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Previously answered questions

Does my diesel Avensis have a timing chain?

Please could you tell me if my 2012 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D diesel has a timing chain or belt?

Jeff Landeg (Port Talbot)

Aug 2017 Filed under: servicing

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Can I change my Peugeot 3008's speedo?

Can the speedo on the new Peugeot 3008 SUV be changed from mph to kph and back?

John Freeman (Newry)

Aug 2017 Filed under: miscellaneous

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Which high car to replace my BMW coupe?

I have a bad back so a hard-riding low car is out as I already have one a BMW 4 Series. I need a nice smooth and interesting to drive alternative that is higher up.

Declan McEvoy (Portlaoise)

Aug 2017 Filed under: choosing new car

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Can you help me estimate a Niro's OMSP?

Determining the OMSP of a car that is not available within Ireland: yes, I have read through all of the Revenue documentation, and the only remaining variable in determining the VRT amount due is in determining the OMSP of the UK car. There are two Irish versions of this car, but there are FOUR in the UK. Only one of the four have previously been VRT'd, (I know this because it shows on the VRT calculator).

The car I wish to purchase is the top-spec, which includes front parking sensors, sunroof and high-spec sound system. What value could the Rosslare Office assign to these extras? What's worse, I rang Rosslare and they said that I have to purchase the car then register it, and only then can they tell me the OMSP of the car. This is too much of a risk. Please help if you can.

This car is a hybrid, hence the reason why only one of the four types have previously been imported.

Michael, Donegal.

Michael Carey (Letterkenny)

Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT

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Will there be Budget changes for 2018 VRT?

Budget 2018 and the hybrid reduction amount of €1,500 on a new Kia Niro: in your opinion. would you expect this figure (VRT reduction) to increase, based on the fact that hybrids have not been selling very well this year (two per cent of total sales in Ireland), and the government needs to encourage hybrid sales. Hence, I would wait until the budget is announced before buying my 2018.

Thanking you as always for your expert opinion.

Michael Carey (Letterkenny)

Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT

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Will hybrid VRT relief change in the Budget?

I would welcome your opinion on the upcoming 2018 Irish Budget in November. The current VRT relief on hybrid cars is €1,500. In light of current poor sales of hybrid cars in Ireland (two per cent of total Irish sales), do you see them raising this value or could they possibly withdraw it?

I ask this because I am planning to purchase a hybrid for 181 and I would like to take advantage of the 'increased' value.

Michael Carey (Letterkenny)

Aug 2017 Filed under: hybrid

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How can I estimate VRT on a new Kia Niro?

Regarding the Kia Niro hybrid: there are two Irish models and four UK model specifications (1, 2, 3 and First Edition). To date, only one of the UK specs have been imported, the Niro 2, which is why only one appears on the Revenue VRT calculator.

I would like to import the top-spec (First Edition) since this spec is not available in Ireland. The problem with this is that I have been told that I cannot get an estimate of this high-spec'd car until after I purchase it and then bring it to the VRT office for evaluation, after which they compile a report of the extras and then I sit back and wait.

This is too much of a risk for me to take. It is all to do with OMSP value. The difference between the highest Irish Niro spec to the highest UK spec is electric sunroof, front parking sensors and an eight-speaker high quality sound system. In your expert opinion, by how much could I expect the Rosslare Revenue office to increase the OMSP value by for my First- Edition model?

Currently, of the four UK models available, the Niro 2 has a VRT OMSP value of €27,535 (but try adding the previous three extras...).

Apologies for this rant.

Many thanks!

Michael Carey (Letterkenny)

Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT

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What do you think of the 2008 Jaguar XF?

What do you think of the 2008 Jaguar XF? Is one with 79,000 miles on the clock a good buy or not?

Tim Gleeson

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Which seven-seat crossover to go for?

Looking for a seven-seaters. Crossovers, maybe? Not Ford S-Max or Galaxy or MPVs. More Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan Qashqai+2, Mitsubishi Outlander, etc. Any recommendations? Shame the 2008 crossover is compact and not seven seats like I need.

Roy Ferris (Killorglin)

Jul 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

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Which hatch keeps its value best?

I have an 1.8 petrol 2007 Mercedes E-Class with low mileage, but my need for a big car has changed and I require something that will not depreciate as quick and will cost less to maintain and run. Thinking of a Volkswagen Golf or Opel Astra .

Michael O Neill (Arklow)

Aug 2013 Filed under: resale value

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4,972 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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