Please help disabled driver choose a car

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 7:27pm #1

I need help choosing a a car!!!!!!!

I'm a disabled driver, and I don't know where to go/what car to choose???? Any suggestions would be great!?

I currently have an 02 Micra Automatic, but want to go a bit bigger.........

Cheers.

colm_mcm · 19-03-2008 7:38pm

and it has to have 3 doors.

3 door autos are a bit of a limited market.

Golf GT DSG TSI at €25425 would hold its money very well.
would be sought after in 2 years due to its low motor tax rate under the current system.

mike65 · 19-03-2008 7:49pm

This thread may see more action with a better title

Mike.

vengeance52 · 19-03-2008 7:50pm

my friend, who is also disabled, just got a new VW polo and loves it. She said that the garage told her the adaptions from her old corsa, were very easy to put onto the Polo.

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 7:54pm

mike65 wrote: »

This thread may see more action with a better title

Mike.

LOL. Sorry dude. I'm just soo frustrated.

:rolleyes:

leincar · 19-03-2008 7:55pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

and it has to have 3 doors.

3 door autos are a bit of a limited market.

Golf GT DSG TSI at €25425 would hold its money very well.
would be sought after in 2 years due to its low motor tax rate under the current system.

My better half just got her Golf GT 1.9TDI DSG. Wonderful car I can't fault it. It should hold its residuals as well.

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 8:07pm

leincar wrote: »

My better half just got her Golf GT 1.9TDI DSG. Wonderful car I can't fault it. It should hold its residuals as well.

Are you sure it's available in automatic transmission? According to their site, it doesn't seem to be.........?

mickdw · 19-03-2008 8:21pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Are you sure it's available in automatic transmission? According to their site, it doesn't seem to be.........?

DSG, thats the auto

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 8:25pm

mickdw wrote: »

DSG, thats the auto

Bloody hell!! Why can't it just say AUTO, instead of a poncy name like DSG??

:mad::rolleyes:

unkel · 19-03-2008 8:25pm

I presume you can get a new car without having to pay VRT or VAT? And in that case you can sell your car after 2 years and buy another one?

Take maximum benefit of this. Buy a new premium car with low depreciation like a BMW 318d / 320d auto or a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI auto. Keep it for 2 years and sell it for more than you bought it for. You can use the profit you'll make towards your running costs

mike65 wrote: »

This thread may see more action with a better title

+1

I took the liberty to edit the title...

PurelyEsoteric · 19-03-2008 8:30pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Bloody hell!! Why can't it just say AUTO, instead of a poncy name like DSG??

:mad::rolleyes:

Cause it works differently to a normal auto. It can be put into manual mode and gears are changed with sexy paddles near the steering wheel. It also shifts through gears differently. It works faster than a normal gearbox.
But none of that matters much if you drive it in auto mode

fletch · 19-03-2008 8:43pm

unkel wrote: »

I presume you can get a new car without having to pay VRT or VAT? And in that case you can sell your car after 2 years and buy another one?... Keep it for 2 years and sell it for more than you bought it for

Is it legal to do that?

fabsoul · 19-03-2008 9:01pm

fletch wrote: »

Is it legal to do that?

yes, i do it every 2 yrs

colm_mcm · 19-03-2008 9:04pm

that's why choice of car is very important. one with good residual values is essential.

ShayK1 · 19-03-2008 9:05pm

OP my boss has a 4 door Honda Civic saloon... looks good and he said he'd never buy anything other than a honda again

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 9:11pm

unkel wrote: »

I presume you can get a new car without having to pay VRT or VAT? And in that case you can sell your car after 2 years and buy another one?

Take maximum benefit of this. Buy a new premium car with low depreciation like a BMW 318d / 320d auto or a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI auto. Keep it for 2 years and sell it for more than you bought it for. You can use the profit you'll make towards your running costs

+1

I took the liberty to edit the title...

LOL:D

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 9:14pm

PurelyEsoteric wrote: »

Cause it works differently to a normal auto. It can be put into manual mode and gears are changed with sexy paddles near the steering wheel. It also shifts through gears differently. It works faster than a normal gearbox.
But none of that matters much if you drive it in auto mode

But, imo, the "paddles" would be no bloody use as the car is an automatic!? I think I'll be going back to the Nissan Micra???
:rolleyes:

Turbodreams · 19-03-2008 9:37pm

i really would advise getting a car that does not depreciate fast. my mother (having a disabled daughter) was able to change her VW Golf every 2 years and on average make around €800-1000 profit after the change! something to consider.

