Expert answer

Hi Joan,

If the seller had said it would have an NCT cert and now it doesn't, then you should definitely get your deposit back if you don't want to go through with the sale. If an NCT was never mentioned before then it's not so clear cut and you will have to appeal to the seller's better nature.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

All three are represented here still.

Lotus Dublin is run by the Joe Duffy Group and it's based in Airside Motor Park in Dublin.

GWM only has the Ora brand here at the minute, with plenty of dealers listed on the GWM Ora Ireland website.

Morgans are distributed by Edgewood Automotive in Cork.

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

Prices vary considerably depending on specification and engine. We've seen as low as €13,500 for an import, but as high as €20,000 for a low-mileage hybrid as well.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

XPeng Ireland confirmed that it is indeed tinted as standard, but it is possible to customise it with clear glass instead. It's suggested that you speak to someone in a dealer to talk through this and what it will mean for delivery times.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I'm afraid the answer is a simple no, that's not possible. 

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Hi Frank,

We wouldn’t have considered those to be natural rivals as the Toyota starts at about €43,000 and the most expensive Kona Electric is €38,495 and in truth, the cabin ambience of the bZ4X reflects that – it’s a more luxurious car inside. The Toyota is also more spacious in the back seats, though they have similarly sized boots. The bZ4X is nicer to drive and smoother, though the Hyundai is a little more efficient in real-world driving.

In short, if the price difference isn’t part of your decision, you just need to go and test drive both to see which you prefer, as we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either.

Expert answer

Hi Farzana,

Unlike the UK, where specific mention of a taxi is required on the signage, in Ireland (including Dublin), taxis are permitted to use all bus lanes. However, technically they are only allowed do so when they are actively working, which typically means carrying a fare-paying passenger. This policy is outlined in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, which state that fare-carrying taxis may operate in bus lanes during the course of business.

There is one exception: contra-flow bus lanes - those that allow buses to travel against the general flow of traffic - are typically restricted to buses only. Taxis are generally not permitted to use contra-flow bus lanes unless explicitly indicated by signage.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

The CX-80's suspension was a further development of that in the CX-60 and improvements were made before the larger car was launched, so we have no issue with that car at all. Further changes are coming to the CX-60 later this year.

As with all cars, we'd highly recommend sticking to smaller wheel options, as that means more tyre sidewall to better absorb bumps and poor road surfaces.

Expert answer

Hi Nathy,

Generally, once a new car arrives at a dealership, the company’s administration department will begin processing the registration as soon as possible. I’m unsure that this is an automatic process, as in past experience, all of the customer’s details had to be manually inputted into the vehicle registration system.

However, as Audi will invoice the dealership for the car once it lands there, it is unlikely that the company will hold off or defer any registration process, as once it’s completed, it can include that car with its monthly sales/registration figures, which is important for targets, commissions etc. Unless specifically outlined and agreed ahead of time, it is unlikely that the dealership will defer this process. 

Expert answer

Hi Omar,

From the information you've provided, you should not be liable for VAT or import/customs duty on this bike. Just make sure you have paperwork to prove the bike was sold in the North originally and used there from new as you've stated. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

So long as the BMW was imported into Northern Ireland properly and used there by a private individual before you import it south, then you should only be liable for the VRT and NOx levy. But you will need the paperwork to prove all of that. 

Read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland#mce_temp_url# for more details

Expert answer

Hi Alix,

If you are bringing the car back in yourself there is no paperwork necessary. Your insurance will presumably be in the North, indicating that the car is there. Keep proof of your ferry as well for future reference, but there's nothing else to do at this stage. 

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

So long as they have off-street parking and are willing to get a charger installed at home, then I'd suggest that a full-on electric car will suit them. For that outlay, there are loads of good options to consider:

Skoda Enyaq reviews

Volkswagen ID reviews

Kia EV6 reviews

Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

OK, first off there’s nothing to be concerned about. People who are temporarily resident in Ireland are allowed to bring their cars with them, and not have to re-register or fully import them for as long as 12 months. There are no forms to fill out, you just have to be able to show proof of address, purchase, tax, and insurance when and if you’re asked. Students who are studying in Ireland can keep cars with them for the duration of their studies, even if that exceeds 12 months, so there are clearly generally lenient rules when it comes to this. Given that your daughter is (a) intending to return to the UK when it is safe to do so and (b) effectively sheltering with you because of the pandemic, I wouldn’t be too concerned about having the car taken away nor anything like it.

Really, the only issue that would arise is if your daughter wanted to sell the car here, but if she’s going to keep it, I would say you’ve not much to worry about. 

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

This is obviously a tricky decision, and we wish your wife all the best in coping with this. When it comes to ride quality, the most important factors are the stiffness, overall, of the suspension, the size of the wheels, and the sidewall depth of the tyres. Basically, smaller wheels and normal suspension is the rule of thumb if you’re trying to get a car with a soft ride quality.

SUVs are actually generally quite bad for ride quality. That sounds counter-intuitive, because of course they’re taller and have longer-travel suspension, but the problem is that the springs and dampers have to be stiffened up to prevent the higher centre of gravity from inducing too much body roll. I would therefore suggest that keeping away from SUVs would be a good bet.

That said, the Subaru Forester you’ve mentioned below does indeed have a soft ride quality, again as long as you avoid the larger alloy wheel options. Ditto the smaller Subaru XV, which is helpfully lower to the ground and can get away with slightly softer suspension rates. Citroen, of course, is famed for having pillowy-soft ride quality, and the current C5 Aircross is pretty soft and springy, and has great seats into the bargain. You should definitely look at a Toyota Camry as well (very soft, and again with great seats) and the Skoda Superb.

Avoid anything that has a sporty designation (S line, R-Line, M Sport etc) as that will almost automatically have stiffer springs and bigger wheels.

Hope that helps. Below are links to our reviews of the cars mentioned above:

Subaru Forester reviews

Citroen C5 Aircross reviews

Subaru XV reviews

Toyota Camry reviews

Skoda Superb reviews

Expert answer

Hi John,

Citroen is currently reviewing options on potentially introducing the Ami to Ireland in the future. Initially the car was only to be produced in left-hand drive, but this is now being reconsidered due to high levels of interest in the car from the UK market. If the car was to be officially sold here it would be liable for the applicable VAT and VRT rates and would require motor tax and insurance, in the same way that the Renault Twizy does. These would also apply if you were to privately import one. 

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

I don't think you need to massively worry about any of this as, even if you can get the car here before the end of the year, it's the date that it's registered that counts with regards to VRT and other charges. And it will be impossible to get an appointment to have the car inspected for VRT purposes before the end of the year now. 

I don't think it will be an issue getting insurance, but it's best that your sister talk to the insurer to ensure they know the situation.

Expert answer

Hi Howard,

If I were you, I'd stick with diesel for now. Assuming that, with such high mileage, you won't have time to plug the car in to charge it up regularly, the 530e won't get near the 520d's average economy. Once the battery charge is used up, you're effectively driving a heavy petrol car. The fact you're VAT-registered and can claim back the VAT on the diesel is another reason to stick with it for now.

Yes, electrification is coming to all cars, but we don't believe it suits all motorists just yet. The beauty of you changing your car every 15 months is that you can react quite quickly to changes in taxation and new model launches.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

OK, we’ve found a few cars that meet both your budget and your small engine requirement, and can pretty easily handle the hack to Ennis and back.

All small car searches should start with a Fiat 500 — looks cool, is fun to drive, costs buttons to run and no they’re not unreliable.

Want something a bit more conventional? You should be able to track down a 2009-ish Ford Fiesta with the 1.25 engine. Terrific all-rounder.

If you want something cheaper to run, there’s the Kia Picanto (circa 2010),  which has a peppy enough 1.0 to be able to cope with the Ennis run.

Or finally a Toyota Yaris, with that brilliant 1.0 VVTi engine, would make a hugely sensible choice, but you’ll have to go for an older one to stay on budget — 2008 or thereabouts. 

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

As every case is different and every lender will have their own criteria, we're not in a position to say for certain if you'd qualify for PCP, but I suspect you wouldn't have too much of an issue. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

As far as we know, there is no fuel station in Ireland selling 98 octane fuel. Circle K has a 97 octane fuel. If you really want to up the octane rating then you'll have to add aftermarket octane boosters each and every time you fill the tank, I'm afraid.

Expert answer

Hi Daragh,

OK, with on-street parking, I’d recommend you steer well and truly clear of a plug-in hybrid for now. I’m in the same position and with the dearth of public chargers, it’s a real nightmare to get a charge into them and use them at their most efficient. Unless you feel happy using local public chargers, of course, but if you’re going to do that I’d make sure to do the literal legwork, and see how far they are from your home as you may sometimes have to leave the car charging and walk home. Not the most convenient.

If you’re looking at a hybrid, of course, that turns us instantly in the direction of Toyota. The Camry is a truly excellent car, but it’s a bit of a mobile sofa. If you thought that the Superb’s ride was a bit too soft, then I don’t think you’d be a candidate for a Camry. Possibly a Lexus, then? An ES 300h is basically a Camry in a smarter suit, but again it’s not the sharpest car to drive. An NX 300h SUV might be a good balance — roomy enough to be toddler-friendly, reasonably sharp to drive and a hybrid without a plug. The Toyota RAV4 is another good (even excellent) option, but again would perhaps be a bit too soggy at the controls for your taste.

There is a hybrid (as opposed to plug-in hybrid) Hyundai Tucson on the way soon, and we mean the incoming new version, which gets much more dramatic styling than that of the current car, and which will have suspension and steering fettled, in part, by Hyundai’s N-Sport division. Could be worth hanging on for that if you like the look of it.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The only form you’ll need will be form RF100 (you can find that here: https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content/RoadsandTraffic/MotorTax/Documents/RF100_Car_GDPR.pdf) and I think a call to your local motor tax office would be a good idea as you’re taxing it privately. It shouldn’t be an issue — you just have to declare it — but they’ll be able to help you over any potential hurdles. 

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

For all counties, motor tax is processed centrally, and if you head over to https://www.motortax.ie/OMT/ you’ll find everything you need there. 

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

Back pain is a constant problem for many of us (this writer included),  but you shouldn’t need to get en entire seat fitted — there are companies (such as The Back Shop, in Dublin) that will sell you an insert that fits into the existing seat, and which should help to improve posture and reduce discomfort when behind the wheel. The bonus is, of course, that you can simply take it out and install it in your next car too.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

Now is a good time to buy a hybrid, that’s for certain, but given that the Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona are among the very few hybrid crossovers currently on sale, you may struggle a little to find choice beyond those two models. It could be well worth looking at a Toyota Corolla or Auris hatchback or estate instead — they’re more practical, in any case, and there’s very little actual difference in height. Alternatively, there’s the Kia Niro hybrid, which was on sale from 2017. Prices for early Niros are now down to around €20,000, and they’ll still be under warranty until 2024.

Read our Toyota C-HR reviews

Read our Hyundai Kona reviews

Read our Toyota Corolla reviews

Read our Toyota Auris reviews

Read our Kia Niro reviews

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I don't have a full picture of the design of the roundabout you mean, but, the RSA suggests a golden rule that covers most where the roundabout is seen like a clock, with you entering the roundabout at the 6 o'clock position. For any exits between there and 12 o'clock (inclusive) you should be in the left lane. For the exits after that, you should be in the right lane.

Now, there are grey areas; where a roundabout is on a dual carriageway, for example, it's often acceptable for both lanes to be used for straight on (usually the second exit). However, it would be incorrect for the person in the left-hand lane to continue around the roundabout in that scenario, regardless of indicating, to the third or subsequent exits. 

There are loads of exceptions to this golden rule of the RSA's of course, and most unusual roundabouts have some kind of markings to follow.

We actually did a guide on the mad design of the Walkinstown Roundabout in Dublin if you're interested.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

To be fair to the 2 Series Gran Coupe, it’s a coupé in name only — really it’s a 1 Series saloon and is likely to be treated as such by the trade. The conceptually similar Mercedes CLA has solid residuals so we wouldn’t be too worried in that respect.

As far as insurance is concerned, Irish insurers will always find a way to hammer you, but the combination of the relatively mild engine and your own age should ensure that you don’t get hit too hard. And, of course, shop around for other quotes if you do get a big bill.

Of course the right 2 Series to buy is the gorgeous little, rear-drive two-door actual coupe, but perhaps that’s a discussion for another day...

Read our BMW 2 Series reviews here

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

It’s a tricky one. The problem is that a 330e gets amazing fuel economy as long as you keep it plugged in as much as possible (which would work nicely for your short commutes), but that all goes to pot a bit on long motorway journeys (which is obviously not going to be good).

We think it’s a good idea to start moving away from diesel and towards hybrid and electric, but you’re going to struggle — overall — to match your A5 TDI’s economy with the 330e. Now, the thing is you can maybe make this work from the perspective of overall running costs. If you can charge up at work as well as at home, and stick to electric-only power as much as possible for your three short commuting days, then it’s just possible that might balance out the thirstier longer runs on the other two days.

Unfortunately, we can’t be more certain than that — the only way to know for sure is to try it out. If you don’t fancy making that leap of faith, then I guess it’s back to 320d diesel power and wait for truly long-range electric cars to arrive.

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

Well, to tax a 2.2 Transit as a private car will cost you €950 a year, but the good news is that you don’t need a VAT number to be able to tax a van as a commercial. You simply have to fill out a Goods Only Declaration form (find it here: http://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content//Documents/Application_Forms/Roads_and_Traffic/Motor Tax/RF111A_ENG.pdf) and for that you only need your income tax registration number and get it witnessed at your local Garda station. 

Expert answer

Hi Jamie,

There are three main charges to consider when importing a car from Japan. Of course, there’s VRT, which you can try to calculate using the online resources supplied by Revenue, but often it’s a matter of guesswork until the car is actually physically inspected here. Secondly there’s the shipping (which would normally be in and around €1,000 to get a car freighted to Dublin). Finally, there’s VAT and customs duty — these will usually only be a minor charge if the car is relatively old, but if it’s a recent model, the VAT especially could be rather significant.

Expert answer

Hi there,

Expert answer

Hi Nigel,

We know of an issue with the clutch assembly that causes what sounds like engine noise in the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre Polo engine. In the 1.0 TSI models, apparently a fault with the engine control unit (ECU) can cause whining from the engine as well. Neither of those sound like the problem you have, though.

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

We certainly have noticed this trait in all Volkswagen Group DSG-based gearboxes (that's what the S tronic transmission is) and their attendant engines of late. The only explanation seems to be that VW’s various brands have trimmed back both engine power and responsiveness at low speeds, and especially at idle or when waking up from a stop-start cycle, in order to optimise their figures in the new WLTP emissions and economy tests. VW is certainly not the only one to do this, but it does seem to be more obvious with VW Group models than with some other manufacturers. Shifting the gearbox into Sport helps a bit, but it’s not a total fix.

One cure might be a total vehicle upgrade — we’ve noticed that the new ‘Evo’ versions of the 1.5 TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel engines are noticeably less sleepy. Or, alternatively, trade in for a version with a manual gearbox — that is the simplest cure of all.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

I think your best bet is to find a good local insurance broker, who may be able to find you a particular deal or provider who can help. If you try and just ring around, you’re going to run into a brick wall as you have no recent insurance in your name, nor any named driver experience. It’s probably going to be expensive, either way, I’m afraid...

Expert answer

Hi Kira,

There are a couple of places you can hire a DeLorean from, but there are a LOT of terms and conditions to go with it. The first place to try is www.starcarhire.co.uk, which has a Back to the Future-style Deloran available for hire, but which will only chauffeur the car for you — you won’t be able to drive it.

It’s also worth getting in touch with the DeLorean Ireland Owners’ Club at www.delorean.ie as some of its members hire out their cars for special events, and they would certainly be able to point you in the right direction. As for prices, I’m afraid it’s very much a case of you’ll only find out when you ask...

Expert answer

Hi Nick,

Theoretically yes, it is possible to convert an estate into a van. Obviously you’d have to remove the back seats and weld a plate in place over the floor. There are also some minimum dimensions that must be adhered to for the vehicle to qualify as an N1 commercial. Sadly (and oddly) the requisite page on the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) website is returning a 404 'not found' right now. The good news is that your local motor tax office (MTO) will have all the relevant details that you’ll need to be sure that the car you’re thinking of converting qualifies. The conversion work will have to be carried out by someone with the appropriate qualifications and standards (again, the MTO can help there) and you’ll have to bring it for a CVRT test every year, not the usual NCT.

Expert answer

Hi Abala,

I'm afraid that the 2019 model is the same one as tested by EuroNCAP in 2017, at this link.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We do love a bit of car-related man-maths around the CompleteCar.ie office. Yes, in theory, you could save that €425 per week travelling cost with a Tesla Model 3, once we make a couple of assumptions, and bearing in mind that a Model 3 is not free — a basic Standard Range Plus model is quoted at €625 per month in repayments on Tesla’s Irish website. With a claimed one-charge range of 409km, your theoretical Model 3 should be able to get from Dublin to Monaghan and back in one charge, with a little left over for safety (assuming it’s around 135km door-to-door). If you can charge at home and charge in Monaghan, then each full charge will cost you around €8-10, depending on your electricity tariff and how low the battery gets before you plug it in. That should put a significant dent in your travelling costs. It would also be helpful if you could charge up at work, but that’s more for ensuring you have a full charge in case you need it — the shorter intra-Dublin commute wouldn’t put much strain on your battery.

So, that’s all good. Buying in the UK, though? Not worth it. We ran the maths on this a while back and working off the base model prices — £38,500 in the UK and €48,900 here, a quick conversion at today’s rates shows that the equivalent Euro price of a new Tesla Model 3 would be €45,069. A saving? No — although the VRT would cost you nothing at the point of import (thanks to the €5,000 rebate), you would have to pay VAT on entry, as it’s a new car, and so the price would go up by €10,350. You’re better off buying local in this instance.

Expert answer

Hi James,

Tesla should take your car as a trade-in as normal, but I would obviously check with the Dublin-based Tesla Store first to make sure of this. 

Expert answer

Hi Rebecca,

Well, we can’t guarantee that there will be no parts issues, as despite being broadly the same car, there are bound to be a few market-specific differences between the two cars. Also, you’re not going to be able to get parts in your local Opel dealer, so if they’re going to go ahead with it, then I think joining a good owners’ club would be a good idea — always a great source of information, parts and help. As for legality, it should be fine, but you will need to check that the engine used in the South African market will meet 1990-era European emissions standards. 

Expert answer

Hi Fintan,

At the moment we don’t have a set date for when the Model 3 will arrive in Ireland, as the first European deliveries are all left-hand-drive cars. We expect that it will be early 2020 before the first Irish deliveries are due to start. If you’re keen to get one early on we recommend contacting Tesla (in Sandyford, Dublin) to discus order placement. You can currently reserve a Model 3 through Tesla’s own website, too. Initially, all-wheel-drive, long range versions will be offered, which we expect to cost between €60,000 and €70,000 depending on specification, but in time the cheaper standard range car should become available in Europe. 

In the meantime, check out our review of the Model 3 here.

Expert answer

Hi Mateo,

I think the best thing to do is to go and have a word with your nearest Volkswagen dealer. I suspect that it may not be as simple as whipping off your wheel and hooking the new one on — there are complex systems and a lot of wiring to work out, so I’d say that a word with the experts would be the best place to start.

Expert answer

Hi Eimear,

It’s a tricky one and it kind of depends on what age of car you’re looking at. I think with your driving profile and the fact that, as you say, you don’t drive much in town, hybrid may not be right for you. Emphasis on the ‘may.’

