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I have up to €9,000 to spend on a good automatic car...
I'm about to buy my first car and I'm looking for an automatic vehicle at a reasonable price. My budget is currently between €7,000 and €9,000, and I'd like to know if it's realistic to find a good option within that range ideally a super small car for my daughter (four years old) and I.
I should mention that I don't have much knowledge about cars or mechanics, which is why I decided to ask here. I want to make a good decision and avoid making a costly mistake.
Could you guide me on where to start?
What are the basic things I should know before beginning my search? Also, do you think my budget is enough, or would it be better to wait and save a bit more?
Thank you very much in advance!
Karla, Dublin (Dublin )
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
How much VRT on a petrol Skoda Octavia RS from the North?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a 2022 Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0-litre petrol from Northern Ireland. It has 46,000 miles on the clock. I'm just wondering how much VRT would be on this.
I've rang Revenue but they wouldn't give me a value because it isn't listed on their system so they said they would have to bring an outside vendor to value it. I have tried the VRT valuation site which I had to pay for, but I found the valuation to be a bit low, between €3,500-4,500.
Now it would be great it that is what the VRT is but I'm just worried about buying it and being hit with a big VRT bill.
I would appreciate any help with this please.
Derek Mc Carthy (Bandon)
Mar 2026 Filed under: VRT
What are the costs for importing a car from Japan?
Hi,
I can't work out the VRT for a Japanese import as I can't figure out the statistical code on the Irish VRT website - any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Are there any other costs I need to be aware of for a Japanese import when it potentially arrives in Dublin Port?
John Terry (Shankill)
Feb 2026 Filed under: importing
Should I buy an imported Toyota Auris?
I am trying to buy a second-hand Toyota Auris from a dealership in Dublin who imports cars directly from Japan. I wonder why the insurance company is dragging its feet even though I have a letter from the dealership stating it has an immobiliser. I am also concerned about getting parts as I have heard it can be difficult. Also I am being offered a three-month warranty but wondering if I should extend this?
Thanks.
Angie
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
What do I need for Revenue when importing a new camper?
I am proposing to import a new unregistered campervan from Northern Ireland into Ireland. The dealer is deducting the UK VAT from the price so that I pay VAT and VRT when I register the van in Ireland.
However, Revenue have advised that I need to have documentation showing that the Windsor Framework requirements relative to importing the van from UK (where it was manufactured) to NI - in that all customs duties etc between GB mainland and NI have been paid.
The dealership in NI says that it does not need to declare GB-manufactured campervans, only those coming through to NI from mainland EU.
Two conversations with both Revenue and Customs advise that since the enactment of the Windsor Framework such documentation is required to enable me to register the van in Southern Ireland.
Is there a document that I need to ask for from the dealer/UK HM Revenue so that there is no confusion as to what I need?
Thanks
Bryan Roe (DALKEY)
Mar 2026 Filed under: importing
What to do with my Hyundai i30's gearbox?
I have a 2015 Hyundai i30 diesel 1.6 (90k on the clock). It has been very reliable and I've spent very little money on it outside services etc.
Now, when I am changing gear from third to fourth, I am getting a slight grinding noise and also resistance. I spoke to my mechanic, and he does not want to touch the gears and recommended to go through Hyundai to do this.
He also advised it may be time to do the clutch while they're doing the synchromesh. Google also advises to do the flywheel while there. What would your opinion be? Should I spend the money now to replace the car or these parts? I have been avoiding those gear changes but I'm now getting some resistance between fifth and sixth as well.
Rose (Cork)
Mar 2026 Filed under: gearbox
Is the 2023 Skoda Fabia's belt a 'dry' one?
Does a 2023 Skoda Fabia 1.0 110 have a dry timing belt?
Martin (Chester)
Mar 2026 Filed under: timing belt or chain
Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 208 for our son taking his test?
We are looking at a 2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre with 32,000 miles on the clock and a 2018 Peugeot 208 1.2 (54,000 miles) for a first car for our son who is about to take his practical driving test.
Which is the better car, cheapest to maintain and the safest?
Nick Williams ( Maynards Green, Heathfield, TN2)
Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car
Why so much to import a Porsche Cayenne from the North?
My niece who lives in Dublin has bought my 2014 Porsche Cayenne for £12,000. It has 11,0000 miles on it and it's a 4.0-litre diesel. The emissions are 187g/km. The car is a Northern Ireland car with five years of MOT certs showing its use in the North. We are being quoted €13,000 to import it by Revenue, which seems extortionate.
Michael Rankin (Portstewart )
Mar 2026 Filed under: importing
Does a gifted car attract VRT?
I own a 2012 Nissan Micra I want to gift to my daughter who lives in Dublin. Do I have to pay VRT?
Terence Patrick King (BELFAST)
Mar 2026 Filed under: VRT
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