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What's up with my Fiat 500?
I had my Fiat 500 looked at as engine and stop-start lights come on. The garage said it needed new battery which was replaced. Not even a day later both lights are back on. They said the alternator is fine. So what is the problem?
Marnie (Torquay )
Jul 2025 Filed under: fault
Would VAT and duty be payable on this Nissan Leaf?
Hi there,
I found a full electric car in Northern Ireland. It's a 2017 Nissan Leaf. It's from a dealer but it has an English reg. The dealer said that it has been with a local previous owner since 2023.
Checking the MOT test history you can only see that it was last tested in UK on the 14 Oct 2020 and then tested again in NI on 03 September 2021. I asked the dealer if he could supply a copy of the V5C but can't due to data protection. So, I'm a bit confused.
To be exempt from VAT, there's information saying that the car has to registered in NI before Jan 2021. And other information saying that you need proof that the car was registered in NI for a considerable amount of time - I've heard people saying six and now three months).
Do you think I'd have to pay VAT for this car? Would the test history from gov.co.uk suffice? Any information or suggestions would be great.
Thank you in advance and kind regards
Ed (Leixlip)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
What paperwork do I need to bring an EV in from the North?
Hi,
Do you know what financial documentation if any ROI customs typically look for when importing an EV from NI to ROI? Based on a UK mainland reg EV that's well under €40k sale price in ROI, the car will have been bought from dealer in NI and used in NI for five months by owner prior to sale to ROI.
Sean (Louth)
Jul 2025 Filed under: importing
Do I pay tax arrears on a 1976 VW Beetle?
I purchased a 1976 VW Beetle that has not been taxed in 20 years. Do I have to pay all the back tax on it?
Liam Connolly (Letterkenny)
Jul 2025 Filed under: taxation
Real-world range of the Audi A6 e-tron quattro?
What is the likely real-world range of a new Audi A6 e-tron Sportback quattro?
Michael Duffy (Donegal)
Jul 2025 Filed under: electric cars
How different will the Bigster feel to my old Citroen?
I am presently driving a 2011 Citroen C4 Picasso seven-seater. What obvious difference will I experience/notice driving the Dacia Bigster Expression 1.2 140? E.g steering, road handling, suspension and noise.
Thank you
McGlinchey (Brittany )
Jul 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
What warranty is there on a Volvo XC90?
What's the guarantee on the car, battery and air suspension for the Volvo XC90?
Tony Cahill (Dublin)
Aug 2025 Filed under: warranty
How to clear a non-running project car on importation?
Hi,
I'm considering buying a classic Ford from the UK which does not run and is a project car. How do I go about clearing it to Irish plates as it is now before I do any work to it? Do i need to trailer it to the NCT centre as it is?
Pete (Louth)
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
How to minimise VRT and NOx levy on a 2010 Range Rover?
Thinking of purchasing a 2010 Range Rover 3.6 in Northern Ireland. It has been owned in Northern Ireland for a number of years. Do I have to pay VRT and the NOx levy?
Another scenario: if I got the owner to change it to a crewcab/commerical would this impact the VRT and NOx levy charge?
I know it would change the tax when registered in Ireland. Any advice of best solution if I was thinking of doing this?
Danny
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
Any costs bringing a car to GB from Northern Ireland?
Hi,
I am a UK resident, and I have seen a car I am interested in purchasing that is currently in Northern Ireland. If I buy that car and it is brought over to GB, am I liable for any charges at all? I understand that if it's been in Northern Ireland for some time then there's no duty to pay and no VAT. I'm just wondering if there would be any other charges to me.
Phil Turner (Warrington England)
Aug 2025 Filed under: importing
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