Is a five-seat Defender a commercial?

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a 2013 Defender 110 2.2D XS Utility Wagon (five seats).  I have read here that you can tax a commercial vehicle privately and the tax is determined by the older pre-2008 tax bands based on engine size. That would make the tax €951, which is a lot lower than if it was based on emissions. My question is, is a five-seat Utility wagon considered a commercial? As I recall, there was a clamp down on 'crew cabs' for this tax process.

Thanks

Mark

Mark RowLANDS (Lahinch)

Jul 2020 Filed under: taxation

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Expert answer

Hi Mark,

There was indeed a clampdown on crew-cabs and five-seat SUVs qualifying for commercial rate VRT and tax, but being as (a) this Defender pre-dates the clampdown and (b) it has a separate and un-glazed cargo compartment, it should just squeak through. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe