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Previously answered questions
My car's engine failed. What do I do?
Hi,
I bought a 2012 Peugeot 3008 automatic nine days ago from a mechanic who told me he was selling the car for his friend who I have never met. I paid the mechanic in cash and two days ago the engine broke and cannot be repaired. I need a whole new engine. The mechanic is saying it’s nothing to do with him. I am devastated.
Alisa Kavanagh (Enniscorthy Wexford)
Nov 2024 Filed under: fault
Renault Clio or Toyota Auris?
Hi,
I am looking at purchasing either a 2015 Renault Clio 1.5 diesel with 88,000km on the clock or a 2013 Toyota Auris diesel with 196,000km on the clock for €8,500. I used to drive a Peugeot 207 and currently renting a Clio until I buy a new car.
I drive a lot for work and need a good seat (neck issues) and something that is economical on fuel. I'd really appreciate your advice on which is the better car in the long run. My budget is €9,000, which I know is low for a decent car.
Ciara Conway (Galway)
Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing used car
When to do the belt on my Octavia TDI?
Hi,
I have a 2018 Octavia 1.6 TDI with 139,000km on it. Timing belt was done at 90,000km. When would the timing belt next need to be done?
James Reardon (Portarlington)
Nov 2024 Filed under: servicing
Which auto SUV for up to €35,000?
Hi,
Can I ask which vehicle you would choose from the following: Hyundai Kona 1.6 Hybrid Excellence or the new MG ZS Hybrid+. I want a reliable SUV with good power, automatic and all the mod cons with a budget of €35k for new.
Also, is it crazy to buy new or would I be better off buying from the following list even if it was 2-3 years old instead: Skoda Karoq Style or Sportline, SEAT Ateca, Cupra Formentor?
Thanks for the advice
Lorraine Rynne (Miltown Malbay)
Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
What rights do I have with my mechanic?
My car needed a new engine due to back pressure issues and a mechanic put in a 2011 2.0-litre Volkswagen Passat engine that he sourced for me, but the engine isn’t running right at all.
He told me it’s fine and to give it a good drive, but since then it’s sluggish while changing gears, there’s smoke and it wouldn’t start for me the other night. I have rang said mechanic and he has told me that it’s up to me to ring the person he sourced the engine off.
Where do I stand here? Is it up to me to pay labour all over again? Should it be me ringing the person he sourced the engine off?
The only problem with my old engine was oil around its injectors. I got them replaced but same thing happened so I opted for a new engine which I was told my multiple people I should do. Am I at a loss here? Is it worth chasing my mechanic over the problems?
Thanks!
Megan Murray (Kilcormac)
Nov 2024 Filed under: fault
Which taxes on importing a new BMW 530e?
Hello
I am based in Dublin and willing to buy a 2024 BMW 530e (plug-in hybrid) from Northern Ireland. Will I have to pay VRT, VAT and import fees or only VRT?
Thank you
Michael Mousa (Dublin)
Oct 2024 Filed under: importing
Thoughts on my Golf's timing belt interval?
Hi,
Re: timing belt interval on Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI (Mark 7.5, first registered 2019).
Has Volkswagen changed the intervals on timing belts? When I bought my 2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI I enquired as to the interval for the timing belt and was informed that it would need replacing at 240,000km or if that mileage was not reached it should last the life of the vehicle.
Today when I scheduled my car for a routine service at about 87,000km I was told that the interval for timing belt is either at five years of age or 120,000km. The cost of replacement at main dealer is a massive €700. I made a point of confirming the timing belt interval when I bought the car to budget for the overall costs of running the car while in my ownership. I feel aggrieved with Volkswagen if it's the case it has changed the interval without notice.
The cynic in me would think VW is merely lining its pockets. Am I taking a risk if I don't change the belt now that the car is five years old although the mileage is only 87,000km?
Thanks, Des
Des D (Maynooth)
Nov 2024 Filed under: servicing
Should we replace our Tiguan with an EV?
Hello,
We currently own a VW Tiguan R Line and coming to the end of PCP plan in August next year. I am considering a new Tiguan and also the new Skoda Kodiaq. I also have been doing a bit of research into possibly buying an EV. Some are now considerably cheaper than the normal ICE vehicles.
We have three kids and the normal mileage is 25k km per year. Over the next couple of months we are looking at the cost of change. We also chatted about the possibility of keeping our current car for another few years and wait for EVs to get better technology and range. There is also the depreciation aspect of EVs presently and the price of batteries are still falling.
Would it be a good time to change to EV or wait?
Wayne Fitzpatrick (Athy)
Oct 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Will I have to pay VAT and VRT on this MG?
Hi,
I'm looking to import a 50-year-old MG from Northern Ireland (NI). The current owner in NI has owned the car since May 2024, so less than six months. The previous owner also lived in NI, but there is no way to prove that from the V5 document, or from MOT certificates which are no longer required. The car has an original UK mainland registration.
Given the comment 'Proof will be required that the vehicle has been in private ownership for a reasonable period of time’, stated on the Revenue pages, will the import be liable for both VAT and VRT?
Thank you for your help
Marcus Wilson (Bandon)
Oct 2024 Filed under: classic cars
What taxes to pay importing a Tesla or Skoda?
Hi,
I am looking at buying a second-hand Tesla Model 3. I am keeping an eye on some that are in the North. We are talking 2020 Model 3 standard plus with 50,000km done.
From my research I believe I do not have to pay VRT. However, I can’t get clear info on customs duty or any other hidden costs. Can you help? Also, if I was to go for a 2019 Skoda Superb plug-in hybrid, I assume I have to pay VRT and customs duty?
Adrian Miskell (Athenry)
Oct 2024 Filed under: importing
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