If you’re buying a new hybrid, that equation changes a little. The current Toyota Prius, for example, gets an easy 65mpg on the motorway, which is better than I’ve ever got out of any diesel. Ditto the Kia Niro plugin-hybrid. It’s not just new cars either. A few years back I squeezed better economy out of a Lexus GS 300h on a run from Dublin to West Cork and back than I did on the same route, in the same week, with a Ford Mondeo Vignale diesel.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

It’s a very difficult question to answer, unfortunately, as there are so few GranTurismos on the road here in Ireland to help us get a guesstimate value. Sadly, of course, it doesn’t matter how much you paid in sterling, it’s all down to what Revenue thinks the car will be worth on the Irish market. A rough guess would peg it at around €50,000 (depending on condition, history, etc,), so you’d be paying 36 per cent of that, which works out at around €18,000. But as I say, that’s a wild guess. 

Expert answer

Hi Andy,

All three are good cars (and reliable too, with the Octavia at the top of the pile in that respect, the Mondeo second and the Insignia third). The Mondeo is the best to drive, and has the most interior space, but the Octavia actually wouldn’t be far behind, and has good seats. If cabin space is your thing, the Insignia comes off worst — it’s quite small in there, unless you’re talking about the new-shape model, introduced in 2017, which is actually very roomy.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

It is going to be very, very hard to estimate an OMSP for the car, certainly a fair one. The problem is that the Niro Plugin Hybrid has only just been launched in Ireland, so there’s not much in the way of data for second hand prices. Obviously, it’s going to be worth more than an equivalent non-plugin Niro of the same age, but I would think that a rough second hand value would be in the €30,000-ish range, which would give it a VRT cost of around €4,000 or so.

Expert answer

Hi Catherine,

It might be, but it depends on the dealer. Car makers aren’t allowed to set fixed dealer delivery charges for their models, as the authorities consider that an anti-competitive policy. So, dealers are free to set their own prices, and then to offer discounts on those as they see fit. All you can do is shop around.

Expert answer

Hi Gabriel,

We had a worth with our contact at Cartell.ie and this is what they said:

"Unit Stocking usually points to dealer finance. These types of issues can often be resolved, but as with any amount outstanding on a vehicle Cartell would advise caution until the matter is resolved. A Cartell.ie report provides a contact telephone number and account reference number for finance markers in the UK - so the customer can contact the bank directly and look to clarify the issue. If you are still having problems ring Cartell.ie customer service team on 1890 252331 or 01 5241517 and they'll be happy to talk you through the steps."

Hope that you get sorted

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Yeah, if you trade down to a 1.6 TDI from a 2.0-litre you will notice it alright. The 1.6 Karoq feels lively enough, but it’s going to feel less grunty than a 2.0 TDI Audi Q5 for sure. It’s also a good bit smaller inside, so bear that in mind. Lovely car though, and it’s worth considering the larger Kodiaq if you fancy the same thing with more interior space. Here are a few relevant reviews to help you decide:

Skoda Karoq reviews

Skoda Kodiaq reviews

Audi Q5 reviews

Expert answer

Hi James,

A tricky one, because that precise model doesn’t appear on the Revenue’s quick-estimate list, and good luck finding one for sale in Ireland to get a representative OMSP valuation. As a rough guess, I would say somewhere between €1,000 and €1,200, but a lot will depend on condition, equipment and history.

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Well, it would certainly be worth trying to track down a petrol-engined 3 Series Touring estate, but as you rightly point out these are rarer than hens’ molars at the moment. Same story for the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate too, I’m afraid. Would you consider a VW Passat Estate? Or a Skoda Superb? A bit of a step down in class terms, I’ll grant you, but good, solid cars and you can track them down with the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine. 

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Is that a Mondeo you’re looking at? Yes, with your mileage and driving conditions, a 1.5-litre EcoBoost makes total sense. In fact, if it is the Mondeo, it’s the nicest engine in the line-up. It’s definitely a good idea to have a look up North — there are some very good cars around, and you can save several thousand Euro, but just be wary of vehicle history and make sure you do a very thorough history and background check (with someone such as Cartell.ie) before you hand over any money. 

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

At 24k a year you’re probably best going for diesel, to be honest. While we’re equally in the dark as regards what the Budget holds in store for us, it seems (at the time of writing) unlikely that any drastic moves are going to be made just yet. There’s also an urban/rural divide in all of this. If you live in the Dublin, and to a slightly lesser extent, Cork, Limerick, Wateford and Galway city areas, then there is a distinct move away from diesel and towards petrol, but in rural areas, diesel is still king.

That said, the 150hp 1.4-litre TSI turbo engine is absolutely excellent, and we’ve found that while it is, of course, less economical than the equivalent diesel, you’re only talking about 1.0 litre per 100km or so in the real-world difference. It’s well worth considering if you’re concerned about future diesel values. 

Expert answer

Hi Donal,

Yup, Alfa is definitely offering some very sharp value deals on the Giulia at the moment, especially when you consider that you can effectively get a mid-spec car for the same price as a basic model. It’s a car we really like — it’s gorgeous, terrific to drive, practical and Alfa seems at last to have gotten on top of its quality issues. Two caveats, really — the infotainment system is not as sophisticated as you’d find in rival models, and to see the Giulia at its best, you really need to avoid the 2.2 diesel and go instead for the 200hp turbo petrol, although obviously that may not suit your needs.

Read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review here

Expert answer

Hi Lorraine,

It’ll set you back €710 a year, unless it was imported from the UK post-2008. If it’s an import, then it will be on the current CO₂-based system, which will mean tax of €750 a year.

Expert answer

Hi Georgette,

I assume you are referring to the economy we got when we drove the Octavia in this review? We averaged 6.5 litres/100km - or 43.4mpg. To put that into context, we did very little motorway driving, mostly around town and into the mountains around Dublin. Not bad considering.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

I think you’ll probably need to upgrade to an MPV with all those kids and all the kit you’ll need to carry around with you. If you don’t fancy a seven-seater then there’s always five-seat versions such as the Volkswagen Golf SV or Citroen C4 Picasso. Have a look at the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, Kia Carens or Toyota Verso too.

Our reviews to help you decide:

Volkswagen Golf SV review

Citroen C4 Picasso review

Volkswagen Touran review

Kia Carens review

Toyota Verso review

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There are certainly no concrete plans that we’ve heard of. There was some discussion of the subject, back in 2014 when the UK did away with paper tax discs, that Ireland might move to a similar system, and the abolition of being able to carry over unused vehicle tax from one owner to another is kind of the first step on that road. Dublin City Council this year suggested that we should start moving towards paperless tax but plans haven’t gone any farther than that for now.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

I’d suggest that a Passat GTE or 330e would be about perfect with that kind of mileage and usage. It will help, of course, if you have a driveway where you can fit a charging point, but once the batteries have drained and you’re running on normal hybrid power, both of those cars will average better than 40mpg. Here are our reviews:

BMW 330e review

Volkswagen Passat GTE review

Expert answer

Hi Al,

BMW, Audi and Mercedes don't do an in-house commercial option, but you can get an aftermarket conversion, of course.

One option worth looking at is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A really nice car, good to drive and Agnelli Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin do a five-seat commercial conversion with prices starting around the €45k mark.

There's also the Toyota Land Cruiser 'Business' model, but it's a bit more expensive,  at €57k. Utterly indestructible though and hugely comfortable.

Just make sure you've properly taxed it if you're planning on using it for domestic or family motoring as the fines for using a commercially taxed vehicle for that are pretty stiff. 

Expert answer

Hi Olly,

It depends on what kind of deal you can strike with the dealer in question. A good dealer will arrange for the car to be delivered to your door, but it's not a common arrangement and will therefore probably incur an additional cost. Most people just go to the dealer to collect their new car. 

Expert answer

Hi Raj,

Generally, I wouldn't think that a gearbox issue would damage an engine - it's usually the other way around, and if there were a gearbox issue, the engine management system should pick up on it and adjust things accordingly.

But... Audi gearboxes are usually pretty robust so the fact that this one has failed could be an indication that the car has been abused or not cared for properly. Fair enough, it could be a genuine 'just one of those things' failures, but it might be worth getting the car inspected by an independent engineer such as the AA to allay any fears. 

Expert answer

Hi Declan,

For a private buyer, once an imported vehicle is older than six months or has more than 6,000km on the odometer then it's no longer liable for Irish VAT. However, it is a little different for a business and Revenue is closely watching such things to ensure that VAT is properly accounted for. We'd advise you seek professional advice from your accountant.

Expert answer

Hi Dan,

Right, I'm going to give you a couple of really safe options: Mazda6 or Toyota Avensis. That budget should see you into a 2008 model, and both are roomy, very reliable and pretty good (Toyota) or really good (Mazda) to drive. 

Expert answer

Hi Linda,

€6k is at the bottom end of 2009 Avensis trade in values and your Toyota dealer is possibly boosting your trade in a bit (€10k is definitely top end) to keep you in the family.

I think with 15,000km annual mileage you definitely don't need a diesel - you'll really struggle to make back the extra purchase cost in fuel savings and if you're not doing lots of long journeys you could run into problems with the particulate filter. The Audi wouldn't be expensive to run at all - they're reliable and frugal, but the servicing would probably be slightly pricier than for a Toyota.

As for the Auris Hybrid, I think it sounds like it might be just about right for you, especially as most of your mileage is around town and that's where it works best. You may find it hard to get the best economy out of it on that long run to West Cork, but the rest of the time it should be about right, and super-reliable too.

An ex-demo is always a good idea as you'll get it cheap with minimal mileage, but there are fewer of them around these days.

Relevant reviews on the site:

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI review

Toyota Auris Hybrid review

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

It's a really, really lovely car with a peach of a 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine and wonderful steering and handling. Just beware of a couple of things. A lot of so-called Lexus IS 200s are actually Japanese market Toyota Altezzas, which have been imported and rebadged, so make sure you’re getting an original Irish (or at least UK) market Lexus. Secondly, they tend to fall into the hands of the boy-racer brigade, so if it has out-size wheels or a dustbin-sized exhaust, avoid like the plague as it could have been thrashed and/or crashed.

