What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is the Toyota RAV4 subject to extra tax for 5 years due to the £40k price?

I decided to buy the very impressive, but expensive, Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. I will take delivery on September 1st. The Toyota dealer doesn’t seem to know as much about this car as he should. Firstly, he told me that all cars with a retail price of £40k and over are subject to a £350 annual tax for the first 5 years. I’ve now been told this isn’t the case for this car. Is this true? I have also been told that I can drive through the centre of London and not have to pay the congestion charge in any area. Is this true? If these are true, is there anything else I should be aware of?

Asked on 2 August 2021 by Jerry Pollentine

Answered by Andrew Brady
After the first year, you'll pay £145 a year in tax (as an alternative fuel vehicle) plus an extra £335 a year (for the first five years) for vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000. Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from this, but not PHEV models like the RAV4 Plug-in.

Currently, vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards (petrol and diesel), that emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum 20 mile zero-emission capable range will qualify for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount – meaning they're exempt from the Congestion Charge. This includes your RAV4. However, from 25 October 2021, the cleaner vehicle discount will change so that only battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible. Essentially, you'll get about two months of free access to Central London – but at least your car will be ULEZ compliant, so you won't have to worry about that charge.
Similar questions
I have a Honda CR-V (2007 - 2012) 2.0 i-VTEC EX - which, according to Transport for London's website, will attract a daily ULEZ charge. When checking against other websites, the car is listed as exempt....
How do I find out if a car meets the ULEZ and Congestion Charge? Some sellers will say it does, but is there a concrete way to confirm it does?
My wife is worried that a diesel car won’t be able to drive in central London in the near future. Is this the case?
Related models
Hybrid fuel economy. Comfortable interior. Good build quality.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer