I'm new to Ireland - how does car tax work?

Hi, I am new in Ireland. I am looking to buy a second hand five-door automatic car. Can you please suggest one? Also I want it to be reliable and economical. My max budget is €5,000. I noticed that cars around 2005 have high road tax and require frequent NCT test.

Any suggestion would be great.

Thanks

Master Boy

Apr 2014 Filed under: automatic

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Expert answer

Hi there,

Welcome to Ireland! I'd suggest you have a look for a Honda Civic 1.4 petrol automatic. That's probably the best balance between reliability (Civics are very reliable), economy and sticking within your budget. The higher road tax comes from the changeover to a carbon emissions based system in 2008. Prior to that cars were taxed according to their engine size, but the Civic's 1.4-litre petrol engine should keep your tax bills down to a reasonable level. Sadly, there's nothing you can do to change the NCT test - every car requires one every two years once it's more than four years old, and every year once it's more than ten years old. Again, the Honda will help here - they're really well built so less likely to develop problems that would cause you to fail an NCT test, as long as you look after it and keep it serviced.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe