia Niro and the Hyundai Ioniq. There’s the full Lexus range — CT, IS, RC, GS, ES, LS, NX, RX and LC. There’s the Ford Mondeo Hybrid, too. There’s the new Honda CR-V Hybrid, some Mercedes diesel-hybrids and petrol plug-in hybrids, oh and the new AMG 53 six-cylinder mild hybrids.

Suzuki does mild hybrids too — for the Baleno, Swift and Ignis. Then there are the plug-in hybrids — Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq again, plus the Volvo XC90 and XC60 T8 models, along with the S90 and V90; the BMW i8, 330e, 530e, X5 40e, 225xe, and the MINI Countryman S E; there’s also the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-ins, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Volkswagen Golf and Passat GTE, the Audi Q7 e-tron and the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne.

I bet I've forgotten some...

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

Titanium and Zetec are just trim level names and have nothing to do with the engine.

Assuming you're asking about the first-gen Ford S-Max (2006-2015), then here's the lay of the land:

1.6 TDCi diesel: timing belt

1.6 EcoBoost petrol: timing belt

1.8 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.0 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.0 petrol (all versions including EcoBoost): timing chain

2.2 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.3 petrol: timing chain

2.5 petrol: timing belt

Expert answer

Hi Tunde,

Titanium is just a trim level name and has nothing to do with the engine.

Assuming you're asking about the first-gen Ford S-Max (2006-2015), then here's the lay of the land:

1.6 TDCi diesel: timing belt

1.6 EcoBoost petrol: timing belt

1.8 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.0 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.0 petrol (all versions including EcoBoost): timing chain

2.2 TDCi diesel: timing belt

2.3 petrol: timing chain

2.5 petrol: timing belt

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

The A16LET engine is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit according to our records, producing 179hp and manufactured from 2009 to 2014. 

If your engine is pre-2010, the recommended change interval is 150,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first. For engines made after that date, it's still 150,000 kilometres, but the maximum time between changes is six years.

Expert answer

Hi Eimear,

It’s a tricky one and it kind of depends on what age of car you’re looking at. I think with your driving profile and the fact that, as you say, you don’t drive much in town, hybrid may not be right for you. Emphasis on the ‘may.’

If you’re buying a new hybrid, that equation changes a little. The current Toyota Prius, for example, gets an easy 65mpg on the motorway, which is better than I’ve ever got out of any diesel. Ditto the Kia Niro plugin-hybrid. It’s not just new cars either. A few years back I squeezed better economy out of a Lexus GS 300h on a run from Dublin to West Cork and back than I did on the same route, in the same week, with a Ford Mondeo Vignale diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

I think if you’re buying new then diesel is still a safe enough bet for the moment. Yes, doubtless, there will be some future restrictions on diesel, either through tax, or tolls, or city centre usage restriction, but as long as the diesel engine in question is the most modern type possible, conforming to the latest Euro6d Temp regulations (as does that of the Mazda6) then it should be fine. If you’re a low-miles driver, and someone who mostly drives in town, then obviously it’s well worth considering a hybrid alternative or, for that matter, Mazda’s rather excellent 2.0-litre petrol engine.

Expert answer

Hi Marlene,

In terms of reliability, I wouldn’t have any worries — Hyundai’s reliability reputation is iron-clad, and besides; if you did have any trouble with it, there’s that five-year, unlimited mileage warranty backing it up. One word of caution though. The Kona’s best engine is the 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol version, which is a sweet engine with good economy and might be a better ownership bet unless you’re doing big miles every year. Alternatively, it’s well worth checking out the new all-electric Kona, which has a really long one-charge range. 

Read all our Hyundai Kona reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Jay,

I'm assuming you have a 2.0 TDCi diesel engine, not one of the 2.0-litre petrol units of that year (they all use timing chains, not belts). If so, then the recommended change interval is at least every 200,000 kilometres or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Expert answer

Hi Johnny,

If you have the first-generation Audi A3 1.6 petrol, then it's likely to be one of two things. The idle speed could be set too low or there's a seal missing from an unused engine bay harness 14-pin multi-plug allowing water in. Both are cheap and easy fixes for any mechanic to carry out.

Naturally, something else could be causing the problem, but these are known issues with that engine.

Expert answer

Hi Bharat,

That car's engine uses a timing chain, which does not usually require scheduled replacement.

Expert answer

Hi Cosmus,

The only 2.5-litre X3 was the first-generation petrol model. Its official combined cycle fuel consumption figure is about 11 litres/100km and even when new it would have been difficult to get that, so it doesn't look like you're experiencing particularly awful consumption for that age of car. 

Saying that, if you've noticed a deterioration, it could be caused by a crack in the inlet manifold, which is a known issue for that engine.

Expert answer

Hi there,

By 2009 all cars on sale will have been on the current CO₂-based tax system, so if you think you’re paying too much, then you need to go back and check up the figures for the model you own. The A3, in 2009, came with a choice of four petrol engines — 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbos - and an older naturally-aspirated 1.6 petrol. There’s quite a bit of difference between the engines when it comes to CO₂ figures. The 1.4 turbo has rated CO₂ emissions of 139g/km, which would mean motor tax of €280 a year, which I guess isn’t too bad. The older 1.6 engine, in spite of having 20hp less, has CO₂ emissions of 162g/km, putting it in Band D, with an annual tax bill of €570. The 1.8 160hp engine has 155g/km emissions, which just scrapes into Band C, with €390 a year tax, while the 2.0-litre turbo, with its 200hp engine, is in the same boat as the 102hp 1.6 engine, with 166g/km and tax of €570.

If you let us know the precise spec and engine of your car, we might be able to help out more. 

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

For starters, as far as I can work out, all new hybrids currently on sale are automatic, so there's no such thing as paying a premium for that side of things. On a trade-in, I'd suspect that your aunt will get no more than €3,500 for the Ibiza, even though the mileage is very low, so let's work with a budget of around €23,500.

That would get the top-of-the-range Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which is a perfectly good car for low mileage use by one person. The Yaris has been updated recently and it remains a very solid buy. For a few grand more, the entry-level version of the brand new Toyota Corolla Hybrid is within reach, which is a far more substantial car, but outside the budget you mentioned.

There are no other new hybrid cars on the market within budget, I'm afraid. At this price point, we'd suggest that an efficient petrol engine is possibly better value, but if your aunt really wants a new hybrid, then the Yaris is not a bad option at all.

Expert answer

Hi Roseanna,

First things first — if you’re doing mostly urban and motorway miles, you really don’t need an SUV. A more conventional hatchback, saloon, or estate is going to be more comfortable, better value, more economical and a better-engineered vehicle all round. If you’re looking for something with practicality then the likes of a Skoda Octavia Combi estate, a Volkswagen Golf Estate, a Kia Ceed SW, or the new Ford Focus Estate all have much bigger boots than any small-to-medium SUV (more than 600 litres, all of them, compared to around 450 litres for, say, a Nissan Qashqai), and they’re all better to drive and more frugal.

However, if you’re hooked on SUVs then we’d recommend a SEAT Ateca (plain wrapper, but it’s roomy, comfy and nice to drive) or a Toyota C-HR (small on the inside, relatively, but hugely stylish and the hybrid version is frugal). If you’re looking to ‘posh-up’ a bit, then the incoming new Audi Q3 is a bit of a stunner, or if you want something smaller and more affordable than any of those, try the updated Fiat 500X, which is kinda cute and charming.

Here are our relevant reviews for you to read more:

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Kia Ceed Sportswagon review

Ford Focus Estate review

Nissan Qashqai reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Toyota C-HR reviews

Audi Q3 reviews

Fiat 500X reviews

Expert answer

Hi John,

It’s not to do with wheel sizes, but engines and trim grades. The A 250 always comes with multilink rear suspension, while the A 180 d always gets a torsion beam. It’s the A 200 in the middle that has the variance – the Sport models have a torsion beam, the AMG Line cars gain the multilink set-up. We don’t know exactly what the A 180 petrol will do as yet, but we’d guess it will follow the A 200’s pattern, rather than the A 180 d’s formula.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

Sadly not. You will save around 50 per cent on the price per litre of LPG compared to petrol or diesel (which in and of itself might be a sufficiently compelling reason to switch), but there’s no tax advantage. A car’s motor tax rate is based on the CO₂ figure shown on its certificate of conformity document, and a post-purchase conversion doesn’t change that (even though LPG does have a slightly lower CO₂ rating than petrol or diesel). Basically, tax is calculated on the car’s official homologated figure, whereas an LPG conversion is something you do yourself afterwards. 

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

That’s a big question, and it really comes down to how you drive your car and, just as importantly, where you drive it. If you’re someone who drives long-haul on motorways week-in, week-out, then diesel power is still the best option for you, as for longer journeys there’s nothing more frugal. Some hybrids are getting closer to diesel economy on longer runs, but they’re not quite at parity yet. If you’re mostly doing short hops, or driving around town most of the time, then either petrol or hybrid power is the right way to go. Those are generalisations though — a lot will depend on your specific needs and tastes, and what sort of car you want. 

Expert answer

Hi Gustavo,

Well, reliability and running costs are not necessarily the same thing. The ultimate in reliability is probably a Toyota Land Cruiser, but that’s hardly cheap to run or to tax… I think there’s a couple of good options here, though. Sticking with Toyota, the Auris is a solid bet, and even more so if you go for the Hybrid model, which will help keep your tax and fuel costs down. Get the Tourer estate model if you need maximum family space.

The Honda Civic is also a very good bet, and the 1.6 iDTEC diesel is probably the best model to go for to keep fuel and tax bills down. Again, if you want maximum space for the kids and their things, track down the (rather handsome) estate version.

Skoda’s Octavia is solidly reliable too (again, the Combi estate is the one to go for) and you can choose from 1.6 TDI diesel, or an excellent 1.2 TSI petrol turbo, both of which are frugal and tax-efficient. Just check its history to see if it’s been used as a taxi — many have been.

Expert answer

Hi Donna,

For the first-generation Audi Q3 (pre- and post-2015 facelift), regardless of whether you have one of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines or any of the 2.0-litre TDI diesels, the recommended maximum interval (regardless of time) is 210,000 kilometres. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model uses a timing chain, not a belt.

Expert answer

Hi Colm,

OK, first off, with that kind of mileage you’re well into the sort of levels that would justify a diesel engine, although the best of the down-sized turbo petrols are still certainly worth looking at. Of the three cars you’ve selected, I’d leave the Astra, as your €10,000 budget won’t get you into a new-shape model, and the older Astra was pretty dull. Of the other two, the Focus is the best, by far, to drive, and has solid reliability, but the i30 is better for interior space, and would be the more reliable in the long run.

Expert answer

Hi John,

You SHOULD (emphasis ours) be OK from the VRT perspective. As long as, according to Revenue, you’ve lived at your current address for 185 days or more, and can show proof of your move to Ireland, then you won’t be charged for VRT. Fuel and insurance costs for a Macan are a different story...

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

All petrol and diesel versions of the Hyundai ix35 used a timing chain.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

While I don’t think a diesel car is going to be worthless by the time you trade it in, it might well be worth less, if you see the distinction. That said, with your mileage, I’d say you should be looking at petrol or hybrid all the way. A 2.0 TFSI A6 Avant sounds ideal if you can find one and assuming that you’re already happy that all three kids can fit safely and comfortably in the back. A BMW 520i Touring would be the most obvious alternative (and a darned fine one at that) and a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate even better again (assuming you can find one with a petrol engine) and you can find them with seven seats. Volvo’s old-shape V70 is also worth a look, not least from the safety point of view. That said, make absolutely sure you check out a current-shape Skoda Superb Combi estate too — they’re actually roomier inside than any of the premium-badge stuff, and very comfortable too.

Expert answer

Hi Barry,

The problem with electric cars is that, generally, they’re not rated for towing (I think that the new Nissan Leaf is one of the first with a towing rating), so you’re probably going to have to switch back to petrol or diesel for this one. Probably your best bet is to go for something very conventional, such as VW Golf or Ford Focus, and maybe go for the estate version of one of those to give yourself a little extra versatility. A Toyota Auris Hybird would also work well, and would at least keep you going on half-electric power. Plenty of them around in your price range.

Expert answer

Hi Samad,

It's a timing belt, defined as a long-life item by Volkswagen.

Expert answer

Hi Roddy,

Well, it sounds definitely as if petrol is the way to go, and as you’ve mentioned the Ateca, that’s a good one to look at. It’s cheaper, by a little, than most of the competition, has an excellent 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine (don’t be put off by the small engine — it copes just fine) and isn’t ‘smaller’ at all — it’s the same size as the VW Tiguan, thanks to using the same chassis. The same goes for Skoda’s Karoq. A Peugeot 3008 with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine would also be a good choice, but the Sportage isn't currently offered as a decent small petrol version, so we’d give that a swerve. The Nissan Qashqai comes with a good 1.2 turbo petrol, but doesn’t feel as good to drive in that form as the diesel. The Opel Mokka X is just too old a design and feels well out of date, but actually if you can cope with the smaller size, the Suzuki Vitara’s a good shout — good to drive, good looking and hugely reliable.

Read or reviews for more:

Volkswagen Tiguan reviews

Nissan Qashqai reviews

SEAT Ateca reviews

Peugeot 3008 reviews

Kia Sportage reviews

Suzuki Vitara reviews

Opel Mokka X reviews

Skoda Karoq reviews

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

The same size, yes, but they are very different engines. Actually, both engines also have the same 130hp power output, but without question the Peugeot engine feels livelier to drive than the Renault one. Why? We can’t say, but the effect is definitely there. Economy should be fine though — especially seeing as most of your mileage is around town, you should get a pretty easy 40mpg on average. It’s definitely the best engine option for you. At 7,000km a year you’d be wasting your money buying a diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

You've not told us what engine your car has, so here's the full run-down:

1.3 CDTi diesel - not applicable as it has a timing chain

1.4 petrol - not applicable as it has a timing chain

1.6 petrol (87hp) - every 120,000 kilometres or every eight years

1.6 16v petrol (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years

1.6 16v petrol (105hp - 2006-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years - same for the Meriva VXR

1.7 CDTi diesel (100hp - 2003-2010) - every 100,000 kilometres or every 10 years

The below schedules are for several versions of the 1.7 CDTi diesel engine: 100hp (2006-2010), 125hp (2006-2010), 101hp (2007-2010)

2006-2008 - every 90,000 kilometres or every 10 years 

2009-2010 - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 CDTi diesel (110hp - 2008-2010) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 D DI diesel (65hp - 2004-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.7 D DTI diesel (75hp - 2003-2005) - every 150,000 kilometres or every 10 years

1.8 petrol - every 90,000 kilometres or every six years

I realise that might all be confusing so if you're in any doubt which engine your car has, come back to us with its engine code and we'll tell you precisely.

Expert answer

Hi Philip and thanks for this,

You make some good points here, but the main one I'd like to focus on is the uncertainty. It is, without a doubt, reducing car sales right now, as people don't know what to do, and all we can do is present the facts. They are this:

1 - There are many motorists in Ireland for which there is no economic alternative to a diesel car. Those that travel long distances day in, day out, could not use an electric car. Plug-in hybrids would be useless to them as well as they only return good economy when regularly charged up. The latest non plug-in hybrids are more economical than ever on a long run, but still not as cheap to fuel as a good diesel. And let's not forget, the majority of drivers are buying used, so there's very little choice in the used market for anything other than conventional diesel or petrol.

2 - For another large number of Irish motorists, petrol power would be perfectly fine. We've been saying for years that too many people have diesel cars because that became the default after 2008. Regardless of air quality and health issues, diesels come with higher maintenance costs, especially if they aren't used at higher speeds regularly.

3 - It seems to have been lost in the conversation that the diesel bans being discussed are not for all diesels, but for older diesels that emit much higher levels of NOx and other pollutants. 

4 - The Irish government needs to hurry up and let the country/industry know what it plans to do, for this uncertainty is killing the market full-stop, not just diesel power.

With all the above in mind, we will continue to help buyers choose a car based on their individual circumstances and for many that will still mean a diesel. For now.

I welcome thoughts and comments on this below. Would be great to get some feedback on what people think and whether they are holding off buying a car because of the uncertainty.

Expert answer

Hi Josephine,

I assume you mean either the Jeep Renegade or brand new Compass model. Neither come with seven seats, I'm afraid. In fact, Jeep doesn't have any seven-seat vehicle on sale in Ireland right now.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Well, it is — in effect — impossible for us to say with any authority as to how the 1.0 TSI engine is going to perform in the longer term, as the engine hasn’t been around all that long. What we can say is that, so far, there have been no horror stories emerging of any major reliability issues, and that Skoda has (a) good quality control systems and (b) a good reputation for high quality and reliability. After all, when people ask about the most reliable cars, we generally say Japanese, Korean and Czech — in that order. As long as you keep it properly serviced, I don’t think you’ll have any major problems.

