Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While it sounds like the car shouldn't attract VAT or import duty (you'll need to prove it was used in Northern Ireland), all passenger cars being imported are subject to VRT and the NOx levy. If it's a commercial, there is no NOx levy, but there would still be VRT, calculated differently. Revenue has quite a strict definition of what a commercial SUV is though, so make sure you know what you're doing before you make that move.

Read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide for more information

Expert answer

Hi Conor, 

There's a wealth of choice at that price point on the used market really. Here are a few options to consider, many of them early 2025 registrations:

Dacia Duster
Hyundai Kona (the newer model)
MG ZS (newer model)
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Taigo or ID.4 if you fancy going electric

I've added links to our reviews of the cars so you can take a look and see what you like the look of. Come back to us and let me know if we're on the right track here, and your thoughts on each of these as we help you narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

It does not sound like the dealer imported the car according to the Windsor Framework (do ask them) and it does not sound like the car was used for "a reasonable amount of time" after importation into the North so going on the little information above, we'd have to assume that yes, you would be liable for VAT on importing that car, plus import duty, VRT and the NOx levy.

Read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland for more

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

We don't have a written feature or video comparing the Enyaq and Elroq though we've extensive experience in both cars and lots of content on them individually. What would you like to know?

Skoda Enyaq reviews and videos

Skoda Elroq reviews and videos

Incidentally, on the Elroq link above you'll find our embedded social media videos covering the Elroq 85 Sportline, but feel free to ask for more detail on any aspect that interests you. 

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

It sounds like you're new to this, so it may be worth reading our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature.

In summary, whether you have to pay VAT and import duty depends entirely on the circumstances of the car in question. If the car was registered new in NI and used there (and is now over six months old) then no VAT etc payable.

Same thing for a car imported from the rest of the UK to the North, registered and used there for "a reasonable amount of time" according to Revenue. 

The ones to watch out for are cars brought in by a dealer in the North purely to be sold on, without properly importing it first.

The dealers in the North should know what paperwork you need to show Revenue, but always check for yourself.

And finally, no matter what, you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy.

Expert answer

Hi Erika,

You will need to go through the standard importation procedure for all cars being brought into Ireland. Keep all documentation relating to the purchase and the car's original importation into Northern Ireland. Hopefully it's exempt from VAT and import duty, though you will have to pay VRT and the NOx levy regardless.

Be aware that you must make a reservation with the NCTS within seven days of the car arriving south of the border, with a view to completing the process in 30 days.

I highly recommend you read our guides on the subject:

Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland

How much VRT is paid in Ireland?

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

I spoke with a representative of Opel Ireland today and they asked me to apologise to you for the confusion.

The electric version of the Sports Tourer is indeed available, but it's what's called a "special order" model, so it has been removed from the public-facing price list etc. If you contact your local Opel dealer, they should be able to talk you through the process of ordering one. 

Don't forget to read our review of the Opel Astra Electric (though we've not tested the estate model).

Update on 2 Sep 2025: Opel Ireland got in touch to say the online documentation has been updated. You can get the new Opel Astra price list here.

Expert answer

Hi Evelyn,

We're fans of the car, and it's great value. 

Take a look at our Dacia Bigster reviews page for more, and after that make sure you book yourself in for a test drive. Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

Based on the information provided, you are only likely to be liable for VRT and the NOx levy. Just the year of the car isn't enough for us to help you estimate all that, however.

First up you need to guess the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), which is the value Revenue reckons the car to be worth after registration in Ireland.

This is not the same as the price you actually paid for the car. A quick look on Carzone.ie reveals 2017 Tiguans ranging in price from about €16,000 to €30,000 so you'll need to compare the one you're looking at buying to a like-for-like model already in Ireland to get a feel for what Revenue might say it's worth.

Once you have a rough idea of the OMSP, you'll also need to know the CO₂ rating for the car you're interested in. We can look that up for you, but we'd need to know the exact spec and engine details etc.

For more information, check out our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide.

Expert answer

Hi John,

Everything we know about it so far is in this news article, including a video we produced showing the updated car: Toyota bZ4X updated for 2025.