To help readers get the most out of this free service, we ask those that wish to submit a question to first register their details using the registration form.
Thank you
Previously answered questions
I want to sell my English camper...
I am based in Northern Ireland and want to sell my Vauxhall Vivaro campervan. It was professionally converted in England and still has English plates. I bought it in October 2023 from England and brought it over myself by ferry. What would a buyer from the South have to do if they purchased it? Would it make a difference if it was registered as a campervan on the UK logbook? It is currently registered as a light goods van. Would it make a difference if I got a motor vehicle engineer (SQI) to do a Declaration of Conversion?
RACHEL PEDDER (Belfast)
Jun 2024 Filed under: importing
Looking to buy a van for private use...
I'm looking at buying a Ford Transit Connect LWB 1.5L (2018-2020 ish). I'm going to be using it privately, travelling Ireland with boards and camping stuff in the back. I'm unsure of how to go about taxing and insuring it privately. I'm getting quotes at the moment but it's looking more complicated than I had anticipated.
Few questions here:
1. Do I need to do anything to switch the van from commercial to private use? I've heard about possible VRT, but I can't seem to find any info online about that apart from imported vehicles.
2. Is taxing and insuring as straightforward as doing so with a regular car? I'm aware that AXA who I’m currently with for a car won't privately insure me in a van so I'm checking with insuremyvan.ie
3. CVRT - I know it's more expensive than NCT and is yearly, but is this as simple to get done?
4. Are there any other problems that I might run into if I do buy a van to use privately? I'm pretty clueless on how any of this works.
Rebekah Steele (Bray)
Jun 2024 Filed under: commercial vehicle
EGR and DPF in a 2010 Skoda Superb?
Does the 2010 to 2012 Skoda Superb diesel 2.0-litre have a DPF and EGR fitted? I am considering buying a model from this year.
Joseph Murray (Drogheda)
May 2024 Filed under: diesel
Should engines from a dismantlers be under warranty?
We bought a second hand car and the sump broke and damaged the engine. The mechanic said he could source a second hand engine from a dismantlers and fit it. He said the car is ready now and that there is no warranty on the engine. I would have imagined the dismantlers give a warranty when you buy a second hand engine from them?
Priscilla Rowley (Castlebar)
May 2024 Filed under: warranty
Will this Northern Ireland import be VAT and duty-free?
Hi.
I'm looking at importing a car from Northern Ireland - first reg June 2020 in Northern Ireland. Am I correct in reading the very complicated rules as needing to pay VRT, plates and motor tax, but not having to pay customs and VAT?
Is the V5C sufficient, or will I need the dealer to provide import/shipping info too?
Many thanks
David
David Forde (Kilkenny)
Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
What to replace my Skoda Superb with?
Hi all,
I drive a 2016 Skoda Superb 2.0 diesel 150hp DSG hatch and would like to change as the mileage is now approaching 250,000km. I drive about 50,000km per annum of which two thirds is motorway. I have a fuel card so mpg is not a concern, more depreciation and service costs.
I am considering the following:
1. One-year-old Superb (similar spec) approx €45k
2. A new-model Superb (available July) approx €53k
3. An imported two-year-old 5 Series Touring (530e or 520d) approx €46k
Which would you recommend?
Many thanks
Michael (Clare)
Michael Sweeney (Tulla)
Apr 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Is this true about VAT importing from the North?
I have a UK-reg Audi A6. I purchased it in March 2023. I am now moved to the south but have been refused a TOR [Transfer of Residency]. While I wait an appeal I have to clear the car. Do I have to pay 23 per cent VAT and import duty? I have heard that if you have proof that the car has been in Northern Ireland for four months then it is exempt from VAT. Is this true?
Matthew McGloin (Kinlough)
Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
Are PHEVs and EVs safe from water?
Hi,
I was mulling over buying a PHEV. In these cars the battery is underneath the car. These batteries don't appear to be sealed as they have air vents. I'm worried about possible water damage (rust, wiring, etc) to the battery from going through deep puddles, minor floods, etc. This must be an issue for EVs as well. The thought is inclined to put me off so I would welcome your thoughts.
Thanks
Philip
Philip Donegan (Ballina)
Apr 2024 Filed under: hybrid
Looking to import a camper from the UK
Looking to import a 1995 campervan from the UK. I understand VRT is at 13.3 per cent. Will I be liable for VAT or other customs charges?
Thanks
JF
John Filbert (Slane)
Apr 2024 Filed under: importing
Looking to buy a 2015 Hyundai ix35...
Hi
I'm going to buy a 2015 Hyundai ix35 1.7 diesel SE Nav 116hp (72k on the clock). I was wondering if it had a timing belt or chain. Also if there is anything I need to look at when viewing?
Many thanks in advance
William Morgan (Bradford)
Mar 2024 Filed under: choosing used car
Top Categories
4,913 Irish motoring queries answered to date
On CompleteCar.ie there is no such thing as a silly question. No matter how small or complicated an issue seems, we'll do our best to help. Our experts will quickly answer your queries in a friendly and jargon-free manner.
Please remember that we offer advice, not gospel. We cannot be held responsible for recalls, a second hand car's history, 'acts of God', changes in car pricing or Government policy. We are here to help and offer independent, impartial and free advice. What you do with it is entirely up to you.
By submitting a question you are agreeing to this statement. Thank you.
CompleteCar.ie aims to be compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented on 25 May, 2018. At no stage shall we contact you without your express permission (by entering your email address, you are consenting for us to send you emails relating directly to your question).
Your data will never be shared with a third party and it is kept in a secure database on our servers, with limited personnel access.
You have the right to have your data deleted at any time and also to get a copy of your data on file. For any related queries, please send us a message using the form on the Who we are page.