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

As a whole, the CX-5 is a really lovely car — great to drive, well made, roomy and good looking. The petrol version is a weak point, though. It’s just not torquey enough for a big 4x4, and it suffers in terms of both fuel consumption and refinement because of that. Stick with the diesel, unless all your mileage is in town.

Expert answer

Hi Ruth,

I think to get what you need, your best bet is to buy second hand and go for a Toyota Prius+. It’s ideal for low mileage users, has seats for seven and will be incredibly reliable. Just be aware that on longer journeys it will be considerably thirstier.

You could go for a nearly-new Prius or Kia Niro (or a Hyundai Ioniq), but I fear they wouldn’t have the rear seat space that you need. That said, it will depend on how old your kids are and how big their seats are. If you have at least one on a booster cushion (and the Bubble Bum inflatable one is very good for middle rear seats) then you might squeeze in. 

Expert answer

Hi Manav,

The Jazz basically has the Suzuki beaten in every metric you’ve mentioned here, except for boot space (the Baleno has a single, solitary, extra litre of boot volume) and, depending on which model you go for, power.

The Baleno can be had with either a 90hp 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 111hp turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol ‘BoosterJet' unit. The Honda comes with a choice of 1.3 or 1.5-litre VTEC petrol engines, with either 102hp or 130hp, but it’s worth remembering that the basic Baleno comes as a mild hybrid, so it has a tiny electric motor that can boost power for a few seconds at a time, and is very economical.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Yeah, it’s a bit of a catch-22 at the moment. The thing is that diesel is still entirely viable if you’re someone who covers a big annual mileage. Petrol makes the most sense for those covering short mileages, and primarily driving in town; ditto hybrid, while electric mostly only makes sense for those doing entirely urban mileage.

So, if you live down the country and rack up at least 25,000km a year, then diesel could still work for you. If you’re struggling to find a good second hand petrol car, it may be worth looking at buying new, and trying to find a really sharp finance deal.

Expert answer

Hi Angela,

An absolutely cracking car, and a great combination of car and engine. The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is smooth and economical, and really does suit the Octavia very well indeed. The specification is decent, especially if you’re buying an Ambition model or above, and make sure you spec it with the eight-inch touchscreen, as that really lifts the ambience of the cabin. Fuel economy should work out at between 40mpg and 50mpg on average, depending on how you drive it.

Read and watch our Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review here

Expert answer

Hi James,

The 2015 Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing belt that must be changed at least at 240,000km first, and then every 30,000km after that, regardless of time.

It's the same interval for the 1.0 TSI engine's belt. It has only been in production since 2016 so there isn't a lot of data, but we've not heard about any issues with it.

Read our review of the Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI here

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I spoke to Kia Ireland about this and though it won't be offering the 2.0-litre petrol model for sale here, it did confirm that service intervals for the 3.0-litre model will be 15,000km or once a year. The 2.2-litre diesel is 30,000km or once a year.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

I must admit, you had us wondering... However, we took a detailed look at the UK and Ireland price lists and discovered that the 1.0 TSI 95hp engine is only offered in conjunction with a DSG automatic transmission here, whereas it can be had with a (cheaper) manual gearbox in the UK. That pretty much explains the large price jump.

Expert answer

Hi Shevaun,

Simple: ignore the engine size. The 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine has 150hp and is totally at home and happy in either the Tiguan or the Passat. In fact, it’s arguably the best choice of engine in either car. Thanks to compact, low-pressure turbocharging, engine size is these days more or less irrelevant. Look at the power and torque figures instead.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

It should be worth in and around the €4,500 mark, a little less as a trade-in, but that will depend on condition and service history of course.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

In this instance, the sales people are being entirely truthful — the new 1.0-litre turbo engines are indeed equivalent to an old 1.6 or even 1.8 engine in the way they drive. You certainly won’t find them too ‘revvy’ on the motorway, as the small turbo increases low-down torque and makes the car feel very relaxed and easy to drive. Certainly that’s true for the Volkswagen Group, Ford, Honda and Renault-Nissan engines anyway. The best ones to go for, in our experience, are the VW Golf or Skoda Octavia (both using the same engine, of course), the Honda Civic (which should be the most reliable in the long term) and the Ford Focus (which can be a little on the thirsty side). Read our reviews below for more detail:

Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI review

Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo review

Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

You’ll probably use a little less fuel, but overall you’re going to be spending more because of the cost of upgrading to what’s quite a pricey diesel version, especially with the automatic gearbox. Kia quotes official fuel economy for that model of 57mpg, but we’d expect to see more like 40-45mpg in real world conditions. That’s a little better than the Qashqai 1.2 petrol, but not very much better. If you want to do better on the economy front, consider dropping the automatic gearbox and getting a manual instead.

Expert answer

Hi Eamon,

Well, according to Mazda Ireland, very little. "From an Irish perspective at least, there won’t be any difference at that grade level. In late 2017, we did introduce the GT Lux edition, but this has yet to be launched across the full range in Ireland. So if comparing a 161 and 171 or 172, there’s no change,” was the official response.

Expert answer

Hi Jan,

I'm not sure if your mechanic has actually driven the Octavia with the 1.0-litre engine, but we have and it's brilliant. If you had five adults inside and a boot full everywhere you went, it might not feel too quick, but otherwise it's more than adequate. In fact, we've done a full review and video review of that very car if you want to check it out:

2016 Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review (with video)

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

The problem with the Qashqai+2 is that it’s the older model Qashqai, which is nowhere near as sophisticated as the current model. Do you really need the seven seats? If not, then I think that the Kia cee’d Sportswagon is a much better bet — bigger boot than the Qashqai, comfier and better to drive and with that seven-year warranty for peace of mind. A cracking choice.

Also well worth looking at the Octavia Combi and the VW Golf Estate, but make sure you’re going for a petrol engine with that mileage — you won’t need a diesel. Actually, with that in mind, the Toyota Auris Hybrid Sport Tourer estate is also well worth a look. Here are a few reviews to help you decide:

Nissan Qashqai+2 review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Kia cee'd review

Volkswagen Golf Estate review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Do you mean a Nissan Qashqai? The Mercedes GLA and B-Class are, although mechanically related, really quite different cars. The GLA is a compact crossover, similar in size to the Qashqai, but looking rather like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback. That said, it’s nice to drive, well made and very economical. The GLA 180 petrol or 180d diesel are the best models. The B-Class is a high-roofed five-seat MPV, a rival to the likes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and the Renault Scenic et al. Again, it’s no looker, but it’s not bad to drive, very roomy and again is well-made.

Compared to the Qashqai, they’re both of higher quality in the cabin and slightly sharper to drive, but the GLA is less roomy and the B-Class less stylish (to our eyes). And both will be more expensive to run, as Mercedes servicing costs are higher. Here are some relevant reviews to help you decide, but come back to us again if you need to:

Nissan Qashqai review

Mercedes-Benz GLA review

Mercedes-Benz B-Class review

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

While both of these cars make for very good crossovers, having driven both it is the Skoda that feels like the more complete package. For me, the Skoda has a well-rounded look to it, and it has the advantage of being one of the newest cars in the segment. This is also true of the interior, where the Skoda easily surpasses the Nissan. Everything from layout to driving position and even the choice of materials used make the Karoq feel that bit nicer. Even shutting the doors on the Skoda gives a more reassuring thud.

When it comes to driving them, again, the Skoda seems better. The suspension, for example, rides the bumps and surface imperfections better whereas the Nissan can be slightly 'busier.' Nissan does have a good diesel offering as well as new petrol engines, but the same is true of the Skoda. On paper, the Karoq has a higher starting price, but Skoda starts its range with a higher level of standard spec, which is worth considering. The Karoq is likely to be in short supply during 2018, which may impact on delivery times. Nissan currently has some competitive offers, which may help sway you. Personally, I’d go with the Karoq. If you can get one...

Skoda Karoq 1.5 petrol review

Skoda Karoq 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 diesel review

Nissan Qashqai 1.2 petrol review

Expert answer

Hi Tomas,

Yes, it is an issue and could potentially be a very serious issue with your kind of mileage and driving profile. The problem is that you need to generate heat in the exhaust system to keep the diesel particulate filter clear, and low mileages and low speeds just don’t do that. You can get around that, a bit, by doing a regular long motorway or main road run, keeping to a low-ish gear for a while, but that’s not convenient for everyone.

