to EricSilver, yes fuel costs have risen gradually over the last few years here. In the past 3 weeks it has taken a jump along with everybody else in the world in response to the price of crude per barrel. It is now about €1.00 per litre or $5.49 per gallon. A huge percentage (40% +++) of what we pay in Ireland for our fuel and cars is made up of government tax and duty. When a car hits these shores it is relatively cheap but it retails for about 100% extra thanks to Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax. There are so many beautiful luxury cars for sale second hand for the price of new boring Nissan, but very few can afford the annual motor tax or insurance on top of the cost of petrol. It is a shame, we really get a pretty raw deal over here when it comes to our cars. Good luck with your choice and enjoy your gas guzzler.