Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

You shouldn't have a major problem as long as you look after the car and keep the service history up to scratch. Opels are perennially popular second hand buys, so while the badge means you won't get the value retention of, say a BMW or an Audi, there should always be a reasonably willing audience out there for one.

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

You can indeed get a lower rate of VAT and VRT when importing a commercial vehicle from the UK. For VRT you'll pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) - the price that Revenue reckons the car is worth in Ireland, not what you paid for it. Buying second hand in the UK and having the car converted is also a fine idea, but best to have the conversion done in the UK so that the car is already in commercial form when it lands here.

By the way, all this only applies if you're bringing in a commercial vehicle to use for work purposes. If you're using such a vehicle for social, domestic or pleasure use and paying VRT, VAT and motor tax at the commercial rate, you're technically breaking the law.

Here's our full guide to importing a car from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Evelyn,

Actually, the Hyundai ix20 might be just the thing you're looking for. It's smaller and cheaper to run than a Golf, and that 1.4 diesel engine is very economical, and will actually prove more powerful to drive than the Golf. Others worth considering are the Citroen C3 Picasso or Ford B-Max, both of which can be had with either petrol or diesel power. Try a 1.0-litre turbo petrol B-Max actually - great fun to drive and you won't believe the power and performance Ford can get from its new downsized 1.0-litre engine.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Gary,

Are you perhaps being a tad unfair to your wife here? If it were a teenager you were talking about I'd say yes, keep the old car but as it's your missus, and you've got a decent bit of budget, why not get something spanky new to give her the motivation to become a truly great driver?

For that cash, you could get a really nice year old Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 208, both of which are terrific to drive and very economical. Go for the 1.2 82hp 208 or the 1.0 EcoBoost Fiesta. Or you could save yourself a bundle and buy brand new by downsizing. A Volkswagen up! or the new Hyundai i10 would make a perfect learner car and still be stylish and practical family transport when she's got her pink licence.

Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

Yes, in that it’s perfectly fine to buy a car imported from the UK as long as you’re happy that the vehicle’s condition and history are all in order, but we’d be wary of buying a car that is still on its UK plates. There are strict time limits of 30 days from the point of a car’s arrival in the State to the point where its VRT must be paid and its new numberplates fitted, so be very wary of any private seller or any dealer who hasn’t done that before they sell the car to you. A reputable seller would usually have completed the process before selling the car on.

Also, well worth checking an import's history through Cartell.ie

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

If the stop-start system is not working ever then it's probably worth a trip to your Audi dealer to have it looked at, but bear in mind that there are plenty of conditions in which it will not operate and it may not be immediately obvious why. Here's Audi's official stance on it:

"The system is automatically activated when the ignition is switched on. If the driver doesn't want to use it, it can simply be switched off at the touch of a button.

"This is how it works: brake the car down to a standstill, shift into neutral and release the clutch. The system now switches off the engine and signals this via an indicator lamp. Depress the clutch before continuing the journey - the engine now starts automatically and the indicator lamp goes out again.

The start-stop function only works when...

• the driver's door and the bonnet are closed
• the driver is wearing a seat belt
• the vehicle has been driven at faster than 4km/h before stopping
• the vehicle is not pulling a trailer

In some cases the engine will not be switched off, for instance when...

• the engine temperature is still too low
• the difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system is still too great
• the outside temperature is very high or very low
• the windscreen is being de-iced
• the optional parking aid or the optional park assist is activated
• the battery charge is too low
• the steering wheel is at a sharp angle or is being turned
• reverse gear is engaged
• the road is steep

The engine is started automatically by the system when...

• the vehicle rolls forward
• the windscreen is being de-iced
• there is a large difference between the interior temperature and the temperature selected via the air conditioning system
• the brake pedal has been depressed several times in succession
• the battery charge is too low

Expert answer

Hi Ciaran,

Benefit in kind is, unfortunately, not a fixed figure and depends as much on your personal circumstances as it does the particular car. Have a look on the Revenue website to learn more, but you’re going to need an accountant.

As for tax on the vehicle itself, the VRT payable is 13.3 per cent of the purchase price and, taxed as a commercial, it’s €333 a year, but if you’re using it for any sort of social, domestic or pleasure driving then you’ll have to tax it as a private car, and that means €1,200 per year.

Expert answer

Hi John,

OK, you can get a 2008 5 Series for under €13,000, but they will probably be even higher mileage than your old one and will most likely be from private vendors, rather than a dealer offering you a warranty and after-sales care. You takes your chances etc.

You may be better served by looking at the UK again - more cars, generally better prices but how about this: why not use the insurance payout to get yourself on the new car buying ladder? BMW Ireland has some cracking PCP deals on both the 5 and 3 Series and that €13k would be a decent deposit to get you off to a good start.

Worth thinking about anyway.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid without knowing the year of your S40 it's impossible to give you an idea of the value but I would suggest trading it in rather than trying to sell it yourself - it saves an awful lot of hassle and heartache. As for what to get, try either a Skoda Yeti or a Nissan Qashqai. Both are as reliable as they come, comfy and with a higher (but not too high) seating position. And both are spacious enough that when those reared kids start dropping off the grandkids for a weekend, you'll have room in the back...

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Yes! And I'm not just saying that because I own a 2009 one... MINIs are generally pretty well made and reliable, just watch the 1.6 diesel engine for problems with the turbo and the injectors, and check the cabin carefully for signs of abuse or wear and tear. Clubmans are prone to developing an annoying rattle in the little 'ClubDoor' behind the driver's door, but there doesn't seem to be an easy cure for it. If the car cuts out under hard acceleration, check the diesel filter; it can clog and cause fuel starvation.