Basically speaking, I think you’re best sticking with petrol if at all possible and there are some big-car petrol options out there if you look around and get a little lucky. Try and track down a Skoda Octavia with the 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine, perhaps? Or maybe consider a Toyota Prius — they’re pretty big inside (although the boot is not massive).

Expert answer

Hi Jins,

A lot will depend on the condition and history, but I’d say it will be worth around €4,500; maybe €3,000 as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, there are lots of good options. If you still like MPVs and like Renaults then the new Scenic is a bit of a cracker. Very comfy, and you can get it with an impressive 115hp 1.2 petrol turbocharged engine that should be rather more economical than what you’ve been used to. And it comes with cruise control as standard now.

Other, similar models worth considering are the Citroen C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, VW Touran, Kia Carens or the Toyota Verso. Here are our relevant reviews:

Renault Scenic review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso review

Volkswagen Touran review

Toyota Verso review

Kia Carens review

Expert answer

Hi Lily,

We’ll very likely find out a good deal more about the new small Lexus crossover at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, or failing that the Geneva show in March. Here’s what we know for now, though...

It will be called the Lexus UX, and the company has already trademarked the UX 250h badge for the hybrid version. That suggests it may use the 2.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid assistance found in the existing Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but, as the UX will platform share with the smaller Toyota C-HR, it may be that it will get a higher performance version of that car’s 1.8-litre hybrid. Certainly, Toyota has been making noise about a higher performance version of the C-HR Hybrid so it’s likely that both models are being developed in tandem.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

Well, we can’t tell you what a specific dealer will offer you against a specific car, but your Astra should be worth in the region of €14-15,000 as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

No, it’s actually Toyota’s own design of engine, and is quite closely related to the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit in the Yaris and Aygo. It’s pretty clever actually — able to switch from Otto cycle to Atkinson cycle (which helps to save fuel) and back again. It’s a good engine to drive, if you’ve not tried one, smooth and reasonably powerful (only 114hp but a decent 184Nm of torque).

Read our review of the Toyota Auris 1.2 here

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Well, it would certainly be worth trying to track down a petrol-engined 3 Series Touring estate, but as you rightly point out these are rarer than hens’ molars at the moment. Same story for the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate too, I’m afraid. Would you consider a VW Passat Estate? Or a Skoda Superb? A bit of a step down in class terms, I’ll grant you, but good, solid cars and you can track them down with the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine. 

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

If you’re doing very low mileage (and you pretty much are) then we would usually say that the petrol engine is the better option. However, with the new CX-5 that’s a slightly tougher decision as the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine isn’t as good as the diesel options — it’s a bit underpowered and underwhelming to drive. The 150hp 2.2-litre diesel is a much better engine overall. Have a test drive of both and see which you prefer.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Yes, estates are definitely the most practical, and generally offer a lower purchase price and lower running costs than an equivalent SUV or crossover. They tend to have bigger boots, too. The best Qashqai spec is generally SV or SVE, which come with the touchscreen, air conditioning and some other nice toys. The Kadjar is essentially mechanically identical to the Qashqai, so should be fine from a reliability front.

The Skoda Octavia Combi estate would probably be the best overall bet for you. The rear seats and boot are massive and very kid-friendly, and they’re reliable. With your mileage, you’re probably better off with a petrol engine, so go for a 1.2 TSI for the best overall value.

It’s well worth looking at a Toyota Auris Estate too — it's huge inside and virtually unbreakable. Worth considering the hybrid as well. Hyundai is also well worth a look. The Tucson makes a good SUV option, and the i40 Tourer estate is a terrific car, but you’ll struggle to find anything other than a diesel. Here are a few reviews for further reading:

Nissan Qashqai review

Renault Kadjar review

Hyundai Tucson review

Skoda Octavia Combi review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports Hybrid

Expert answer

Hi Amy,

Labour costs and even part prices vary massively depending on which garage you go to and whether the parts are original manufacturer items or not. The best we can do is tell you that the estimated time for changing a head gasket is over eight hours and that for changing the timing chain is nearly five hours, though both jobs involve an overlap in what needs to come off so the total is probably more like 10-11 hours if it's all done together. The head gasket and the chain are expensive components to buy as well.

Whether it's worth all that expense depends entirely on whether the car is otherwise perfect. A 2008 MINI One could be worth between €5,000 and €7,000 depending on mileage and condition. It'll be worth considerably less if it needs that work doing to it.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Dermot,

It's impossible for us to know where the oil leak is coming from, I'm afraid, and that will massively affect the cost of the repair. It could just be from the cover, or a camshaft oil seal, both relatively small jobs, or from a damaged head gasket, which is considerably more work.

If the leak is substantial, you really should bring the car to a good mechanic for an estimate and to help you pinpoint the source.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

It’s actually really hard to pick a winner out of those three. The Auris Hybrid is a good choice, but works best if most of your mileage is in town. At 1,000km a week, it sounds like you’re doing longer journeys than that. Between the Golf and the Civic? Both have excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines, but I think on balance we’d come down on the side of the Civic. It's roomier inside than the Golf and has  (slightly) better reliability prospects in the longer term.

Expert answer

Hi James,

It's recommended to change that Mondeo's timing belt every 160,000 kilometres or every eight years - whichever comes first - for the 1.6 petrol model, or every 200,000 kilometres and every ten years for the 1.8 or 2.0 TDCi diesels.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The advantage of a hybrid (as opposed to a plugin hybrid) is that you can, theoretically, use a smaller petrol engine, running on the fuel-saving (but power-sapping) Atkinson combustion cycle, and use an electric motor, fed with power by an on-board battery pack that’s charged by both the engine and regenerative braking, to fill in the gaps and holes in the power delivery.

It’s a relatively more simple system than a plugin hybrid, and has the convenience advantage that you don’t actually have to plug it in. Up until quite recently, such hybrids tended to be very thirsty unless driven in a very specific way, and were especially poor in both performance and economy terms on long motorway journeys. Recent improvements in software and battery design (and Toyota is at the cutting edge here) mean that hybrids are now comparable with diesel cars when it comes to overall economy, and much better in town traffic. They’re generally much better for harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxide as well.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

It depends. If it’s the basic 1.6-litre petrol model, then your VRT will be around €3,000 (ish, depending on spec) and that model already appears on Revenue’s system. If it’s the more expensive version with the 1.2-litre petrol turbo, then it’s trickier as, you’re quite right, Revenue doesn’t have that car on its systems.

I would think they’ll hit you up for around €4-5,000 in VRT for one of those. The process isn’t too difficult, as such, but if you don’t fancy it, the new, updated Dacia Duster will be launching next year, and that should finally come with a petrol engine option here.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Is that a Mondeo you’re looking at? Yes, with your mileage and driving conditions, a 1.5-litre EcoBoost makes total sense. In fact, if it is the Mondeo, it’s the nicest engine in the line-up. It’s definitely a good idea to have a look up North — there are some very good cars around, and you can save several thousand Euro, but just be wary of vehicle history and make sure you do a very thorough history and background check (with someone such as Cartell.ie) before you hand over any money. 

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

I’d be very tempted by the new Peugeot 5008, especially the one with the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol 130hp engine. It’s really roomy, comes with seven seats as standard, is good to drive and even with the petrol engine isn’t too harsh on tax. The Skoda Kodiaq is another very, very good seven-seat SUV, but you do have to pay extra for the extra seats. Kia’s Sorento is a big favourite of ours too, but it’s bigger and pricier and has higher tax than the Peugeot or Skoda. Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Peugeot 5008 review

Skoda Kodiaq review

Kia Sorento review

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

At 24k a year you’re probably best going for diesel, to be honest. While we’re equally in the dark as regards what the Budget holds in store for us, it seems (at the time of writing) unlikely that any drastic moves are going to be made just yet. There’s also an urban/rural divide in all of this. If you live in the Dublin, and to a slightly lesser extent, Cork, Limerick, Wateford and Galway city areas, then there is a distinct move away from diesel and towards petrol, but in rural areas, diesel is still king.

That said, the 150hp 1.4-litre TSI turbo engine is absolutely excellent, and we’ve found that while it is, of course, less economical than the equivalent diesel, you’re only talking about 1.0 litre per 100km or so in the real-world difference. It’s well worth considering if you’re concerned about future diesel values. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I would expect to see little to no change in the hybrid subvention in the coming budget. Although there will be some pressure to incentivise low-emissions cars that aren’t diesel, the focus will probably be more on higher incentives for battery-electric cars, and possible plugin hybrids, and some changes to the reclaiming of VAT on petrol for company users. The Department of Finance will be well aware that there is a huge number of new hybrid cars due for launch, and they won’t want to risk a fall-off in revenue by increasing the subvention, so I think, at this point, it’s unlikely to change very much.

