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Hi Simone,

I'm assuming you're trying to choose between that ex-demo Volvo and a brand-new Kia EV9, as we wouldn't usually consider these cars to be direct rivals, despite the fact they're both electric and can seat seven people.

The Volvo is supposedly the more luxurious car and brand for sure, and it's a very impressive vehicle. I too would be worried about the software, however, unless there's evidence that it has been updated to a newer version.

A new Kia EV9 would come with a much longer warranty and Kia also has a great reputation for reliability, so it's probably the safer bet. Saying that, the EV9 is also a lovely car, very well specified and spacious.

Make sure you drive examples of both to help you decide – and do let us know which way you go.

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Hi Julia,

While there's no strict definition of the 'Recommended Retail Price' (RRP), it tends to include all taxes, but not the so-called "delivery fee".

This does not, incidentally, mean delivery to your own address, but delivery to the dealership...

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Hi Jim,

I assume you mean the G6, the only car Xpeng sells in Ireland right now. 

It should make for a good taxi in terms of comfort, running costs and space, for sure. The rear seat is huge and it has a decent boot as well.

It hasn't been around long enough for us to make a call on its reliability, but EVs have less to go wrong than cars with engines so it's likely to be pretty dependable. 

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Revenue does run a tax-relief scheme for vehicles adapted for drivers and passengers with disabilities, but the Government has confirmed that this does not apply to public service vehicles such as taxis or hackneys, wheelchair-accessible or not. In other words, a wheelchair-accessible taxi is not automatically free of VAT and VRT.

What you can benefit from is the National Transport Authority's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme, which offers a cash grant towards the cost of buying or converting a wheelchair-accessible taxi or hackney. That grant doesn't remove VAT or VRT, but it can significantly reduce the overall cost to you – by up to €17,500 depending on the age of the vehicle.

Read the information guide on the WAV Grant Scheme here

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Hi Robert,

Yeah, it would be fine as a taxi, although I'd avoid the seven-seat one as the extra seats are useless.

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Hi Aodhan,

The €514 rate is for engine sizes 1,501-1,600cc, which applies when a commercial vehicle is taxed for private use. If you are using the Caddy exclusively for business purposes, and can prove that, bring your documentation into your local motor tax office to have the details changed so that you can pay the regular commercial rate of €333.

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Hi Frank,

If Ford won't play ball in giving you a CoC with all the details on it, then next step is perhaps to try to find the information on an officially recognised UK website, such as this one from the Vehicle Certification Agency. If you can find your exact car on there, that should be accepted, but we strongly urge you to talk to Revenue ahead of the NCTS inspection about the documentation you have to hand. 

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Hi Martin,

It goes by the engine size in that situation, so the annual motor tax would be €1,494 for engines of 2,901-3,000cc.

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Hi Karen,

You can add windows for ventilation, and it shouldn't affect your commercial tax class as long as the van stays a two-seat commercial. If in any doubt, ask Revenue beforehand. 

But you should tell your insurer, because any bodywork modification counts.

It's quick to do, and they'll almost certainly be fine with it.

Expert answer

Hi Harry,

While Revenue does not offer any specific advice to cover your situation, our understanding is that VRT – i.e. Vehicle Registration Tax – applies only to vehicles being registered in the State for the first time. If you never intend to register or use the vehicle in Ireland, then VRT should not be payable.

If you are in any doubt, you could of course remove the parts you need from the vehicle before importation and then have the rest of it disposed of without it leaving the UK.