That Opti fella says us pensioners have it easy, but things like car tax soon drain our resources. Just had to tax the wife's car....£2.63 a month. There goes my cream cake at lunchtime.
That's a very satisfying sum to pay.
Over here it's another example of disjointed planning and politics rolled up with a cgaf administrative attitude .
Post 08 cars are taxed on Co levels whereas pre 08 are taxed on cc engine size up to the jaw dropping sum of €1809 .
My wife's people and planet killing diesel VAG Yeti is lumbered with an annual tax of €280 whereas my '99 2.0 Omega ,which passes the stringent annual emmissions test ,is saddled with an annual tax of €710 .
The number of pre 08 cars on Irish roads is still considerable and after a ten year operation the crucial revenue stream that was there pre 08 is now being subsidised by the owners of older vehicles as the ratio of new / old cars changes.
So if you are wealthy enough to be able to purchase a new(er) car then you pay less tax , if you are not , or choose to own an older car , you will be raped on behalf of your wealthier fellow motorists .
I hasten to add that my 40 year old classic is taxed for €56 a year and my van at ( ah shure he's a poor workman .... ) €330
Ireland , the smartest little country in the EU .