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 9:42pm

Turbodreams wrote: »

i really would advise getting a car that does not depreciate fast. my mother (having a disabled daughter) was able to change her VW Golf every 2 years and on average make around €800-1000 profit after the change! something to consider.

I have only ever bought one car, and that was 6 years ago. I didn't survey the market back then. It was recommended to me by other friends with disabilities to go for the Nissan Micra, but now, as I said, I want to go bigger....?

I am getting more and more confused..........?

Turbodreams · 19-03-2008 9:52pm

perhaps if you contact the wheelchair association they might be able to help you with your decision. My personal recommendation would be a GolF or an Audi A3 but it all depends on your circumstances, budget, personal preference etc. Hope you find the right one!

Mental Mickey · 19-03-2008 9:56pm

Turbodreams wrote: »

perhaps if you contact the wheelchair association they might be able to help you with your decision. My personal recommendation would be a GolF or an Audi A3 but it all depends on your circumstances, budget, personal preference etc. Hope you find the right one!

Yeah, I don't wanna go too Mental(no pun intended:D)spending money???

unkel · 20-03-2008 12:33am

Turbodreams wrote: »

i really would advise getting a car that does not depreciate fast. my mother (having a disabled daughter) was able to change her VW Golf every 2 years and on average make around €800-1000 profit after the change! something to consider.

With either of the cars I suggested, the OP would make a profit a lot bigger than that!

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Yeah, I don't wanna go too Mental(no pun intended:D)spending money???

The drawback of getting a new car is that it will probably have to be financed. Surely you don't have €40-50k lying around the house?

Ring your bank manager and explain - I don't think they'll have a problem gving you finance

colm_mcm · 20-03-2008 1:43am

unkel wrote: »

With either of the cars I suggested, the OP would make a profit a lot bigger than that!

unkel wrote: »

I presume you can get a new car without having to pay VRT or VAT? And in that case you can sell your car after 2 years and buy another one?

Take maximum benefit of this. Buy a new premium car with low depreciation like a BMW 318d / 320d auto or a Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI auto. Keep it for 2 years and sell it for more than you bought it for. You can use the profit you'll make towards your running costs

Not quite. There is a limit to the amount of VRT and VAT claimable by a disabled driver. Think it's in the region of €9,000

unkel · 20-03-2008 2:03am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not quite. There is a limit to the amount of VRT and VAT claimable by a disabled driver. Think it's in the region of €9,000

Any link, Colm?

Altreab · 20-03-2008 3:11am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not quite. There is a limit to the amount of VRT and VAT claimable by a disabled driver. Think it's in the region of €9,000

This taken from the revenue.ie website.

# Relief in respect of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) may be obtained, subject to a maximum of :

* €9,525 for a driver.
* €15,875 for a passenger.
* €15,875 for a family member.

# Relief is restricted to a vehicle which has been specially constructed or adapted for use by a person with a disability and which has an engine size of less than 2,000cc in the case of a driver and 4,000cc in the case of a passenger.
# A vehicle which has been relieved from tax may not be disposed of for at least two years.

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 1:43pm

Hi Guys

After a lot of head-wrecking. I have decided to go with the Ford Fiesta 1.4l tiptronic.

The deal that I am being offered is very good, and I am happy with it.

Cheers

MM

Turbodreams · 20-03-2008 7:58pm

Glad to hear ya got sorted, gud luck with the new motor!

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 8:05pm

Turbodreams wrote: »

Glad to hear ya got sorted, gud luck with the new motor!

Thanks mate.

I have one more question..............:

While attempting to make up my mind(some of my friends called it "dithering)about the new car, I went ahead and renewed the insurance on my current car, as it is due for renewal next week. Would/should I have much hassle changing over my insurance on the new car??

I have a quote of €511 for my current car(1 litre Nissan Micra auto)from my current insurers - Hibernian(thru 123.ie). FBD had offered me a quote of €400 odd for the Ford Fiesta 1.4l auto.

Would it be much hassle switching insurance companies??

Marcus.Aurelius · 20-03-2008 9:11pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Would it be much hassle switching insurance companies??

Hi Mental Mickey,

Shouldn't be a problem. When you tell Hibernian that you are changing insurance companies, they are required by law to issue a statement of no-claims bonus, which you simply submit to your new insurance company to prove your no-claims discount. They'll take it from there.

€400 is very good for a 1.4 Auto compared to €511 for a micra which had a smaller engine!

Best of Luck

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 9:14pm

maoleary wrote: »

Hi Mental Mickey,

Shouldn't be a problem. When you tell Hibernian that you are changing insurance companies, they are required by law to issue a statement of no-claims bonus, which you simply submit to your new insurance company to prove your no-claims discount. They'll take it from there.

