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What is the cheapest used car to run in Ireland for tax and fuel?

The short answer

The cheapest used cars to run in Ireland are battery-electric models like the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe — €120/year motor tax (lowest band) plus cheap home charging. For non-EV buyers, a self-charging hybrid such as the Toyota Yaris Hybrid or a small petrol car gives the lowest fuel and tax costs.

Running cost comes down to motor tax band and fuel use. A used EV is cheapest overall: €120/year motor tax and electricity far below petrol per kilometre, ideal if you can charge at home. If an EV doesn't suit, a self-charging hybrid like the Toyota Yaris or Corolla Hybrid delivers very low fuel use and a low tax band with no plug-in needed. Note PHEVs are not zero-tax — they are taxed on CO2 — and the SEAI €3,500 grant applies only to new BEVs, not used ones.

Related questions

What is the cheapest car to tax in Ireland?

Battery-electric cars are cheapest to tax at €120 per year, the lowest motor tax band. Low-CO2 hybrids and small petrols sit in the next-lowest bands.

Are plug-in hybrids cheap to tax in Ireland?

No, not zero. PHEVs are taxed on their CO2 emissions like a regular car, not at the €120 EV rate, and they have not qualified for the SEAI purchase grant since 2022.

Is an EV or a hybrid cheaper to run in Ireland?

A used EV is usually cheaper if you can charge at home, with €120 motor tax and low electricity costs. A self-charging hybrid is the best low-cost option if home charging isn't possible.

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