Other than that, go for it – they’re mechanically long-lived (although with a car that age you’ll need to check literally everything carefully) and if it has a full service history and comes with a sheaf of past receipts and tax discs, you’re probably on to a winner.

Expert answer

Hi John, 

We sent this to Mazda Ireland for comment and here's what was sent back:

"I would advise them to report this directly to his Mazda Retailer for investigation as to the cause of the issue. If it falls under warranty, this would be covered, but in any event, they will do everything to assist rectify the issue."

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Aidan,

I think with a weekly Cork-Dublin run you should probably go for the diesel. Much better long-run economy. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

The BMW 330e is, I have to say, a hugely impressive car and based on a recent drive you can squeeze as much as 65mpg from it. You can charge it from a domestic socket if that's any help, but if you're put off by the charging thing then the Lexus IS a great choice. Aside from the occasionally irritating CVT gearbox it's delightful to drive and, with a bit of practice, you can get decent economy from it. It should be staggeringly reliable too. Here are our reviews to help you choose:

BMW 330e Saloon review

Lexus IS 300h review

Expert answer

Hi Bryan,

Go for the petrol 1.2 TSI. If most of your mileage is short hops then, even with a regular motorway run, you're not going to get the benefit from diesel. And a 1.2, driven with reasonable care, should get close to 50mpg on the motorway anyway. Plus, you'll save a good chunk of money at purchase time, which will easily outweigh any potential diesel fuel savings. 

Expert answer

Hi Stan,

That's quite specific and we don't offer a car finding service I'm afraid, but we'd highly recommend spending some time refining searches on Carzone.ie.

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Best to stick with a Toyota Verso (neé Corolla Verso) or a Volkswagen Touran so - both have space for seven, and big boots if you leave the rear seats folded down. Both should be endlessly reliable too. Honda's FR-V also worth a look if six seats (in two rows of three) would work for you.

Expert answer

Hi Shane,

We enlisted the expert assistance of Conlan Crotty Murray & Co (Leopardstown, Dublin 18, 01 295 9090, www.conlancrottymurray.com) to answer this one for you. Here's the response:

"Generally speaking, leasing companies will only lease new cars.  On the basis that the individual decides to lease a new car then the rental payments under the lease agreement should be treated as an expense in the accounts of the self-employed individual.  As the lease period is usually three or four years this provides for a significantly accelerated write-off of cost for tax purposes as compared with the purchase of an owned vehicle where the tax write-off under the capital allowance regime is spread over eight years.  However, at the end of the lease period if the vehicle is traded in against a new vehicle the trade in allowance on the first leased car may trigger a claw-back of lease charges previously deducted for tax purposes. 

To the extent that the individual uses the car for private use in addition to business use then an appropriate restriction on the tax deductibility of the leasing charges should be applied. E.g. if the car is used 40 per cent for private use, then 40 per cent of the lease payments should be disallowed as an expense in computing income for tax purposes.  The benefit-in-kind provisions referred to by the reader do not apply to self-employed individuals.  The benefit-in-kind rules would apply to the extent that a leased car is provided by an employer to an employee in computing the employee's payroll tax liability.  There is no private use restriction on the tax deductibility of leasing expenses for a car where the car is supplied to an employee and that employee uses the car for private purposes.

Some of the annual lease rental expense may be clawed back in the computation of income for tax purposes if the car has a retail value at inception of the lease of more than €24,000 and the CO₂ emissions from the car do not exceed 155g/km.  If the car has CO₂ emissions of more than 155g/km, but not exceeding 190g/km, the value of the expense deduction for income tax purposes is restricted by reference to a reduced capital limit of €12,000.  Where the CO₂ emissions on a car exceed 190g/km, no deduction for leasing costs is permitted in calculating the individual's income tax liability for the year.

Therefore, for new leased cars costing no more than €24,000 with CO₂ emissions not exceeding 155g/km the lease payments may be written-off against income tax over the course of the lease period.  

We recommend that professional advice be sought before entering into any lease arrangement."

I hope that clears it all up for you Shane.

Expert answer

Hi John,

There certainly are and I reckon a good trawl of Gumtree or Daft should turn up what you need.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Needing to fit three car seats but not wanting an MPV is a difficult juggling act. Normally I'd recommend something like a Ford S-Max, which ticks all your boxes and, while its an MPV right enough, it's an uncommonly sleek and good looking one. 

A good non-MPV option is the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer estate. Sleek and lovely to drive, it comes with the required three Isofix mounts and a big boot too for all the kiddy clutter. Easily as classy inside as your old Audi too.

Expert answer

Hi Hugh,

OK, first off - well done. You obviously have sensitive driving senses. Most people probably wouldn't have noticed. Secondly, BMW's steering has gotten noticeably heavier over the years - basically as a way of adding more "sporty feeling" (inverted commas author's own) to the car as less and less real road feel is transmitted. So it's partially built in to the design of the car.

As for changing the tyres. It might help - changing the tyre, especially if you change the brand of the tyre, can have an effect on steering effort and it's possible that a switch to low rolling resistance tyres may lighten the steering a bit. But it won't make an enormous difference, and I'd seriously advise you not to change from runflats to conventional tyres - the car was designed around runflats and you could be setting yourself up for an evening on a wet hard shoulder, with no spare wheel, if you swap out the runflats.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

I'd tread carefully here. If you don't like the semi-auto box on the Citroen then just let it go - it's not going to get any better and it'll bug you for the rest of your time with the car. 

As for the Renault, I'm just not confident predicting reliability. Generally, Renaults are now a lot better built than they used to be, but long-term they can still be a bit shaky. Also, the reason it's a high-spec 2010 model for such a small price is because Renaults depreciate faster than snow in summer. 

So, I think you might need to shop around a bit and buy something on the basis of reliability and condition rather than year. Have a look at the likes of a Ford S-Max, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran or, if six seats rather than seven will do the trick, a Honda FR-V. You might need to go back to a 2008 or 2009 model to get one within budget, but buy with a full service history and keep the maintenance up and any of those should give you long and hopefully reliable service.

Last, but not least, Shane, our Editor, is in the same position as you right now and he has homed in on the Mazda5, which has an exceptional reliability record.

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

I'd say about €5,500.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Short answer? No. Most of the main dealers will have their cars advertised on Carzone.ie and beepbeep.ie so those are the main two to keep an eye on. Other than that, it's down to good old fashioned keeping your eyes out for what you want. 

Expert answer

Hi Louise,

You don't necessarily need a 4x4 for that - a mid size estate car would do the job just as well. So, have a look at the following and see what you'd like: Mazda6 2.2d, Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi, Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI.

Or, if you really have to have a 4x4, check out the Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q5 or Nissan X-Trail.

Relevant reviews:

Mazda6 Tourer estate review

Skoda Superb Combi 4x4 review

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Audi Q5 review

Nissan X-Trail review

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...

Relevant reviews:

Skoda Octavia review

Toyota Corolla review

Mazda3 review

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to. 

I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.

Relevant reviews:

Lexus GS 300h review

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

This is quite a tricky one so we sought the advice of the car data experts at Cartell.ie. Here's what they came up with:

"This is an unusual query and you'll need to get confirmation from Revenue in Ireland and HM Revenue & Customs in the UK. Based on what we think, and we don't see this query a lot, you may be able to buy the vehicle brand new for export, meaning that the VRT isn't paid on it at all - so no need for refund. The vehicle may get a temporary registration so it can be exported. Also the VAT of 23% can be claimed back as it's a new vehicle and you'll have to pay the UK VAT rate when it's registered there. To be honest this is a bit of a minefield and we strongly advise getting all details and clarifications from the Revenue both in Ireland and the UK before proceeding."

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Crossover SUV? Only one at that price level; the Skoda Yeti has three individual seats across the back. However, while the outer two slide and their backrests tilt, it's not by enough to squeeze in larger booster cushions/seats with a rear-facing baby seat. Perhaps with particularly slim seats it may be possible, but otherwise we'd suggest not. Bring the seats to a Skoda dealership to try it for yourself though.

Estates generally don't have the width any more to take three seats abreast in the back, but there are conversions available (from EP Mooney in Dublin) that will allow a conventional estate (or any car for that matter) to take as many as four child safety seats.

Otherwise you're looking at larger SUVs or at the least, a compact MPV.

Expert answer

Hi Syd,

It's a split decision I'm afraid - the Scenic is going to be much comfier and more refined, but the Opel will be the more reliable one. You'll have to make your own call based on what you prioritise most.

Expert answer

Hi Enda,

Yeah, he's definitely better off with the petrol version, not least because Toyota's 1.4 diesel is not the best, but its 1.33 petrol is a cracker. You might need to do some digging to track one down though - they're thinner on the ground on a 2010 plate than the diesels. 

Now then, Auris versus Corolla. Yup, they're the same size inside. The boot on the Auris is a little smaller but then it's also more versatile thanks to being a hatchback. The point about air conditioning is probably right - standard spec on Toyotas tends to be quite stingy and Corolla saloons are basically built for emerging markets (no, seriously, we're the only Western European nation that still sells them) so tend to be even more basic again. 

I'd say you'll need to find about €3-4k to finance the upgrade from a 2008 Corolla to a 2010 or 2011 Auris.

Relevant reviews:

Toyota Auris review (2013)

Toyota Auris review (2010)

Toyota Corolla review (2013)

Toyota Corolla review (2010)

Expert answer

Hi Siobhan,

There's nothing wrong with buying a UK import but you do need to keep your wits about you. Make sure you get a proper history check from Cartell.ie to make sure that it's not being sold with outstanding finance owing, or that it was written off or that it has been clocked. Then make sure that it has a full and complete service history. Then make sure that the dealer has re-registered the car and paid the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). There are strict time limits on doing so, so it's their responsibility and don't be fobbed off with any excuses on that score. Is it worth getting a mechanical inspection? Yes, definitely but maybe try the AA rather than just a mechanic friend.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

It depends where it's coming from. If it's coming from the UK or Europe, then it'll probably come by train to a major port and then by car transporter ship to either Dublin, Cork or Rosslare. From Europe it wouldn't be at sea long enough to be of any interest. 

