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Hi Steve,

It will depend on the mileage and spec but it should be in the region of €2,300. 

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Hi Dave,

Generally speaking it is, but much will depend on who you go to for a disabled access conversion. Worth remembering that the new Toyota Proace Verso is mechanically identical to the Citroen SpaceTourer and the Peugeot Expert,  so it might be worth having a shop around to see if there are any sharper deals going on those.

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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.

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Hi Richard,

We asked Eddie Coleman of Conlan Crotty Murray & Company Chartered Accountants for some help on this one and here was his response:

"For a self-employed VAT-registered sole trader the most tax efficient vehicle to purchase for business use would be a small commercial van/SUV.  As the private use element of the vehicle is likely to be minimal VAT could be recovered on such a vehicle in the proportion that business use bears to the total usage of the vehicle.  As there should be a high business usage of the vehicle most of the running costs of the vehicle, such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc. could be expensed for tax purposes, again in the proportion that business usage bears to overall use of the vehicle.

If an individual decides that a small commercial vehicle is not appropriate and decides to purchase a car then there would be very limited tax deductibility for VAT purposes.  If a car falling into Category A, B or C is acquired, then 20 per cent of the VAT paid on purchase of the vehicle could be recovered where at least 60 per cent or more of the usage of the car is for business purposes.  There is a potential claw back of the VAT recovered if the car is sold within two years of acquisition.

If the car is acquired by way of a hire purchase agreement or loan finance then the vehicle is treated as owned by the individual.  The capital cost in those instances can be claimed by way of an annual capital allowance write-off equivalent to 12.5 per cent of the cost of the vehicle, restricted to business use as a proportion of overall use of the vehicle.  If a new vehicle is being acquired then it may be possible to do so by way of a finance lease.  In such circumstances it may be possible to write-off the capital cost of the vehicle over a shorter time frame, again subject to business use restriction on the allowable tax deduction."

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Hi James,

Usually you can get so-called 'bridging' insurance from a UK-based insurer to cover the car for a few weeks on it original plates etc. to deal with this sort of situation. I think a quick ring-round should see you right. 

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Hi Bob,

Short version? The IS 300h is good looking, ultra reliable and comes with very low tax. Shortcomings are the strange CVT gearbox and less than sparkling acceleration. A viable diesel alternative though.

READ: Lexus IS 300h review

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Hi Ebere,

You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.

Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).

I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:

1 - from www.citizensinformation.ie

2 - from www.revenue.ie

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Hi Marie,

If it's running costs that concern you, you should probably consider coming down in price and, a little, in size a bit. Both the Evoque and the Q5 are premium-badge SUVs and while neither is excessively thirsty, both will be expensive to run and service.

I'd suggest, instead, checking out a Honda CR-V - tonnes of space, hugely reliable, comfortable and with the 1.6 I-DTEC diesel engine and four-wheel drive, both frugal and ideal for country roads. Good to drive too.

Other good options are the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4. Here are our reviews to help you decide:

Range Rover Evoque review

Audi Q5 review

Honda CR-V review

Mazda CX-5 review

Kia Sportage review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Volkswagen Tiguan review

Toyota RAV4 review

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Hi Tom,

Assuming you mean the D5 diesel with the automatic transmission, then €1,200. 

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Hi Garoid,

Well, it depends on the car and how you're taxing it. If you're taxing any vehicle as a commercial then it's €333 a year, but there are strict limits on usage, which include no personal driving, doing the school run, stopping at the shops etc. If you've taxed a car as a commercial but are using it for personal use then you're liable for a massive fine.