Expert answer

Hi again Michael, 

Our answer on your other question is relevant here too: I would expect to see little to no change in the hybrid subvention in the coming budget. Although there will be some pressure to incentivise low-emissions cars that aren’t diesel, the focus will probably be more on higher incentives for battery-electric cars, and possible plugin hybrids, and some changes to the reclaiming of VAT on petrol for company users. The Department of Finance will be well aware that there is a huge number of new hybrid cars due for launch, and they won’t want to risk a fall-off in revenue by increasing the subvention, so I think, at this point, it’s unlikely to change very much.

Expert answer

Hi Lukas,

Is that a petrol 430i? If so, VRT should be in the region of €6,000-€7,000, but without more details, that’s just a pure finger-in-the-air calculation.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

On the Jaguar front, first of all thanks for the compliment. As far as noise goes, I don’t think I’d ever tire of the F-Type’s V6 sounds, but that four-cylinder model is hugely impressive (and very refined) all the same.

As for running a car up and down its rev range, yes, it’s a good idea. Engines perform best (especially in fuel economy terms) when held at constant, low rpm (such as on a long motorway journey), but from a mechanical point of view it’s a good idea, once in a while, to stretch things out, warm things up, and get things moving.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

The Countryman is in the Revenue VRT calculator, but it’s in an odd position. You have to select Cooper, One, or First, then pick Hatchback as the body style and then once you’ve selected the usual petrol or diesel, manual or auto functions, you should find the Countryman models in there.

Expert answer

Hi John,

A pre-2008 car being imported means that it’s on the new CO₂-based system. A 2004 MINI Cooper 1.6 has CO₂ emissions of 163g/km so you’ll be paying €570 a year to tax it.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The short answer is that there are some benefits to using additives, but they’re not a miracle cure. Some additives, such as Redex, STP, or Dipetane, can apparently help to reduce the build-up of carbonised particles of soot and burned fuel on the insides of your engine, which can lead to improvements in reliability, fuel economy and emissions.

That said, there’s little here that’s scientifically proven. The benefits of additives tend to be more word-of-mouth than provable fact, but there’s certainly no harm in using them and if you notice a benefit, well that’s all to the good.

I would suggest that you’re better off sticking to a strict service regimen, using original parts and a qualified technical, than relying on additives though. And of course, as you already know, diesels need to be driven regularly to stay in good condition.

Expert answer

Hi Jitu,

Of those three, we’d go for the Astra every time. The i20 is fine, but a little dull. The EcoSport is an awful car so don’t go near it. The Astra, though, is well made, engaging to drive, roomy and economical. Go for the 1.0-litre turbo petrol and you won’t go wrong. Here are our reviews of each:

Hyundai i20 review

Opel Astra review

Ford EcoSport review

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

While we haven’t loaded an Octavia 1.0 to its total maximum GVW capacity, we have driven it with four passengers and a boot full of luggage and it performs very well indeed. Not the fastest car around, no doubt, but we found no lack of performance and fuel economy remained at an impressive 50mpg.

Read our Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review

(there's a video review embedded in the copy, too)

Expert answer

Hi there,

There's no completely easy answer I'm afraid, but the rule of thumb is that if you're doing low to medium mileage (below 20,000km a year) and drive in town a lot, go for petrol. If you're doing 20,000km+ and mostly on motorways diesel is still a good bet, but it's worth looking at the latest-tech hybrids too. 

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Tough to call. It is the unloved engine, which will hurt resale, and the mileage is about twice the average, but even so €7,000 sounds frighteningly cheap. Does it have a full service history? Have you done a history check with Cartell.ie?

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

There's a growing number of options for seven-seat SUVs. The new Skoda Kodiaq is excellent and €50k would buy you one with a lot of toys. The Kia Sorento is also in that price bracket and is big, roomy and hugely comfortable. Ditto the Hyundai Santa Fe. Peugeot's incoming new 5008 is worth a look too. Here are our reviews of them all to help you out:

Skoda Kodiaq review

Kia Sorento review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Peugeot 5008 review

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

If you want a mix of fun, comfort and not diesel, it’s kind of hard to beat a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Superb performance, practical and comfy cabin and 45mpg if you drive it gently.

Other good options are a MINI Cooper (a touch noisy on longer journeys, but with very good seats), a Ford Fiesta ST (hands down the best hot hatch currently on sale, but perhaps lacking a little in comfort), or a Peugeot 308 in GT spec with the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine.

Expert answer

Hi John,

OK, lots and lots of options. How about a Fiat 500? Great looking, fun to drive, well made and that 1.2-litre petrol engine is willing enough to tackle motorway work from time to time.

Late 2000s MINIs fall into your budget too, and they're great fun to drive, roomier than the 500 (well, a bit) and solid on longer journeys.

You could be dead sensible and go for an Audi A3 1.6 petrol and there'd be nothing wrong with that - ticks all the boxes.

Or maybe something a bit more left-field? How about a Volkswagen Beetle? An original Mini (we did find one in your budget) or even a Smart ForTwo Brabus?

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Yup, Alfa is definitely offering some very sharp value deals on the Giulia at the moment, especially when you consider that you can effectively get a mid-spec car for the same price as a basic model. It’s a car we really like — it’s gorgeous, terrific to drive, practical and Alfa seems at last to have gotten on top of its quality issues. Two caveats, really — the infotainment system is not as sophisticated as you’d find in rival models, and to see the Giulia at its best, you really need to avoid the 2.2 diesel and go instead for the 200hp turbo petrol, although obviously that may not suit your needs.

Read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review here

Expert answer

Hi Kay,

Yes, you should see a considerable saving on fuel, probably in the order of 10mpg at least, depending on how and where you drive. It is worth noting, though, that you will also be looking at considerably higher maintenance and servicing costs, as the 320d is much more sophisticated and high-tech than your Golf and, without careful, regular attention from a specialist they can start giving serious trouble.

Expert answer

Hi Derek,

OK, you haven’t told us the year of your Mazda so that makes it a little hard to value, but seeing as it’s the 1.8 petrol I’m going to guess that it’s around 2006-2007. If so, then I’d say that the €4,400 trade-in offer is actually pretty good.

As to what car to get, if you’re looking for a small hatch then it’s very hard indeed to look past the Volkswagen Golf. It’s one of the world’s best-selling cars for a reason, and as long as you buy one with a full service history and keep it looked after, you should get plenty of years of reliable service out of one yet.

Ditto for the mechanically identical SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia. The Opel Astra GTC is a fine car in many ways — handsome, good to drive, decent quality, but it was hamstrung by poor diesel engines (other than the range-topping 2.0-litre) and unless you’re looking at the 1.4 petrol turbo model, it’s possibly not the best purchase.

The Focus is definitely a good buy, and that TDCi diesel is frugal to run, but you just have to be slightly cautious about diesel power right now. If you’re not doing big miles, you’d be better off with a petrol car.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

The Captur, which has just been updated, is one of the best selling small crossovers around and it’s not hard to see why - it’s gorgeous, a really good looking car. Roomy enough inside too, and with a pair of excellent engines (either a 900cc turbo petrol or Renault’s long-serving 1.5 diesel). The downsides are that the cabin is quite plastic and it’s only very ordinary to drive.

The Peugeot 2008, by contrast, is rather more agile and sharper to drive, and also has some excellent engine options, especially the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol turbo unit. It’s also a little roomier than the Captur in the back, even if it’s arguably less handsome on the outside. On balance, it would be the Peugeot that we’d prefer, but you should also have a look at the likes of the new Suzuki Vitara (good to drive and very ruggedly reliable) and the Honda HR-V (a little larger and more expensive, but with exceptionally good quality on its side).

Peugeot 2008 review

Renault Captur review

Honda HR-V review

Suzuki Vitara review

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

If it says Cclimate on the tin, it should have climate control on the inside. The difference between that and normal air conditioning is that air conditioning simply allows you to choose between hot and cold, whereas climate control allows you to select a specific temperature. If your car only has a red-blue heat controller then you've been sold a pup.

That said, it depends on where you're getting your build data from. Some lists won't code specifically for climate control and will just use air conditioning as a catch-all.

Expert answer

Hi Naseem,

If you’re driving the M50 a lot, it probably  depends what time of day… Post-10am or pre-4pm and you’d probably get up enough speed to be able to keep the DPF clear and so it wouldn’t be a problem, even with the relatively low mileage. If you’re stop-start driving and not getting into a proper heat cycle, then no, go for petrol instead. Ford has that brilliant little 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.

Expert answer

Hi Akshan,

Well, they’re very different cars that do different jobs. The i10 is best used in town, where its compact size and agility make it a good choice. It’s fine on main roads too, but the i20 will obviously be bigger, more comfortable and more refined on longer journeys.

Hyundai i10 review

Hyundai i20 review

Expert answer

Hi Pamela,

Yes, this seems to be a very silly oversight by Revenue (possibly they’re a bit petrol-blind because of the preponderance of diesel imports). The VRT on an equivalent 2.0 TDI Alhambra would be in the region of €6,700, so given the 1.4 TSI’s higher CO₂ rating, we’d put around another €1,000 on that for safety’s sake and that should put you in roughly the right ballpark.

Beware though — even once you bring it in for an inspection, you might get some odd valuation simply because there are few, if any, 1.4 Alhambras already in Ireland for them to base a valuation on. It might be a good idea to approach some SEAT dealers and ask them to give you a rough valuation of the car so as you can back yourself up if you have to query Revenue’s OMSP prediction.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Great choice. We published our Irish road test of that very car only last week and it's a good option for those that don't need diesel. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine features something called Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two of the engine's four cylinders when the car is cruising or the engine is on light load. This saves fuel and is nothing to worry about in the least. By displaying when the engine switches into that mode it educates the driver as to when the car is being driven in its most efficient mode.

Anything else specific you need to know, just shout.

Expert answer

Hi Jennifer,

I'd be a bit concerned about the three-month warranty. For a car that's only just run out of its original manufacturer's warranty, that seems a bit mean.

There's no need to worry about a cam belt as the 1.4 petrol engine is chain-driven, as are the 1.4 and 1.6 diesels. The water pump should be fine too - there are occasional reported issues with it and the thermostat, but they seem to be pretty infrequent. As long as the car has a full service history it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Maddy,

If it's reliability you want, you need to buy either Japanese, Korean or Czech. That means Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Skoda, Kia, or Hyundai.

The Honda Jazz is really good, exceptionally roomy and smooth to drive, but it is pricey. Now, that higher price includes a lot more standard equipment than in rivals, but it's a hurdle to get over. On the whole, it would be our choice with the Toyota Yaris and Skoda  Fabia tied second and the Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 bringing up the rear.

If you're buying new, it's also potentially worth waiting for the new SEAT Ibiza, which is very roomy, well made and nice to drive. 

Honda Jazz review

Toyota Yaris review

New SEAT Ibiza review

Skoda Fabia review

Hyundai i20 review

Kia Rio review

Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

It’s always tempting to trade in a car that’s starting to look expensive, but for the most part, it’s almost always more economical to keep an existing car going, even if it does need regular servicing. In fact, that regular servicing is the key to all of this — keep it looked after and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t provide years of service yet. As you point out, the diesel filter needs longer journeys to keep it from clogging up, but a regular circa 20-30km run at motorway or main road speeds should be enough.

Expert answer

Hi Graham,

Quite the opposite, actually. The 1.0-litre TSI engine is quieter at speed on the motorway than the diesel alternatives. It's nearly always quieter in fact. It's a very smooth and refined engine and one I'd throughly recommend in this car.

Have you seen our Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI review?

Expert answer

Hi Jonathan,

Assuming it's the 1.4 VVTi petrol model then you'll pay €385 a year to tax it. As for problems? Not many - the Corolla is spectacularly rugged so, as long as it has a full service history, we wouldn't expect any major problems. Fuel economy should work out at about 40-45mpg depending on how you drive it. 

Expert answer

Hi Donna,

The current Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are both just about wide enough to take three child seats across the back, or you could try the SEAT Ateca or Volkswagen Tiguan too (this has the widest back seat of all those). The Skoda Kodiaq is brilliant, but it’ll be outside your budget if you want a diesel, or, if you can hang on until the summer, the new Peugeot 5008 is coming, which has three ISOFIX points in the back, and should come in for under €30k.

Relevant reviews:

Hyundai Tucson review

Kia Sportage review

SEAT Ateca review

Volkswagen Tiguan review

Skoda Kodiaq review

Peugeot 5008 review

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We really like the Ateca, and the 1.4 turbo petrol engine really suits it, so that’s the one we’d advise you to go for. There’s an updated version of the Qashqai coming very shortly, so bear that in mind if you’re looking at the Nissan — you might be able to get a better bargain on a run-out model.

SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI review

Nissan Qashqai review

Facelifted Nissan Qashqai preview

Five best mid-sized SUVs and crossovers in Ireland

Expert answer

Hi Val,

The 3008 is an excellent car and there’s just about enough space in the back for three child car seats in a row (although if that’s your ultimate priority, then wait for the 5008, which is due on sale in July). Of the range, Allure spec seems to be the best balance between price and equipment, and the best engines are the 1.2 turbo petrol (if you’re doing low to medium mileage) or the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel (if you’re doing lots of long journeys). 

Some relevant reviews:

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure review

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi GT Line review

Peugeot 5008 1.2 PureTech review

Expert answer

Hi Liam,

OK, first off you don’t need and shouldn’t be buying a diesel. With that kind of mileage, and doing most of it in town, you’ll never get enough efficiency out of the engine and you’ll run into trouble with the particulate filter and more potentially.

Of the three cars you’ve mentioned, I think that the Mercedes B-Class might actually be the most sensible, and it’s certainly the roomiest if you’re concerned about carrying big loads. Worth remembering that for similar money you could probably get yourself into a nice C-Class Estate too, which is only a little smaller inside and a whole lot nicer to drive. I’d be tempted to stick with the Mercedes, too, for safety reasons, if your son is going to start learning to drive.

The Tiguan is another very good option, and there are versions with Volkswagen’s excellent 1.4 turbo petrol engine if you shop around. Again, safe and good to drive, if not quite as roomy as the B-Class. I’d avoid the Duster at this point — it’s diesel only, and not as safe as the Merc or Volkswagen.

Expert answer

Hi John,

We don’t have precise fuel economy figures for that model, as it was never sold here so never got put through the EU NEDC fuel economy test. Generally, an automatic car will be a little more thirsty than a manual version, but on a car as small as the Note, it probably won’t make a huge difference.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

The reason that you don’t see many petrol 218is for sale is the same reason we don’t have a test drive on one yet — BMW doesn’t sell many, and so doesn’t see the value in providing one to review. We’ll raise the matter and see if we can get one reviewed for you, though. In the meantime, here's our review of the excellent BMW 220d M Sport Coupe.

Expert answer

Hi Alan,

It depends on the condition, history and mileage of course, but your VRT bill should be somewhere in the region of €4,000. 

Expert answer

Hi Jacinta,

Mostly, SUVs with three ISOFIX points in the middle row are the really big ones - Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 and so on. The good news is that Peugeot is about to launch the new 5008 and that has three ISOFIX points in the middle row, but it won't be on sale until July in Ireland. 

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

Absolutely. Unless you’re doing at minimum 20,000km a year, it makes much more sense to have a petrol engine. Cheaper to buy up front, lower maintenance costs and no issues with exhaust filters (DPFs) etc.

Expert answer

Hi David,

Yes, you could just about do 48km each way in an electric car, certainly in the Ioniq and just about in the 30kWh Nissan Leaf, although it would be hugely helpful if there could be some way of charging up at work. A Renault Zoe might do the trick too.

Hyundai asks for a minimum €5,000-odd deposit on a new Ioniq, and the repayments are quite steep so that one might be out of the question, although they come down to around €360 if you can put a €10,000 deposit down. A basic Nissan Leaf, with €6,762 down, will cost you just €264 a month, which might leave enough wriggle room to go for the bigger battery, and Nissan has some tempting free insurance offers on at the moment, while Renault asks just €179 a month for a Zoe, but the battery rental is extra and it comes with some quite tight mileage stipulations.

The other, possibly better, option would be to go half-electric. Toyota can put you into a Prius or an Auris Hybrid for as little as €199 to €263 a month (again, depending on deposits etc.) or you can get the rather impressive new Kia Niro for €353 a month with a €9,000 deposit. All of those should average as much as 60mpg, which would put a big dent in your fuel costs.

Read our relevant reviews here to help you choose:

Kia Niro review

Hyundai Ioniq Electric review

Nissan Leaf review

Renault Zoe review

Toyota Prius review

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

If you're only covering 10k a year mileage then you're probably better off in a petrol, so go for the 1.6. It's a solidly reliable engine too. If you want some alternatives, then maybe have a look for a Toyota Corolla Verso or a Honda FR-V, both of which come with pretty frugal petrol engines and are hugely reliable. 

Expert answer

Hi Jerry,

I think you’d probably be better off with the petrol in this case. You’re in something of an uncomfortable middle ground with that kind of annual mileage, but being as that Toyota 1.33-litre engine is super-economical for a small petrol unit, I think it’s the right one to go for.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I think your best bet is to sell the car in Germany first, but possibly not to this other person you’re speaking about. If you’re concerned about what a future owner may do with a car, then the best thing is to find someone else to sell it to. Bringing the car into Ireland to sell will involve a large amount of paperwork and a hefty price tag in Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), so I think you’re going to be better off by far selling the car in Germany.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

The estate (or 'Grand Megane' as Renault insisted on calling it) TomTom edition was announced in 2009 and introduced to the market in 2010. It was much better built and more reliable than the previous Megane, but there are still some weak points to keep an eye out for. Those include fragile fuel line clips, burned out coil packs on the 1.6 petrol, particulate filter problems on the 1.5 diesel, electrical problems especially with the windows and the heating system and premature clutch wear. 

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Yes, turbocharged petrol engines do often have exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems and dual-mass flywheels, but they are far less likely to cause problems due to, respectively, the different exhaust gases and the torque characteristics of the engine. Added to which, petrol engines work at lower combustions pressures and with less vibration than diesel engines so there's a little less wear and tear to worry about.

No, turbocharged petrol engines don't have particulate filters as, for now, they're considered 'clean' enough not to need them. That will change in the coming years, however.

Finally, the low-down-power thing is simple physics. Most turbocharged petrol engines and their diesel counterparts are pretty close on top-end power numbers (generally grouping around the 110-120hp level), but the difference you're talking about is torque - turning force, that low-down lugging sensation. Some of that is down to turbo design and the fact that a heavier diesel engine can accept higher turbocharger pressures, but most is simply down to the fact that diesel burns from compression ignition, which generates more torque and makes the engine feel more muscular at lower rpm. 

Expert answer

Hi Des,

You’ll need to check for a blown turbo (lots of smoke, no power) and also check that the diesel particulate filter hasn’t become clogged up if the mileage is low. The electric windows and ventilation fan are fragile, and make sure that the clutch is engaging cleanly as for some reason replacing the clutch is an expensive job on a Fluence.

Expert answer

Hi Laurie,

Well, the cee’d is a good, solid car so if you want to keep it going it will probably do for a while yet. At ten years old, there’s not going to be much value left in it either way, so a few extra months with it won’t dent your trade in. Which is good news, as there’s an all-new Kia Rio launching very soon, which will be on sale in Ireland before the summer. It’s roomier and much more sophisticated than the current model, and with your mileage forget about diesel – go for the brilliant little 1.0-litre turbo petrol.

Expert answer

Hi Debra,

It’s kind of difficult for us to diagnose a car over the internet unfortunately, but it sounds as if you may have a whole host of problems there. You’re quite right in that rattles are often something to do with either the timing belt or chain or the camshaft mechanism, but if you’re getting multiple fault codes on a diagnostic it could be that there’s a bigger issue that is causing lots of systems to develop issues. Have you brought it to a Volkswagen main dealer yet? That would be our recommended course of action.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

With a short commute like that, you’re definitely better off with petrol and the Hyundai i20 is a fine car – roomy and well made and quite good to drive. Here are some of our reviews to help you decide:

Hyundai i20 review

Ford Fiesta review

Opel Corsa review

Volkswagen Polo review

Expert answer

Hi John,

It probably depends what year you’re talking about, but if you mean the current models then I’d say there’s not an awful lot in it in reliability terms. I’d suggest that the Fiesta will just shade the Clio in overall reliability but there won’t be a huge difference. If we’re talking much older versions, then it’s the Fiesta by miles.

Expert answer

Hi Kenneth,

Yes, but it will depend on the condition of the engine. Basically, as long as all of the wiring and electrics are in good condition and are properly covered up with their original panels and cable armour etc, then it should be fine.

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

The Mazda3 is the better car, to be honest. It’s bigger inside, much more refined and a little sharper to drive. The CX-3 is nice, but it’s basically a Mazda2 with ambition, so you are essentially getting a smaller car with a smaller interior. Now, I know you say you’re going to be own your own a lot in the car, so perhaps that’s not so important, but even so, the 3 is the superior machine in this case.

Saying all that, we realise that the CX-3 looks fantastic so we'd understand if you were tempted.

Here are our reviews to give you more food for thought:

Mazda3 1.5 diesel hatchback review

Mazda3 2.2 diesel saloon review

Mazda3 1.5 petrol hatchback review

Mazda CX-3 1.5 diesel review

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

I’m assuming you’re looking at about a 2005 model year? If so, the official combined fuel economy figure was 42.2mpg, or 6.7 litres per 100km, but the actual fuel consumption will depend significantly on both the condition of the vehicle and your own driving style.

Expert answer

Hi there, 

Assuming that’s the 2.4-litre petrol engined version of the Honda RE4 (better known to us as the third-generation CR-V), you’re looking at around 32mpg overall. We can’t give you more accurate data than that as the model was never homologated for European sales, so that number is extrapolated from the figure given for Australian market cars.

Expert answer

Hi Max,

Well, the official combined fuel economy figure is 51.4mpg, but that sounds a bit optimistic to us. Doing short journeys shouldn’t be a major issue as it’s a petrol engine, but a bit of gentle driving should get you at least past the 40mpg mark, unless you’re stuck in stop-start traffic all the time. I wouldn’t bother using premium petrol, as you’re just wasting your money. The engine is designed to work on standard 95RON pump fuel, so just use that, but make sure you buy from a reputable supplier.

Expert answer

Hi Cyril,

Actually, the current 1.5 EcoBoost petrol model is rather a nice thing. It’s a very smooth, quiet engine and has just about enough poke to shift that big body around, and actually ends up feeling slightly sweeter than the diesel to drive. Economy works out at around 40mpg in most conditions, so it’s not too thirsty and if you’re not doing really big mileage every year, it’s definitely worth considering.

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi diesel review

Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi diesel review

Expert answer

Hi Breda,

It depends which version you mean, but assuming it’s a 60hp 1.25-litre model then it has CO₂ emissions of 120g/km so will cost €200 a year to tax.

Expert answer

Hi Mairead,

It depends which model you mean. An automatic 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol RAV4 from 2008 has CO₂ emissions of 212g/km, so will cost €1,200 a year. The manual version has CO₂ emissions of 202g/km so costs the same. It gets a bit better with the diesels. The 180hp 2.2 diesel has emissions of 185g/km so costs €750 a year while the 150hp version has emissions of 173g/km so costs the same €750.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Should be worth around €17-18,000 as a trade-in.

Expert answer

Hi John,

It depends on the engine. The 1.6-litre petrol needs it to be changed every 160,000km or every eight years, the 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 diesels need to have their belts changed every 200,000km or every 10 years.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

Petrol is better for shorter trips, period. Apart from the extra cost of buying a diesel car (which as you correctly point out, narrows a bit with some models), there's the question of maintenance - doing short hops is just bad for a diesel engine as it won't warm through properly and you could develop problems with the particulate filter and other engine components.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Somewhere around the €5,000 mark should be a fair price.

Expert answer

Hi F D,

Short answer? We don't know yet. Theoretically, petrol engines heat up much more quickly than diesel engines (mostly because they're less thermally efficient) and therefore shorter journeys are less of an issue in that respect. It just depends on how much heat you need to generate to clean the filter and for how long. I'm sure that car makers will claim, as they did with diesel, that the filters are designed to be maintenance free, but then we've heard that before haven't we?

Expert answer

Hi Siobhan,

We've blanked out the reg in your question for the owner's privacy. A quick and free check with Cartell.ie reveals that the car is a 2004 Volkswagen Passat Saloon, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine (1,595cc), producing 102hp. We can also find out that it costs €514 a year to tax. For a detailed history check go to Cartell.ie and sign up for one of its paid products.

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Have you considered a Ford Focus? I’m not sure what the situation is in your area with dealers etc, but a Focus has terrific steering – firmly weighted, direct and full of feedback and feel, and it’s also comfortable and well made (although, as a bad-back sufferer myself I would always suggest as lengthy a test drive as possible to make sure you find the seats a good shape). Quality and reliability are also good, if not quite up to Toyota levels. Your budget should get you into a year-old, maybe 18-month-old model and the 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine should make for an ideal option for you.