If it's coming from Japan or the Far East then it might be worth trying to find the name of the shipping vessel and then you can track it's movements from this website: http://www.marinetraffic.com

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

SIMI only starting receiving that information from 1995 onwards so Revenue holds the data, which might make it difficult to access. The best bet is to get a history check with Cartell.ie, as that will show if the bike has been imported.

Expert answer

Hi Noreen,

The total number of cars registered on Dublin plates in 2011 was 42,651.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

That us a very tough choice to have to make. Both are excellent - the Qashqai won the Association of Professional Motoring Press (APMP) Car of the Year award last year and trust me, we're a tough bunch to please. It's very good to drive, frugal and very comfy. Practical too, of course.

The Passat would probably be the better choice if you are doing lots of long motorway miles though - that 1.6 TDI engine is astonishing economical (I once did Galway-Dublin-Belfast-Glasgow-Dublin-Galway on one tank in one) and they're very comfy for long journeys. Both are about equally reliable, which means they're both pretty solid but don't accept anything that hasn't a full service history.

On the safety front, the 2014 Qashqai (that's the current shape model) got five stars on the EuroNCAP crash test, with an 88 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 83 per cent for child occupant, 69 per cent for pedestrian protection and 79 per cent for safety assist (which is a measure of how many electronic driver aids are fitted as standard).

The Passat achieved similar scores - five stars overall, 91 per cent adult occupant, 77 per cent child occupant, 54 per cent pedestrian protection, and 71 per cent safety assist.

Further reading:

2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi review (on Irish roads)

2010-2014 Volkswagen Passat EuroNCAP safety results

2014 Nissan Qashqai EuroNCAP safety results

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

Hmmm. Tough one. I'd always be tempted by the younger car, and if it's the 1.6-litre diesel Passat then there's a good chance you'll never have to refill the tank - I once did Galway-Dublin-Glasgow-Dublin-Galway-Dublin on a single tank of juice in one.

That said, the Audi would be hugely tempting and while there's really no fundamental difference between the too (you are paying extra for the badge and not much else really) there's no denying the extra feel good factor of the A6.

All things being equal then, and assuming both cars come with and equally full service history, I'd be minded to treat yourself and go for the Audi. 

Further reading:

First Irish drive of the new Volkswagen Passat

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

OK, we've been on to Renault about this and they say that the charge for Glacier White on the website was an error and has since been corrected, so you shouldn't be charged for it. If an extra charge does show up on the bill, give your dealer hell as it shouldn't be there. If he/she doesn't give you any joy, get on to Renault's head office about it.

Expert answer

Hi Kirsty,

I'm afraid it's a classic case of how long is a piece of string? Insurance quotes are often plucked out of thin air and the only way to get the best value is to get on the internet and get on the phone and start looking. Now, based on the details you gave (and a bit of creative accountancy on our part - you do work in a call centre for an accounting firm and live in Skerries in Co. Dublin, right?) the best quote we were able to find for you came from AXA and it was €1,778 - that's for third party, fire and theft.

Obviously, having just third party would be a bit cheaper but it might be worth paying slightly extra this year and getting yourself a more solid insurance record. It's also well worth finding a good insurance broker and seeing what kind of deal they can swing for you. Brokers can often access deals that mere mortals cannot.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

Tread very, very carefully. Saab 9-5s are generally very troublesome, with electrics and suspension being the key weak points. According to Warranty Direct in the UK, it's probably the least reliable prestige car you can drive. 

In terms of parts, it shouldn't be a major issue and there are Saab specialists such as www.saabparts.com from whom to source them. 

To be honest though, you're probably better off going for something else. Maybe track down a nice Volvo S60 T5 instead? Terrific car, that and much more reliable.

Expert answer

Hi there and sorry to hear about your issue. That sounds to us like a blocked gauze in the oil pick-up in the sump. This gets clogged up with dirt and debris and the oil pump can't cope with the blockage. The end result is starvation of oil to important areas of the engine like the camshaft and crankshaft bearings, which could result in terminal engine damage.

A decent mechanic should be able to diagnose it properly for you. Hopefully we're wrong...

Expert answer

Hi David,

OK, a couple of points to deal with there. I can well remember my first drive in the Dacia Duster, which was a left-hand drive 4x4 model and I happened to drive it from Galway to Waterford and back on some of the wettest days of 2012. I can honestly not remember feeling that the wipers were inadequate to the task, and I'm generally pretty sensitive to things like that, so I'd say you might be crossing the car off your list somewhat unfairly. I can certainly remember thinking that the Duster felt unusually well-planted on the road and sure-footed in what were truly appalling conditions.

Incidentally, it's worth noting that we also take almost all of our test cars on week-long tests, and occasionally even longer ones. The full CompleteCar.ie team also endeavours to drive each car personally so that we can put together a fully rounded opinion on every model, and we always try to drive them in as many different conditions as the prevailing weather will allow.

Expert answer

Hi Auke,

We asked Mazda about this and the official response was: "Simple answer is it is not available in Ireland unfortunately. There are only 1,000 examples of the limited edition 25th anniversary in the world and we have one press model for marketing/PR purposes really - not for sale."

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Both excellent choices although it's worth pointing out that the petrol-powered Honda will struggle more to hold on to any value as the market is so diesel-obsessed at the moment. Still, that means prices are cheaper for you at buying time...

As with all Hondas, the CR-V is remarkably reliable, although this model has suffered from some issues. There have been some problems with trim scratching and scuffing too easily, as well as problems with the alternators. Some have had issues with the gearbox too and high front tyre wear. You should also check carefully underneath to make sure that any previous owner hasn't been taking the 4x4 bit too seriously.

That goes equally for the Hyundai and the good news here too is that reliability is excellent. The only regularly reported problems with the Santa Fe are that the air conditioning system can need regular re-gassing and that the stereo is pretty rubbish.

Both will be expensive to run though. The CR-V has CO₂ emissions of 194g/km so motor tax is going to be pricey. Despite being diesel, the Hyundai is no better, with CO₂ emissions of 191g/km. Both will average around 35mpg in regular driving.

I have to admit to a small bias - my father-in-law has owned his 2.0-litre petrol CR-V from new in 2007 and loves it. It's been massively reliable (only ever needing a replacement alternator) and he regularly gets better than 40mpg from it. That said, the Hyundai is also an excellent vehicle and I would say both are safe bets - try some test drives and see which one you prefer and let us know which way you go.

Expert answer

Hi Anna-Maria,

I'd start with a Lexus dealer. Mind you, Lexus has only a few dealers in Ireland - four to be precise. Two in Dublin (Blackrock and M50), one in Cork (Macroom) and one in Galway (Ballybrit). If any of those locations aren't convenient to you, try having a word with your local Toyota dealer - the two companies are obviously tightly interlinked and you should at least be pointed in the right direction.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

The areas you have to check carefully on an E60 5 Series are the suspension and electrics. If there are any nasty noises coming from underneath, or if the steering feels anything less than precise and solid, you've got possible trouble. The run-flat tyres can also cause trouble, suffering from little air leaks that play havoc with the tyre pressure monitoring system. The iDrive infotainment system can also be wayward, sometimes taking as long as 20 minutes to boot up, but apparently post-2005 cars are far better in this regard. Finally, check all the electrical and electronic systems to make absolutely sure that everything is working as it should be, and don't even consider a car that doesn't have a full service history.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

The car could well have been off the road or traded in to a UK dealer before sitting around for a while and then coming to Ireland.

Nonetheless, it's best to be safe. We recommend a Cartell.ie history report. It can pick up mileage discrepancies, even on UK cars.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Francis,

I reckon you should be looking at a Kia cee'd Sportwagon. Handsome to look at, excellent 1.6-litre diesel engine, lots of space, massive boot and, even if you're buying nearly new, a long, loooooong warranty. A tough package to beat and it's more enjoyable to drive than you might expect. Does it fall foul of your 'not boring' requirement?

OK so, one man's meat etc. How about a Skoda Yeti? Not as practical or big in the boot department, but funky and fun to drive and if you get a 4x4 version, a proper off-roader too.

What do you think?

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Sounds like you want to move back into a proper MPV and the best one around at the moment, for my money, is the Citroen C4 Picasso. Citroen registered a bundle of them last year for press and promotional purposes so there should be plenty of good nearly-new or dealer demo stock knocking around. It's a classy looking thing, comfy to drive and utterly massive on the inside. Other good options are the Ford C-Max (great to drive but the boot is slightly on the small side) and the Toyota Verso (a touch unexciting but with terrific quality and lots of space). Or, of you want something with a warranty to match the Mitsubishi's, track down a nice 2013 Kia Carens - a classy looking car with bundles of space.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

OK, it's basic consumer law at work here. Assuming your contract was made with the dealer when he was still a Citroen main dealer, then he must honour the original deal that was made. If not, you've been supplied with the car either as a mistake or under false pretences. It doesn't matter that he doesn't have the Citroen franchise any more - he can still order a car from them under the EU's block exemption rules. If he tries to fob you off saying that his new franchisee won't let him, don't buy it - he must still fulfil the original contract. If there's still no joy, contact Citroen Ireland directly - they're located in Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin and explain your situation.

Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Tanya,

OK, prices for a 2007 Kia Sorento range from as little as €6,000 for a commercial model to as much as €15,000, which seems a bit hopeful to me. Let's play reasonably safe and suggest that you should get about €9,000 to €10,000 on trade-in. 

Now, the 5 Series. The E60 5 Series that ran from 2002 to 2010 is one of our all time favourite cars and the 535d is one of the very best. Powerful, smooth, reasonably economical and able to spin the rear wheels in third gear. Ahem.

It's worth considering other models though. The 535d is a twin-turbo version of the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that you'll find, in single turbo form, in the 530d. You won't save any money in terms of tax (it's the same capacity), but the 530d will be better on fuel and cheaper to insure. If you really want to save some money, look for the ever-popular 520d, which is almost ridiculously cheap to run and far more powerful than you might expect. 

