CompleteCar
Ask Us Anything

To help readers get the most out of this free service, we ask those that wish to submit a question to first register their details using the registration form.

Thank you



Previously answered questions

Do I need to insure a car before scrappage?

Hi,

I'm enquiring about scrappage deals and am wondering if I need to have the car insured as I can't afford a new car until 2017 and the insurance is due for renewal on my car now and as I don't need the car until January I don't know if I need to reinsure it before then.

Rita

Rita Bo (Tipperary)

Jul 2016 Filed under: scrappage

Read our answer...


I'm thinking of buying a UK Ford Mondeo.

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a 2012 Mondeo, UK reg, and I just want to know has it a timing belt and wet belt or a chain?

Sean Mc Carthy (Laois)

Jul 2016 Filed under: servicing

Read our answer...


What's the most efficient way to use a/c?

I had always assumed that it was bad to keep air conditioning on recirculation - gives rise to stale air and car misting up - but I read recently a suggestion that it should be kept on continuously as this was more efficient.

What do you think?

Thanks

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Jul 2016 Filed under: miscellaneous

Read our answer...


What is the VRT on a Jeep Renegade?

What is the VRT on a 2016 Jeep Renegade Sport?

Chris Smyth (Bansha)

Jul 2016 Filed under: VRT

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


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

Read our answer...


4,966 Irish motoring queries answered to date

On CompleteCar.ie there is no such thing as a silly question. No matter how small or complicated an issue seems, we'll do our best to help. Our experts will quickly answer your queries in a friendly and jargon-free manner.

Please remember that we offer advice, not gospel. We cannot be held responsible for recalls, a second hand car's history, 'acts of God', changes in car pricing or Government policy. We are here to help and offer independent, impartial and free advice. What you do with it is entirely up to you.

By submitting a question you are agreeing to this statement. Thank you.

CompleteCar.ie aims to be compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented on 25 May, 2018. At no stage shall we contact you without your express permission (by entering your email address, you are consenting for us to send you emails relating directly to your question).

Your data will never be shared with a third party and it is kept in a secure database on our servers, with limited personnel access.

You have the right to have your data deleted at any time and also to get a copy of your data on file. For any related queries, please send us a message using the form on the Who we are page.