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Previously answered questions

Does the MINI have heavy steering?

Hi,

Are MINI hatches supposed to have quite heavy steering and controls? My car is fine to drive for me, but I never really noticed until I tried my friend's Volkswagen Passat today and it feels toy-like in comparison in that it has extremely light steering. Both cars are 2009.

James Patrick (Wicklow)

Jul 2016 Filed under: hatchback

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Do I pay UK tax on a car before importing?

If a car has outstanding tax from the previous owner in the UK, will this need to be paid before importing it to Ireland?

Laza R (Dublin)

Jul 2016 Filed under: importing

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Which used SUV for under €20,000?

Which is the best used SUV to buy for under €20,000?

Rohit K (Ballina)

Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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I'm tempted by a new MPV for under €30,000.

Hi guys,

I am looking to replace my Renault Scenic automatic (06). I do about 10,000 miles a year. I know I am probably going to get a very low trade in for a car this age... Do I buy a new car and get a decent €3,000 or €3,500 trade in allowance? (If it's new it needs to be under €30,000) Or do I buy a second hand car?

Ideally I would like a seven-seater (I wouldn't rule out a five-seater just yet). If it is used I do not want anything older than 2013. the most important factor is reliability, as this next car needs to do me at least 10 years, and be very economical (in terms of fuel consumption and tax). It needs to be a manual car, too - I have an automatic at the moment, but I want to revert back to a manual transmission.

I am looking at the Ford Grand C-Max or the Toyota Verso. Which of these is more reliable? Should I be looking at anything else (not French ideally; I will not buy any other French car I think - I have owned three and had nothing but trouble)? I am also tempted to get a hybrid but for a people carrier does it even exist and what type of cost?

Thanks

Lurdes Power (Greater Dublin Area)

Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

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What's happening with the Mk8 Golf?

Hi,

You mention in the Renault Megane article that an 'all new Golf debuts later this year.' Do you have any more details please as to whether this is a facelifted MK7 or will it be a Mk8?

Martin Smith (Dublin)

Jul 2016 Filed under: future cars

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Do we need to pay VAT on importing?

Are we liable for VAT as well as VRT if we are bringing in a 13-month old company car that has done 39,000 miles and is still being purchased by monthly payments under a lease agreement?

The sale price the company is asking is just the amount to pay off the lease. Is the company legally able to sell the car yet or does the lease have to be paid off first? Also, if a company buys a car under a lease agreement do they pay VAT? We don't want to be stuck with a car we can't import or has hidden costs like VAT. The asking price does seem very good though: £11,000, which is what made me think we will have to pay VAT too. Any feedback will be very helpful.

Thank you

Debbie

Debbie Borton (Letterkenny)

Jul 2016 Filed under: importing

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Should I trade my Focus in for a new car?

My 2005 Focus needs about €2k of work to pass an NCT and stay on the road. Through scrappage I am being offered €5k for the car, making a new car in the region of €17k, so the cost of changing to a comfy, stress free new car is effectively €15k, no NCT worries and no bills next year.

Is it worth trading up now while €5k is on the table? The Focus probably has another few years in it, but I can't see past the hassle of keeping it on the road. What are the potential pit falls of sticking with an older car, and what savings does a new car offer over an old car?

Paul Campbell (Dublin)

Jul 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

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How much to import a commercial Touareg?

Looking at bringing in a commercial Volkswagen Touareg from the north; do you know how much I would need to pay to have it registered here?

Ray Moran (Naas)

Jul 2016 Filed under: importing

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Which solid car to buy for up to €7,000?

Hi Guys,

I'm living in Louth and will be driving to Dublin each day Monday to Friday. That's a journey of 160km per day. I am looking for a family car that is comfy yet professional and I guess most important bullet proof that won't cost us an arm and a leg over the next 12 months. Budget somewhere around €6,000/7,000. I know it's not big, but family come first and this car needs to be a work horse. A couple of options would be great.

Dan , Louth

Dan Duffy (Dundalk)

Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Hyundai Montana or Mercedes V-Class?

Hyundai Montana versus Mercedes-Benz V-Class? Which is the best one to run, fuel wise, resale value, tax and reliability? I know there's a big difference in price, but just wondering which is better to invest in long term.

Jenny Lynch (Navan)

Jun 2016 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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4,962 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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