As for things to look for, the suspension is the 5's weak point so if there are any nasty clonking noises or if the car feels unstable on the road, or the steering feels inaccurate, walk away. The iDrive infotainment system has also been known to give bother so check and make sure that it is working and, as with any prestige car, make sure it has a full service history.

With a car like this, I'd never advise buying privately or from an unfranchised dealer. SIMI membership should be at least the bottom line and you'll get a better deal from a BMW main dealer than you might expect, especially if the car is part of their approved used programme. 

A 2005 530d or 535d seems to hover around a similar asking price to your Kia so you'll just have to negotiate carefully to get the best price.

Let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Rowland,

OK, there are a lot of parameters to go with here, but the basics are that you need a car that's cheap to buy (so it can't, sadly be too new), has affordable running costs and won't break down every time it rains. I reckon that gives you a choice of three or four key models: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Auris, Kia cee'd or Hyundai i30.

Have a shop around and you should be able to find several of those all well within your purchase price range, while they all have efficient engines and excellent reliability records. In the case of the Kia and the Hyundai, they also have lengthy warranties, which, even if there's none left on the one you buy, at least means that they're more likely to have been looked after. My personal choice would be the Honda. Track down a nice 1.4 petrol Civic and I don't think you'll look back.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Okay, so you want to stick with Citroen, need three across the back and an engine under 1.6 litres. That's a tricky combination, but why not try a C3 Picasso? That's a crackingly good small MPV and it comes with Citroen's super economical 1.6 diesel. Or, with a bit of searching, you may be able to track down a 1.4 petrol version. 

As for the back seat, I've personally managed to get three child seats in, but it can be a bit of a squeeze. Depending on the age of your granddaughters though I may have a solution. Have a look online for a company called Bubble Bum. They make inflatable booster seats that both store flat when you don't need them and which are usually a little narrower than the bigger boosters. That could save you a crucial bit of space.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Scott,

Scrappage isn't worth much these days, sadly, but it might be worth having a ring around local breakers' yards and spare parts experts. Often the value in a car can lie in its components rather than the whole, so if things like the body and interior are in good nick, then you may get some value out of selling those off separately.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

A 'pre-reg' is a car registered to a dealer, as a way of artificially boosting their sales figures. Hence why most pre-regging happens at the end of a month. Deadlines and sales figures have to be met and the odd pre-reg here and there can keep everyone happy. With a first name in the logbook, the car is now, as far as the trade is concerned, second hand and its value drops accordingly - that's why you'll see them on dealer forecourts as 'nearly new' or 'ex demo.' They'll have the same delivery mileage as a brand new car, just your name won't be at the top of the logbook.

They make excellent buys, mostly because they will be heavily discounted to shift the stock on. It may be less than €1,000 in some cases but with some premium brands the difference between showroom and nearly-new can be as much as €4,000.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

The Alhambra would be my choice here. A budget of €6,000 won't get you the current model, but it should find you an old one and they're still good. SEAT's reliability is pretty solid and you should be able to find one at a lower mileage than an equivalently priced (and mechanically identical) Ford Galaxy. 

It would be worth keeping an eye out for a Ford S-Max too, though €6,000 is the very, very bottom end for S-Max prices, but keep your eyes peeled and haggle hard and you might just land a nice one. 

And, as I always advise anyone looking for a seven-seater, there's always the option of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate with extra seats in the boot...

Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

At that budget, I'd suggest going for either a BMW 320d Touring (very sleek, decent boot space and terrific to drive) or a Volvo V70 (bigger, comfier, more space but not as swish to drive or look at). Both are solidly built and reliable and there are plenty of them out there, so be choosy about spec, colour and condition.

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

Good choices, all of those, if you're looking for a more affordable 3 Series alternative. The new-shape Mazda3 (the one that's only just been launched) seem to be especially excellent, and with Mazda's reliability you won't be spending too much on repairs or maintenance down the line. The Golf is always a safe bet too, although if you're used to the saloon shape it may be worth having a look at the little-seen Jetta - an underrated gem, that car. Or, alternatively, you could try the Audi A3 Saloon, which I reckon is the best compact sports saloon around at the moment.

See how you get on and let us know which one you go for.

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

A Mondeo 2.0 TDCi is, frankly, a great choice - spacious, comfy, well made and superb for that kind of long-haul journey. Just as a suggestion though, it may be worth coming down a class and having a look around, just as a way of potentially keeping your running costs as low as possible. Perhaps a Honda Civic diesel or a Skoda Octavia TDI? Both are massively spacious (so would carry your height with plenty of space behind for baby seats etc.), but would also be a little cheaper to run than the Mondeo, and almost as comfy on the long haul. Worth a thought, but if you fancy the Mondeo, go for it. Buy one with a full service history and you won't go wrong.

Let us know which way you go in the comments below.

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

Right, did the dealer offer a warranty? If so, any faults should be covered. Even if they didn’t, you’re quite right — under consumer protection laws a product has to be ‘of merchantable quality’ and clearly that car isn’t. I’d ask for something in writing from the Audi dealer that inspected the car, setting out exactly what the fault is and then if the dealer still won’t play ball, get your solicitor on the case.

Expert answer

Hi Francis,

Can I suggest then chopping it in for another Hyundai, this time an i40 Tourer? It's massively spacious so you won't (aside from the seat height) feel like you're trading down. It's also very comfy and, with your long-haul runs and high-ish mileage in mind, hugely economical. Drive the 1.7 115hp CRDi version gently and you should top 60mpg. 

If you don't fancy another Hyundai, then picking a similar estate from the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 508 ranges should do the job just as well.

Let us know what you end up doing

Expert answer

Hi Avril,

Yup, if you're doing big mileage, then the fuel-sipping nature of a diesel is exactly what you need. I'd suggest a 2008 Hyundai i30 or Kia cee'd 1.6 diesel. Both are in your price bracket (just about - you may need to haggle), both are massively reliable, spacious, comfy and nice to drive. Hard to go wrong with either so just buy the best one of either brand that you find.

Expert answer

Hi Susan,

Well, strictly speaking the Santa Fe isn't an MPV, it's an SUV (I know; Captain Pedant strikes again...) and that does have a pretty unpleasant effect on its CO₂ rating. A 2008 2.2 CRDi diesel Santa Fe emits 190g/km of CO₂ - enough to land you with a €750 annual bill. That aside it's a very fine car, with reliability, looks and practicality all on its side.

If it's lower CO₂ you're looking for though, you may well have to consider an MPV. The Ford C-Max is only capable of taking three child seats once you get into the current model, and that may still be too pricey for you. Likewise, the Mazda5 needs to be a recent model if it's to have the current 1.6 diesel that brings with it lower tax bills. So, try and track down a 2009 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6 HDi diesel and the EGS automatic gearbox. That has a 140g/km CO₂ emissions figure, so you'll just scrape into the top end of Band B with a €280 tax bill.

How does that sound?

Expert answer

Hi Martina,

Both cars you've chosen there are pretty much neck and neck in every area, bar one. The Passat is arguably a little more 'premium' in its feel, the Mondeo is better to drive and we'd say a touch better looking (though obviously that's subjective!).

Both are impressively well built and have excellent reliability credentials. The area that separates them is quite simply fuel consumption. The Mondoe's 2.0 TDCi engine will be a bit more usefully grunty than that Passat's 105hp 1.6 TDI unit, but the Volkswagen's engine will prove to be a lot more economical. You should be able to average close to 60mpg in the Passat, which should be around 5-10mpg better than the Mondeo will manage. To illustrate it, we once managed to drive from Galway to Glasgow, back to Galway and up to Dublin on one tank in a Passat 1.6 TDI.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Right, you need something cheap (obviously), rugged and that's not going to mug you for petrol money when you run it up the M6 to Dublin. I know, I was that soldier. 

So, you need to go Japanese and you need to go for something that's compact but still has the engine grunt not to get overwhelmed on the motorway. Simple answer is the Suzuki Baleno. They're a bit hard to track down now, but a mid-nineties one should fall into your price range. 

They use a solidly reliable 1.3-litre petrol engine that's good on fuel but which has the cojones for motorway work. And the car as a whole is as close to indestructible as any car has actually physically come. An unsung cheap car hero.

Expert answer

Hi Denis,

Yes, it seems to be a recurring problem on the 320i, but it may not be as serious as you think. If the source of the leak is the crank-case ventilator (CCV) then it can be a bit pricey to get fixed, and it's most definitely not a DIY job, as bits of the engine have to be removed and the whole assembly tilted to allow access.

If though, the leak is coming from the vacuum pump then it's most likely simply a failed o-ring seal on the pump, which can be relatively easily replaced. The obvious signs of a leak are a smell of burning oil in the cabin at tickover and, of course, visible oil leaks within the engine bay. A quick steam-clean of the engine will show up easily where any leaks are coming from.

Of course, if you've not comfortable tackling this sort of thing yourself make sure you bring the car to a professional.

Expert answer

Hi Joan,

We highly recommend the Hyundai i40 Tourer. It has a huge boot (though the Passat's is larger again) and is very comfortable. It's not easy to choose between the i40 and Passat at a fixed budget, so see what you can get for your money. The Hyundai, for instance, comes with a great five-year warranty from new and a high level of standard equipment. Its 1.7-litre diesel engine is also better than Volkswagen's 1.6-litre TDI equivalent, though the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI engine is better again if that's within reach.

Either way you're making a good choice and we'd recommend you test drive both cars to see which you like best.

Expert answer

Hi Gareth,

Go for the Skoda. Dave Humphreys (also of this parish) and I recently drove the latest Octavia RS diesel from Goodwood to Dublin and frankly, you'd be hard pressed to find a car with a broader spread of talents. Go for the estate to get the best looking (as well as most useful) version.