€400 is very good for a 1.4 Auto compared to €511 for a micra which had a smaller engine!

Best of Luck

The reason I was quoted €511 for the Micra was because I went thru a broker, whereas the quote for the Fiesta was gotten didrectly from FBD.

Marcus.Aurelius · 20-03-2008 9:15pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

The reason I was quoted €511 for the Micra was because I went thru a broker, whereas the quote for the Fiesta was gotten didrectly from FBD.

damn brokers!! :pac:

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 9:17pm

maoleary wrote: »

damn brokers!! :pac:

unkel · 20-03-2008 10:11pm

Altreab wrote: »

# Relief in respect of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) may be obtained, subject to a maximum of :

* €9,525 for a driver

Thanks for the update! I wasn't aware of those limits

Niall1234 · 20-03-2008 10:34pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

But, imo, the "paddles" would be no bloody use as the car is an automatic!? I think I'll be going back to the Nissan Micra???
:rolleyes:

Depends.

The whole thing about the Dual Clutch Gearbox is that it changes gears a lot faster than a manual. A lot of people might want to put it into the semi-auto mode and use the padels to change gear when they want to, and not when the car wants to.

Anyways, its nice to know that the option is there if needed.

BTW, I can't get over the fact that ye guys are essentially getting a free car regarding the VRT setup. Let the good times roll I guess.

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 10:36pm

Niall1234 wrote: »

Depends.

The whole thing about the Dual Clutch Gearbox is that it changes gears a lot faster than a manual. A lot of people might want to put it into the semi-auto mode and use the padels to change gear when they want to, and not when the car wants to.

Anyways, its nice to know that the option is there if needed.

BTW, I can't get over the fact that ye guys are essentially getting a free car regarding the VRT setup. Let the good times roll I guess.

Jealousy is a terrible thing!!!

Fey! · 20-03-2008 11:12pm

OP; glad to hear you got sorted.

For any future reference, or for other users, you do have a couple of options if money is tight and you can't afford a new car. One is to buy an unregistered import (UK/Japan) and claim your VRT back. Another, and this will need clarification, is that you can somehow claimthe VRT off a car which has already been registered, as long as that car has not previously had the VRT claimed (ie, as long as it hasn't already belonged to a handicapped driver). However, you may have to get some modification done in order to make your claim.

Disabled drivers are also in a position to claim the VAT back from their fuel, as well as getting free road tax. The downside is the potential hike in insurance when you tell them about your disability.

As far as I remember, you are capped to a 2 litre engine for some of the allowances.

Also, the type of car recommended in this thread would have varied depending on your individual disability.

Full details and assistance are available from the Wheelchair Association offices in either Balla or Ballindine (can't remember which) in Mayo. They have been exceptionally helpful to a family member and several of my friends who are disabled drivers or passengers.

Mental Mickey · 20-03-2008 11:35pm

Fey! wrote: »

OP; glad to hear you got sorted.

For any future reference, or for other users, you do have a couple of options if money is tight and you can't afford a new car. One is to buy an unregistered import (UK/Japan) and claim your VRT back. Another, and this will need clarification, is that you can somehow claimthe VRT off a car which has already been registered, as long as that car has not previously had the VRT claimed (ie, as long as it hasn't already belonged to a handicapped driver). However, you may have to get some modification done in order to make your claim.

Disabled drivers are also in a position to claim the VAT back from their fuel, as well as getting free road tax. The downside is the potential hike in insurance when you tell them about your disability.

As far as I remember, you are capped to a 2 litre engine for some of the allowances.

Also, the type of car recommended in this thread would have varied depending on your individual disability.

Full details and assistance are available from the Wheelchair Association offices in either Balla or Ballindine (can't remember which) in Mayo. They have been exceptionally helpful to a family member and several of my friends who are disabled drivers or passengers.

I didn't know any of this, thanks. I'll be talking to the car dealer on Tuesday to get things rolling.........

I think you meant the Disabled Drivers Association in Ballindine, Co Mayo????

Mental Mickey · 21-03-2008 1:39am

Fiesta steel 1.4 triptronic 3dr including mett. Paint 18705

Less v.r.t. 3575

Less allowance 02 micra 3dr auto 6130

Balance due 9000

Vat content 2000approx

In relation to this quotation, can someone please explain to me where the Ford "fleet" discount, which, as a member of the IWA, I am entitled to, is???
Surely that would bring the price of the car down even further...........?

MM

Altreab · 21-03-2008 2:18am

Niall1234 wrote: »

Depends.

The whole thing about the Dual Clutch Gearbox is that it changes gears a lot faster than a manual. A lot of people might want to put it into the semi-auto mode and use the padels to change gear when they want to, and not when the car wants to.

Anyways, its nice to know that the option is there if needed.

BTW, I can't get over the fact that ye guys are essentially getting a free car regarding the VRT setup. Let the good times roll I guess.

Believe me you really dont want to be able to qualify for VRT refunds .....the human cost is WAY higher than you would want to pay.

That said it would be a lot worse if i couldnt reclaim

Altreab · 21-03-2008 2:29am

Fey! wrote: »

OP; glad to hear you got sorted.

Disabled drivers are also in a position to claim the VAT back from their fuel, as well as getting free road tax. The downside is the potential hike in insurance when you tell them about your disability.

As far as I remember, you are capped to a 2 litre engine for some of the allowances.

Also, the type of car recommended in this thread would have varied depending on your individual disability.

Full details and assistance are available from the Wheelchair Association offices in either Balla or Ballindine (can't remember which) in Mayo. They have been exceptionally helpful to a family member and several of my friends who are disabled drivers or passengers.

Its actually the Excise duty on the petrol or diesel that can be claimed back not the VAT. Subject to a limit of 600 Gallons a year. For a driver claiming there is a 2Lt limit and for a family member there is a 4000CC engine limit.
But there are extra terms and conditions there

There usually isnt any extra loading on insurance for disability since like every one else people with disabilities have to show they are capable of driving as good (or as bad

) as anyne else on the road

Disabled Drivers Association in Ballindine, Co Mayo are very helpful as are the Irish Wheelchair Ass. based in clontarf if i remember rightly.
Type of car is very dependant on the individual and the disability involved.

Altreab · 21-03-2008 2:32am

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Fiesta steel 1.4 triptronic 3dr including mett. Paint 18705

Less v.r.t. 3575

Less allowance 02 micra 3dr auto 6130

Balance due 9000

Vat content 2000approx

In relation to this quotation, can someone please explain to me where the Ford "fleet" discount, which, as a member of the IWA, I am entitled to, is???
Surely that would bring the price of the car down even further...........?

MM

Ask the IWA how to claim it as i think they also get a donation for every car sold to a disabled driver. You have to claim directly from Ford head office if i remember correctly.

leincar · 21-03-2008 7:29pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Are you sure it's available in automatic transmission? According to their site, it doesn't seem to be.........?

Yup its available. I just drove it. The Irish Volkswagen website is not the best.

Mental Mickey · 21-03-2008 9:08pm

leincar wrote: »

Yup its available. I just drove it. The Irish Volkswagen website is not the best.

Was the car any good?

leincar · 22-03-2008 9:10am

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Was the car any good?

Hi there,

I have to be honest with you. The car is wonderful. It seems solidly built, the seats have great support. I presume thats because it is a GT model and not the comfortline. The DSG gearbox takes a little getting used to as the gearchange is hardly noticeable. Putting on my Jeremy Clarkson hat for a sec, it is a touch noisier then a petrol model but, you'll soon get used to it.

The biggest problem was the wait. Almost 6 weeks and I believe for the 1.4tsi it can be 12 weeks.

And no I don't work for Volkswagen:)

Mental Mickey · 25-03-2008 7:02pm

I just got word back from the Ford dealer, that I've been talking to, and he's told me that it'll take 10 weeks for my car to be delivered.

colm_mcm · 25-03-2008 7:25pm

Re: the fleet discount, this is claimed by the dealer from the distributor. they should subtract it from the retail price of the car.

Karmia · 25-03-2008 8:53pm

Hey, have you gotten approved for VRT & VAT exemption?

Mental Mickey · 25-03-2008 10:36pm

Karmia wrote: »

Hey, have you gotten approved for VRT & VAT exemption?

I'll send it off tomorrow.

Mental Mickey · 25-03-2008 10:46pm

Karmia wrote: »

Hey, have you gotten approved for VRT & VAT exemption?

Do I send that form off before or after I buy the car???

Fey! · 25-03-2008 10:54pm

Alltreab & Mental Mickey; yes, it was the disabled drivers I was thinking of, but the wheelchair association have also been very helpful to a relative of mine.

Thanks for the correction on the excise duty on the fuel.

As someone else said, I'd prefer to be paying the VAT and VRT than the physical and mental costs any time.

Mental Mickey · 25-03-2008 10:57pm

Mental Mickey wrote: »

Do I send that form off before or after I buy the car???

Well.............?

Please help disabled driver choose a car

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