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I am living in the UK and bought a car in London on behalf of my sister in Dublin with a view to transfer before Brexit hits. For a variety of reasons I had to register the car initially in my name. On completing the sale the dealer mentions "oh by the way due to COVID, DVLA will take six weeks to get the new V5 logbook to you"!

So, can she arrange to have it shipped to Dublin before I get the V5 (so it arrives in Ireland before 1st Jan 2021 to avoid any potential customs tariff if no-deal Brexit)? What happens if I can't get the V5 to her before her 30 days to sort the VRT expires (as now seems likely)? I do have a copy of the previous one with CO2 and NOX figures. Will she struggle to insure it without the V5 in her name? I have a bad feeling this will not end well!

Any advice appreciated.

Hi,

I'm considering buying a secondhand Land Rover within Ireland that has been classed as commercial for tax purposes by the current owner. However, I'd like to use and tax it for private use, which I think can be done by paying the higher rate of tax after purchase. However, I'm a bit stumped as to how to do it! The Revenue forms to change the class of taxation say I should have insurance in order to request a change in the tax class. However I am unable to get insurance for a commercial vehicle in my name. It seems without the insurance I can't change the tax class but I am unable to get insurance based on the current tax class the car is registered in.

Seems a bit of a catch-22, can you help?

Thanks!

I live in the Northern Ireland. If I buy a new car from a dealer in the Republic, can I claim back the VRT and pay UK import duties? Would this be financially wise?

I will be travelling from Wales via Holyhead by car. I am old enough to remember "green cards" for motorists on continental roads; will I require one when driving in the Irish Republic?

Eddy Rowlands, Anglesey

Hi there,

I'm thinking of importing a panel van (Peugeot Boxer) from the UK to convert to a camper in Ireland. Is this a wise thing to do considering VRT etc?

If I tax a van privately, which test applies, NCT or commercial vehicle test?

Martin from Carlow

Hi there,

I own a 2012 imported Honda Fit Hybrid. On extended journeys, or if the air conditioning is on for an extended period, the IMA light comes on. It always turns off after the car is turned off and on again and doesn't impact on the car's performance. I bought a cheap Bluetooth scanner but it cannot detect any engine codes. I had a new battery put in but the light still comes on on occasion. Any ideas?

Hi,

I'm considering buying a car in the UK. It is a BMW 220i and has a 1,998cc engine. I would hope to have it registered in Ireland before the end of Dec 2020. I understand that the motor tax on higher-emitting engines is going to change from 2021, but is it likely that the tax on this car would be increased greatly?

Thank you for your assistance.

Mary

I drive 65,000km a year, mostly to Dublin, Cork and Galway and Dublin Airport. I have owned four 520d M Sports and on average get 40mpg. I am changing again and very interested in hybrid and considering a 530e M Sport with 26,000km on it. I change the car about every 15 months as I do high mileage and would like to go greener but running costs are my main concern. Currently I get the VAT back on diesel as I am VAT registered. I'm conscious that we will eventually have to go this way and wondering should I make that move now. What do you think?

When is the updated Kia Picanto going on sale in Ireland?