Let us know what you do

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

Of the two cars mentioned the Kia cee'd SW is undoubtedly the better looking car and it does come with the famous seven-year Kia warranty, but when it comes to taxis we would probably take the consensus of other taxi drivers.

While the Toyota Avensis is top dog in the segment at the moment it is being pushed by the Skoda Octavia with the 1.6 TDI being the engine of choice for its fuel efficiency. When Global Taxis took delivery of 110 Octavias it reckoned each car would offer a fuel saving of €1,400 a year over the old fleet, money that will go into your pocket instead.

As well as that the Octavia offers a huge a mount of space (both passenger and boot wise) for the money, important considerations when you are moving up from The Kesh to pick up a fare at Dublin Airport.

Hope that all helps

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

Your first choice there is a bit of a hard one to argue with. The Mazda3 is impressively well built, hugely reliable and, in saloon form, not only has a big, useful boot but also manages to look better than the five-door hatch on which it's based. The downside is a dour, plain cabin but that €6,000 budget should, with a little haggling, get you into a 2007 1.6 TD diesel model. No, you won't get the benefit of the cheaper post-2008 tax, but for those occasional runs up to Mayo, you'll be saving yourself a whole lot of fuel.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Breon,

First of all, congratulations on the incoming arrival. As for finding the right car seat, we're really not the experts in terms of advice on specific seats, but we know some people who are. Pop in to your local branch of Mothercare or Halfords (or Tony Kealy's if you live in the Dublin area) and you should be able to get some very helpful advice on which is the correct kind of seat for your kids. As a rule of thumb, the longer you can keep them in a rear-facing seat, and then the longer you can keep them in a full-backed seat, with integral harness, the better. It's down to the size and weight of the individual child though. 

As for cars, you have several choices but they're all MPVs, I'm afraid. Sorry about that... Still, all is not lost, as the Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 5008 are both pleasantly comfy, economical and easy on the eye. Kick up a price and size band and you'll find the Ford S-Max, which is one of our favourite cars, whether or not space is your priority. Handsome and good to drive, that one.

If you're in the second hand market, you could do worse than track down a good used Fiat Multipla (if you can live with the looks, it's got one of the best cabins of any car, ever) or there's always the evergreen Renault Scenic or the (slightly dour) Volkswagen Touran. Finally, there's the Toyota Verso, which isn't the most exciting choice but is solidly built and spacious. Finally, the six-seat Honda FR-V is a left-field choice that's one of those classic "try it and you'll never have anything else" cars.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Neil,  

You can’t get it serviced in Dublin, I’m afraid. The only franchised Maserati dealer on the island is Charles Hurst in Belfast (lovely people, give them a shout). Generally speaking a major service is going to cost around the £1,500 to £2,000 mark (say €1,700-€2,300), but with a car of that age a lot will depend on what work needs doing.

Expert answer

Hi Cathy,

The Eos is a nice car, right enough, but a bit thin on the ground here in Ireland. You may need to widen your search to the UK if you're going to find one you like.

That budget should give you a pretty good spread of possible purchases though. How about a BMW 318Ci convertible? Classy, practical and cool, we found one on Carzone.ie for €12,950. If you fancy something a bit smaller, there are a few MINI Cooper Convertibles knocking around at similar money. The MINI is not as practical as the Peugeot 207 CC you've suggested, but it is more fun to drive. Then again, the 207 does have that desirable folding steel roof.

But if you're really sold on the Eos, Karmann Volkswagen dealers in Dublin, on the Naas road, currently have one up for €12,950 with the 1.6 FSI petrol engine. Snap it up if you want it...

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Kieran,

Here’s what we’ve found on Carzone that’s wheelchair accessible, or you could get in touch with the guys at Motability Ireland who would be able to help.

Expert answer

Hi Jon,

So, your average mileage is going to be around 25,000km per year. That’s just on the cusp of needing a diesel, so I’d suggest going for the Mazda in this case, as it will be much more efficient at that kind of journey, and the constant long motorway runs will keep the particulate filter in good order. Plus, the Mazda will likely be more reliable than the Megane in the long run.

Expert answer

Hi Helen,

An old RAV4 will be pretty thirsty, to be honest. Official fuel economy for the 1.8 petrol model, from 2004, was 38mpg, and around town I’d expect it to do not much better than 28mpg. The 2.0 diesel version is only 1mpg better off on the official figures, so don’t expect miracles from one of those either.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

There’s lots of choice in that price bracket for an estate. You could go posh with an Audi A4 Avant TDI (you’ll get into a 2007 model for that budget), or big and practical with a Toyota Avensis (2011 or thereabouts), or sporty with a BMW 3 Series Touring. However, you’re probably best going for a Golf — that budget gets you a 2008 or 2009 Golf Estate, which is roomy, practical, reliable, and nice to drive.

Expert answer

Hi Moss,

We've scoured Carzone.ie with your budget and needs in mind. There are loads of diesel SUVs available at that price, though we've shortlisted the ones here we reckon would do the job for you:

- BMW X3 - economical, though you're looking at an older one at this price

- Honda CR-V - great option if you can find a good one

- Hyundai Tucson - plenty around, though not as 'nice' as premium models

- Mitsubishi Outlander - with Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI engine - good bet

- Nissan Qashqai - great all-rounder, though possibly not quite SUV-like for your tastes

- Peugeot 4008 - stylish, good diesel engine, should be able to afford post-2008 car

- Toyota RAV4 - safe bet, though will be pre-2008 on your budget

If you'd like us to help narrow down your search feel free to come back to us.

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

First thing to do is pop along to Cartell.ie and pay for a full history check, as this will tell you a lot. Then, ask the seller to scan or photograph all the documentation for you so you can check it before you go any further.

After that, you either make the journey to Dublin to test the car or you pay an independent assessor (the AA provides such a service) to do it for you.

Expert answer

Hi Jerome,

This change was made in December 2011 and as you rightly point out, imported used cars registered in Dublin start at 120,000. That's for each year of manufacture, so the first important car from 1994 will start 94 D 120000 and there could also be a 01 D 120000 for instance. Each of the counties has a different starting number appropriately higher than the highest number of cars sold in that county in any year. The list doesn't appear to be available online, but we've requested it for information and will pass it on as soon as we get it.

Expert answer

Hi Brian,

Good timing! We have the GT86 on test this week. Here it is on the very twisty and very bumpy Dublin Mountain roads:

Review will be done in time, but I can confirm that it's even more impressive here than it was at the launch in Spain. Its small size and low weight are ideally suited to tight and twisty roads and though firm, the suspension deals with rough surfaces and bumps (even mid-corner) brilliantly. The none-too low profile tyres no doubt help with that.

On the open road it's hugely engaging and very fast. It feels weightless and while it goes where you point it there's a lot of movement underneath if you want it. Turn off traction control and it regularly slides too - though don't expect big drifts on the public road!

While it is lacking a little in low-down torque, it's only an issue for overtaking, as the car feels quick at all times, and is very quick if you use all the revs.

Away from driving for the fun of it, the GT86 is still brilliant. Some might not get it, and it's not quiet, but it even works well in town, where its small size, quick steering and relatively supple suspension mean it doesn't feel at all out of place.

Overall: a fabulous car. Really works on Irish roads. Really special.

Expert answer

Hi Sinead,

Before tackling the diesel issue, the Nissan Qashqai is a fine car. It's a little bigger than the Golf and feels it because of the higher driving position and larger boot. In general it has proved to be a reliable car with only a few minor issues cropping up.

The 1.5 dCi diesel is a good choice of engine, though if you really do stick to Dublin and its environs it may be worth considering the cheaper 1.6-litre petrol instead. It's a shame Nissan doesn't currently have a smaller capacity turbocharged alternative, as that would be a great option. The diesel car will be more economical for sure.

Hope that helps.

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

This car has both chain and a small replaceable belt. The belt should be changed every 125,000 kilometres along with its tensioner and pulleys.

We spoke to Rialto Ford in Dublin and they said they'd come back to us with an estimated cost.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

It really depends where you plan to sell your car on. Anecdotal evidence indicates that dealers regularly do not want cars from other counties as they are harder to sell on. However, I do wonder if that applies to Dublin cars, as, naturally, more cars are sold in Dublin than anywhere else.

Let us know if you have other worries.

Expert answer

Hi Dave,

There is no simple answer to this - but as a rule of thumb, on a new car (average Ford Focus or Golf) you should expect to get around €700-€1,000 off the new price if buying straight. Much more than this is unlikely unless it is a Renault, or a luxury car! Shop around and don't be afraid to look outside of Dublin for the best deal.

Expert answer

The arguement for petrol is growing Brendan. While everyone is fixated on diesel the petrol engines are getting cleaner and will come back into fashion. When it comes to fuel economy the gap between petrol and diesel is getting closer and in a lot of cases there is little difference between the road tax.

The 1.4-litre petrol engine in the Passat is more than good enough. So if you want a Passat then you could go for it. There could and perhaps will be less value in the petrol model later on, but if you keep it long enough suddenly this won't become that much of an issue and since you go low mileage then you could keep it for 5 or more years. 

Expert answer

Hi John,

If you don't have family or the need for extra seats then the obvious choice would be a Mazda MX-5. They are so much fun and since you only really need the car at weekends then it may as well be something fun. Here is one for a little over your budget that you coudl bargain down to €4,000 easily. 

If it has to be sensible, then I am going to stick with Mazda and choose a Mazda3 - here is one from a dealer we recommend and they might be able to do something for you on the price as a cash buyer. 

I hope this helps. 

Expert answer

Hi Eoin,

I'm glad you like the site. Firstly, let me congratulate you on choosing a nice car. I had a Golf Edition R recently and it was a really lovely car. The spec is really good on that car and you seem to have chosen a nice few options on the car. 

There are a couple of things that you mention there and it is tricky to answer them. Volkswagen are unlikely to announce anything from their dealer conference until after their dealer conference. I'm not sure where you get your intelligence but we can certainly investigate. In terms of your deal, the usual advice applies - you need to focus on the cost to change and not how much your own car is worth, which you appear to be doing and given that you aren't changing your car until January it can be difficult for the car dealers to price your trade-in. My advice to you would be to put down your deposit, arrange your deal and make sure that your terms are agreed. If there is any change which would favour you then you can renegotiate, but at least if it turns out to be as you suspect, then at least you will have secured the best possible rate. 

