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Previously answered questions

Can I avoid VRT importing my own car?

Dear Team,

I moved to Ireland and brought my German car with me. It is a Volkswagen Caddy, built December 2014 with 115,000km reading on the clock. I had the idea of registering the car in Ireland, since I will be living permanently in Ireland for the next two years. Checking the VRT calculation online gave me a bit of a shock, since filling in the car information, as the system declared a VRT tax of €3,300. Could you please explain to me how to get around this tax? As I understood, since the car belonged to me before, it is not an import of a car (either new or used) in the normal sense?

Thanks a lot for your help

Regards

Dagmar Quandt

Dagmar Quandt (Galway)

Apr 2019 Filed under: VRT

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Looking for used automatic car...

Hi, I am looking for a used automatic hatchback petrol car for my wife. She's a learner and would prefer a small automatic hatchback. Would you mind helping me to find the best automatic car from year 2015 to 2017? We went through your reviews and made a list of cars thatsuits our needs. They are Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo, Kia Picanto, Toyota Yaris, SEAT Ibiza, SEAT Mii, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 108 and Renault Clio etc. I was wondering if you could suggest me the best option?

Nithin Mathew (New Ross, Wexford)

Apr 2020 Filed under: automatic

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Ford Galaxy or Hyundai Santa Fe?

Ford Galaxy or Hyundai Santa Fe? I have not been able to do test drives yet, but would appreciate your view as well. I need something to drive in the city as well as for family trips (kids are 4, 10, 12 and 14). I know kids would be happiest with a V-Class, but I need something for daily commute as well. Am trying to find the right type of car. SUVs are not large enough, MPVs seem a bit big and not as fun to drive (or perhaps not), while vans are only suitable for longer trips, I think.

Thank you.

Emir Cehajic (Sarajevo)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Looking for Tesla Model 3 pricing info...

Hi there,

Can you tell me what the VRT for a new Tesla Model 3 (basic model) is please? Why is it €48,900 here whereas in the USA it is $35,000?! Any reason for this huge price difference?

Thanks and regards

Roisin

Roisin Keating (Firhouse, Dublin)

May 2020 Filed under: choosing new car

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Which engine is cheaper to tax?

Which to go for: 1.2 petrol or 1.6 diesel car same year 151 or 152 reg plate? How can the government know emissions of above engines? Which engine is cheaper to tax?

Thanks

Mark Leahy

Crossbarry, Cork

Mark Leahy (Cork)

May 2020 Filed under: taxation

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Start-stop on my Jeep Compass not right...

My start-stop is not working on my 2018 Jeep Compass. What should I do to get it working?

Tina Dunston (Cary)

May 2020 Filed under: fault

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I think my Merc C 200 d's chain is gone...

I have a Mercedes C 200 d (W204) and on cold start up it is rough sounding for a couple of seconds; I think it might be the timing chain. Any idea of price for a new one and is there anyone in Galway/Mayo area that does this?

Thanks

Michael Walsh (Galway )

Mar 2019 Filed under: pricing

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Can I tax a Nissan Navara privately?

Hi,

Can a 2016 Nissan Navara be taxed privately? Or only commercial?

Marcin Posiewka (Dublin)

Mar 2019 Filed under: taxation

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How to dispose of my Audi A3?

My 2006 Audi A3 petrol has failed its NCT on emissions and my mechanic said it will need a new engine to fix the problem. Will I be able to trade it in anywhere? It's a great car in good condition; would be a shame to scrap it.

Karla Devenney (Dublin)

Mar 2019 Filed under: used car values

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Should I change my Skoda Fabia's belt?

I have a 60-plate Skoda Fabia 1.6 TDI, mileage 91k. My garage keeps telling me I should get the cambelt changed. No record of it having a new one fitted before I bought it, when it showed 48k.

Please advise.

Tim Staveley (Grantham)

Mar 2019 Filed under: servicing

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4,966 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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