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A Polo 1.2 TSI 90 built before the 2014 facelift has a timing chain with a known fault. The same badge after the facelift has a belt. Which engine, which gearbox, and why the 2019-2020 brochure makes the motor tax look up to 320 euro a year dearer than it is.
On the petrol 208 the timing belt runs inside the engine oil, and Stellantis now pays for the repair in certain cases. The diesel has its own acknowledged fault. What to check, what the motor tax really costs, and why the published CO2 figures for 2019 and 2020 cars cannot be trusted.
Irish motor tax for every B8 Passat engine from EUR 140 to EUR 400, why you must not calculate the band from a brochure CO2 figure, the timing belt and water pump reality, which DSG needs servicing at 60,000km, and how to tell in thirty seconds whether a diesel uses AdBlue.
One badge, three completely different cars. We put the Irish motor tax figures for the Kia Niro hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV side by side, explain the clutch actuator fire-risk recall, and set out which drivetrain actually suits which driver.
The 116hp Golf diesel and mild-hybrid petrol both pay €190 motor tax. Which Golf to buy in Ireland, DSG checks, Mk8 software, NCT fails and running costs.
Mazda CX-5 in Ireland: what motor tax actually costs on each version, why all-wheel drive is EUR 140 a year dearer than front-wheel drive, and the seven things to check on a used 2.2 diesel before you pay for it.
Ireland's second best-selling car has two very different DSG gearboxes, and the one Skoda says never needs a fluid change is the one with the expensive failure record. Motor tax bands, diesel versus petrol, and the checks to do before you buy.
On the current Nissan Qashqai the cheaper 1.3 mild hybrid can cost more in motor tax than the pricier e-POWER hybrid. Irish motor tax bands, used prices, known faults and the checks to do before you buy.
The purchase grant covers new battery electric cars only, but the home charger grant is a separate scheme that is not tied to buying new. What Irish buyers can actually claim, why your driveway matters more than any grant, and what to check on a used EV.