The other bit of advice I would give, is if your trade-in came from say, a Peugeot dealer, then go back to the Peugeot dealer and offer him the deal. Most dealers can buy in the car you want and they might offer you a better deal on your trade-in. That would be worth a try. 

I hope this helps. Feel free to come back to us if you need more help, we are always here!!

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

There was some discussion on this before. SIMI were proposing it and we covered it here -

Read this

But it was only a suggestion and nothing has yet come of it, so no, currently you cannot change your registration.

I hope this helps

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

I can't be certain, but I would reckon Annesley Motors would be your best bet because they did retail Smart at one stage so they would probably have expertise in the cars. Alternatively, there is a Smart dealer in Belfast, Isaac Agnew so they would be definitely very good. I will check around and see if there are more

I hope this helps

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

You best bet would be to contact OHM, the distributor of Saab. Here is its details.

Expert answer

Hi Paul,

These cars are really very similar and it can be difficult to seperate them when you compare them in almost every category. You didn't mention the Skoda Octavia or Superb here which is surprising since they are rated so highly by the taxi industry and they are also ultra reliable. The Passat hasn't always been that reliable while there appear to be fewer problems with the Mondeo. Having said that, both engines are really very good though and will be super frugal.

To be honest, I would probably still go with the Passat as it looks and feels a little more upmarket and that would be good in your line of work.

Expert answer

Hi Hazel,

What you need is something that will be reliable, has low mileage, has a full service history from a SIMI dealer and that will be a little bit fun to drive. I had a look for you and there are several that match your criteria on sale at the moment. We found a great little Kia Picanto: it has only 30,000km on the clock and is a smashing wee thing that would cost you very little to run.

We really like the Fiat Panda too, as it is a straightforward car that is chic, charming and fun and you could get one with really low mileage that is within your budget. You can never really go wrong with a Ford Fiesta: this would be a super car to own although the mileage on is a little higher.

If you want something that is a little bigger, then this Nissan Primera would be a good car and this is a low-mileage example.

Out of all of these, that Picanto could be a super little buy.

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

Yes I recently had a conversation with the guys from Kia Ireland about this. There simply aren't enough of them being made and they can't make them quick enough. It is a problem that Kia have with the Sportage and Hyundai have with the ix35. Apparently they are going to add a new run on a different plant and this will help relieve the backlog, but we are being told that the delays are 'significant' and obviously with such a demand for them in right hand drive markets, especially in the UK, this is making the situation worse.

Kia Sportage - delays

There are a couple of unregistered ones around - so maybe these would be suitable if you are looking for one?

Kia Sportage - Naas Road, Dublin

Kia Sportage - Demo Model - Wicklow

Expert answer

Hi Joe,

There were four new Audi R8s bought in Ireland in 2007. Two were silver, one was grey and the other black. All were bought in Dublin.

Hope that's of some help to you

Expert answer

Hi Thomas,

I think that this should be well within the skill of most independent dealers to be honest. I would try the nearest independent garage to you and see if they can help. 

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

First things first. The petrol versus diesel debate. Everyone is very caught up on diesel cars right now and that makes a lot of sense when you are buying new because they have lower road tax, but since small cars tend not to use a lot of fuel, the road tax should be quite low anyway. The mileage you are likely to do might warrant a diesel, but the diesel small cars tend to be a lot more expensive, so in this case I would say that a petrol model would do you fine and still won't cost the earth to run.

The VW Polo is an excellent choice because it is really nicely built and holds its value well too. I did a search for ones with the lowest mileage within your budget from main SIMI dealers (so there is more security and better history checks on the car). A 2007 Volkswagen Polo with just 15,000km on the clock is within your budget and would be a really nice buy. It would be dead cheap to run too. 

This 2008 Ford Fiesta is really nice too; with 11,000km on the clock so it is practically brand new. This is a five-door model so it might be a little more practical. It is at the upper end of your budget but you wouldn't pay the advertised price. 

One I would love you to consider though is the Suzuki Swift. It is a smashing little car. It is really reliable, cute, nicely built and fun to drive. It's a 2008 model with low mileage for less than €9,000. 

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Renault Clio (it was my wife's first car and it was great) and you could find another one with ridiculously low mileage for less than €9,000 too. Here is one I liked the look of.

You wouldn't really go wrong with any of these. Personally, I'd be really tempted by that low-mileage Polo as a long term investment because you will always get a good bit of your money back. 

I hope all that helps

Expert answer

Hi John,

The new tax has not yet been fully implemented and there's a minefield of complications yet to be worked out, but trials are soon to begin in restricted parts of Dublin City before it is rolled out to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Take a look at the official details here on Revenue.ie and come back to us if you have any specific questions that are not answered by that.

Thanks

Expert answer

There are lots of suggestions, but we need to know what your budget is. Pop the details into the comment box below.

Thanks

Expert answer

Hi Anthony,

Well we can't quite say exactly what you are likely to get offered for your Corolla, but let's presume that it is likely to be about €2,500 - €3,000 when traded in against something new. With a budget of €25,000 on top of this then there is a lot of choice available to you. You could have a wide variety of new cars and an even greater choice of used models.

In answer to your first question, with you doing 18,000 miles per year, you could do with a diesel engine to keep your fuel bills down.

Your choices in terms of a new car are massive, including a brand new Toyota Avensis, which would probably add up to the best deal in terms of your trade-in. The new Avensis is remarkably comfortable and for a car that you are likely to spend so long in, this would make a nice place to sit. The diesel engine in the Avensis is very good, and it will be cheap to run and Toyota residuals are superb.

A sum of €26,735 will get you the 125hp Avensis Strata saloon. Another great choice for comfort and residual value would be the Volkswagen Passat. You could have the 1.6 TDI Comfortline BlueMotion for €27,375 and that has the feel of an executive car and would be great for the high mileage you do.

Almost impossible to ignore is the Skoda Superb. It really is great. You could have a 2.0-litre 170hp Comfort model for €27,805. Granted you might not need all that rear space, but there are few more comfortable cars on the road.

A car we have just spent a few days in is the updated Mazda6. The new model has a much better diesel engine than before, and there are some changes to the spec of the car. This offers a good blend between comfort and sportiness. It is a good-looking car too and comes as a hatchback.

A car I really like is the Subaru Legacy diesel. This is one of the most underrated cars around and it is lovely to drive. A 2009 model would cost you about €23,000 so it would be under your budget by quite a degree:

http://tiny.cc/43787

However, the car I'd think about with your budget is the VW Passat CC, the more coupé-like version of the Passat. There is a stunning 2.0-litre TDI model on sale in Dublin for €29,950 and it is absolutely stunning:

http://tiny.cc/4j2hf

Expert answer

Hello Brian,

This is an interesting one. I am guessing, as you own and love the 406 Coupé that you don't really want something too mainstream. It might seem obvious to put you into something like a BMW 3 Series Coupé, but I don't think that is what you are after.

As you probably know, you might not get offered very much for your 406 Coupé, which is a shame. Try to sell it privately because these cars do have a loyal following and if you got €2,000 that would no doubt be welcome. There is one for sale with a lot less miles than yours in Dublin for €2,650, so work backwards from there. 

Trading it is probably the easiest. Let's say that you have a budget of €16,000 and see what is around that might suit. 

One, perhaps rather obvious, choice would be to go for a Peugeot 407 Coupé. The diesel model sold really well and remains expensive, but I found a 2007 2.2-litre petrol version with just 21,000 miles on the clock and they are asking just €14,950. You can find it here:

http://tinyurl.com/33k7nl3

That might work given the really small mileage that you do and since you loved your 406 Coupé then this could be a great buy. 

If you want something very pretty and unique, how about an Alfa Romeo Brera? Here is a 2.2-litre petrol model for €17,950, but you could well haggle this price down further. There aren't too many about and while we cannot say that it won't give you the odd headache, it is a real head turner.

http://tinyurl.com/3ydqk89

Even if you're not a BMW guy, it's worth considering a 2006 320d Coupé, which will be reasonably economical for under €16,000. This one is in Monaghan and the mileage is pretty good at 69,000 miles.

http://tinyurl.com/3yr7wgq

I don't think you need a diesel given your mileage. I'd pick a Volkswagen Golf GTI. I know it isn't a coupé, but it is a super car to drive. This one is a 2006 model, but you might sneak into a 2007 version for your budget too. The example we found has the brilliant DSG gearbox, has done just 26,000 miles and is loaded with kit. It is such a rewarding car to drive and, since you live in the city, the gearbox should suit you perfectly giving you the best of both worlds.

http://tinyurl.com/32aftto

Please feel free to come back to us if we are way off the mark!

Expert answer

Hi Tom,

We put this one to Revenue and they came back to us quite quickly:

"I wish to advise you that the county index to be applied to each vehicle is determined by reference to the address where the owner resides. Consequently, the appropriate county index will be assigned no matter where the vehicle is registered. It is the duty of the Motor dealer to register the vehicle."

That's pretty clear I think.

Hope it helps.

Expert answer

Having been the owner of a few old BMWs in my time I feel your pain. I know that going to a main dealer can give the best work without a doubt but it can also be horrifically expensive too. If you have paid a few grand for your car, you probably don't want to be faced will bills of €1000+ from a main dealer, which can happen if there is a major repair. What we would say that if its a service then there are some very good offers from main dealers at the moment on this and it might be worth checking with them first. 

However if you want to try independent, we contacted the guys over at E30owners.com and they told us of their list of favoured independents and they are as follows:

Chelmsford Motors Ranelagh Dublin 2

Courtney BMW North Circular Road Dublin 3

Bavarian Autotech Abbeyfeal Limerick

We have also heard very good things about AC Car Sales on South Circular Road in Dublin 

www.accarsales.ie/