Practical tips for buying a new or used car in Ireland: what to check, what to ask and what to avoid.
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.
The third-generation 3008 prices its electric version almost level with the hybrid, and the EV costs EUR 80 a year less to tax. Full Irish price list, CO2 bands, the 520-litre boot question and what to check before you buy.
The K2 diesel Sportage costs EUR 3,700 less than the K3 and EUR 60 a year more to tax. Full Kia Ireland price list with verified WLTP CO2, every motor tax band worked out from the official schedule, and what the 7-year warranty is really worth used.
Three Corsa trims, one 100hp engine, and motor tax of EUR 190, EUR 190 or EUR 200 depending on the wheels. Full Opel Ireland price list with WLTP CO2 and tax band, the 48-volt hybrid compared, and what to check used.
The Clio E-Tech hybrid costs EUR 170 a year to tax against EUR 190 for the TCe 90 petrol. That EUR 20 gap is not the reason to buy it. Full Irish prices, WLTP figures and what actually justifies the hybrid premium.