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

It’s only available in the 310hp S3 model at the moment, and given the trend for down-sizing and having smaller, more efficient engines, I’d say it’s unlikely to be offered in a lower state of tune in a more affordable version. Mind you, the 1.4 TSI engine has a very healthy 150hp so is well worth looking at.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I’d avoid the pre-2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – it had no end of reliability issues. Your other two choices, the Mazda and the Lexus, make much more sense as both have excellent reliability. Both are also tremendously enjoyable to drive, and it’s worth keeping an eye out for a hybrid Lexus if your mileage is that low, and especially if most of your miles are in town.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Most average family cars will pull 750kg easily enough, and if you like Mazdas, can I suggest a Mazda CX-5? It’s one of the better SUVs out there, and the extra height might make it easier for your family member to climb in and out. Plus the 2.2-litre diesel should bring down your running costs a little.

Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

The new Ka+ will be here in June and will cost from €13,050. You can find out much, much more about it in our Ford Ka+ news item. The new Fiesta is a bit more of an unknown and we certainly don’t have prices for it yet. It’s due to launch in Europe in the first quarter of 2017, but Ford Ireland may decide to keep its powder dry and launch it here closer to the 172 registration change in July of next year. It’s likely to be a little larger than the current car (although not by much, as the same basic structure is being retained) and the engine line up will be entirely the new-generation three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol and the four-cylinder 1.5-litre TDCi diesels. It’s likely to also be more expensive than the current car – the fact that Ford is launching a five-door Ka at a cheap-ish price, and the continuing efforts to push the Ford brand upmarket (Vignale, Mustang, GT, Edge etc.) means that the next Fiesta will probably be more sophisticated but more expensive too.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I'd say your Audi dealer is low-balling you, but perhaps not by that much. Equally, I'd say your SEAT dealer is over-bidding a little to keep you in the brand. Second hand trade in values are never an exact science because it depends as much on what other cars the dealer has on their lot already as on the actual car itself.

Your Leon is a pretty basic one, but that's not necessarily a bad thing and if it were me, I'd probably pitch you between €13,000 and €14,000 as a trade in and that's staying on the safe side. Again though, every dealer's setup and circumstances are different and therefore every trade in offer is different. 

Expert answer

Hi Sebastian,

OK, you have a few choices here. I’d say with that mileage you’re on the cusp of needing to buy a diesel to maximise your fuel economy, but your budget is a bit tight for most diesel saloons of that age. So, how about a BMW 318i? It’s petrol but the good news is that it’s quite economical (you should get 40mpg easily enough) and more reliable than the diesel 3 Series. Or you could try a Honda Civic IMA Hybrid saloon. There are quite a few of those around in your price range and if most of your miles are done in town, it would be ideal.

Expert answer

Hi Emma,

Lovely, lovely car. Not the biggest in the back, to be sure, but sweet to drive, good looking and with a peachy 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that you will honestly not be able to hear at tickover. I’d tell you what to watch for in terms of things going wrong, but apparently there are none. They just don’t seem to break as long as they’ve been serviced properly.

Expert answer

Hi Laurie,

Deciding to go petrol or diesel is a simple matter of how much mileage you do every year. Do you do lots of mileage and plenty of long motorway journeys? Get a diesel then. If you do lower mileage (less than 16,000km a year, say) and mostly around town? Then go for petrol.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

To be honest, I wouldn’t. Quite aside from the fact that the Carisma is  dull to look at, sit in and drive, it was also quite unreliable for a car from a major Japanese car maker. There was no end of problems with the engines and worse still, the 1.3 was hopelessly underpowered. If you want a simple, reliable car from around 2002, think Toyota Corolla instead.

Expert answer

Hi Cyril,

There are a few advertised ‘trick' fuel additives such as STP or Dipetane that promise to reduce the emissions from the engine, but these are at best unproven and at worst utter snake oil. Your best bet is simply to get the car thoroughly serviced and tuned up and make sure it’s running on high-quality petrol or diesel bought from a reputable source. 

Expert answer

Hi Oliver,

Actually, it's really good. True, not the fastest car in history, but peppier than you'd expect, smooth and very economical. Actually suits the car rather well, but if you're doing low mileage, have a look at a C 180 petrol model, which uses a 1.6 turbo petrol engine. Well worth checking out. 

Expert answer

Hi there,

Right, I'll be honest - we had to get on to Nissan Ireland for help with this, but it came through in spades.

Over and above the SV model, the SVE added Xenon headlights, Intelligent Key, illuminated passenger sunvisor, seven-speaker BOSE audio system, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensors.

The engine has a timing chain, not a belt, so it doesn't need replacement,  but it does need to be inspected at regular intervals. Any Qashqai with a full service history should be fine on that score.

In terms of economy, the 1.6 petrol Qashqai got 44mpg overall while the 1.6 diesel got 55mpg, or 60mpg if it was fitted with the stop-start system.

Hope that all helps

Expert answer

Hi Rochelle,

It's a chain, and generally speaking it should be replaced or at least given a major overhaul at the 200,000km mark so you'd need to make sure that's been done. As for the mileage, it's maybe a touch high, but as ever, you should buy on condition, not mileage. If this car seems to have been well cared for and comes with a fully stamped service book then it should be fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Arunita,

If it’s the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine (and that was really the only version sold in Ireland) then it should have a timing chain, rather than a belt, which shouldn’t need regular replacement, but it’s a good idea to have it regularly inspected for any possibly defects or stretching. Other than that, the Alto’s a good little car – Suzukis tend to be reliable, it’s not bad at all to drive and runs on a whiff of petrol. A good choice as a city-centric runaround.

Expert answer

Hi Vera,

We’ve never actually road-tested a Panda Dualogic, but there is a recurring fault on the gearboxes, which involved the actuator mechanism. Basically, if the gear change feels anything less than prompt and swift, especially on up-shifts, then the actuator is on the way out and it can be a very expensive part to replace.

As for the rest of it, the Panda’s a fantastic little car – surprisingly roomy inside, fun to drive and actually really quite well built and reliable. The TwinAir engine is a delight to drive, but actually you’d be better off, overall, with the older 1.2 petrol when it comes to economy.

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

I think with a weekly Cork-Dublin run you should probably go for the diesel. Much better long-run economy. 

Expert answer

Hi Billy,

The Fiesta EcoBoost is a really sweet little car, lots of fun to drive, roomy and very frugal. It's a little difficult to know how reliable it will ultimately be in the long-term as the engine itself is a relatively new design and hasn't been around long enough for us to be able to tell exactly how robust it is. That said, Ford's quality record has been good of late, so I'd say it's a reasonably safe bet.

As for which model, it just depends on what your priorities are. A Titanium will have more standard equipment, but it may well be that there's a lot of extras that you simply won't need nor use, so you're probably better off going for the better value of the Zetec.

Other cars that are worth considering would be a Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Skoda Fabia. Hope that helps.

Relevant reviews:

Ford Fiesta review

Toyota Yaris review

Mazda2 review

Skoda Fabia review

Expert answer

Hi F D,

To be honest, we're not really the experts where wheelchair-accessible cars are concerned, so I think you'd be better off asking the experts at Motability Ireland, who you can find here: http://www.motabilityireland.com/advsearchresults.asp

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

Well, for a start, you're not going to be able to insure any of the three as classics, as none has passed the 30-year mark yet. If your intention is to use them for 'classic-style' driving (only bringing them out for events or days out etc.) then you might be able to get a limited mileage policy that will reduce your costs a bit.

The next problem is that Irish insurers are conducting something of a war against cars of that sort of age – they reckon that older cars are at higher risk of claims so the premiums are being loaded out of all proportion. Most of the major insurers will do a multi-car policy, but with their ages I think you might struggle to find an affordable quote.

As for value, if they're all in exceptional condition then I'd say the Mercedes and BMW could be worth as much as €5-7,000 each (they really would have to be exceptional though) and the Peugeot van probably about €3,000 (again – if in exceptional condition).

Expert answer

Hi F D,

Somewhere around the €18,000 mark I would think. 

Expert answer

Hi Ray,

The new Fabia Combi might well be worth looking at as the boot is absolutely enormous, but you may find the back seats a little tight as the kids get bigger. A Toyota Auris Touring Sports estate would certainly make a good buy - roomy and hugely reliable and Toyota's old 1.4-litre petrol engine has always been a good unit. Also worth looking at the Kia cee'd Sportwagon or Skoda Octavia Combi.

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Fabia Combi review

Toyota Auris Touring Sports review

Skoda Octavia Combi review