Expert answer

Hi Nicholas,

When the vehicle is presented at an NCT centre for inspection, on importation, it doesn't matter what the UK registration document says. If the vehicle has been converted to a two-seat commercial with a bulkhead and no rear seats, then it is likely to be treated as such.

Assuming there is no paperwork relating to the conversion; however, it may be advisable to get an engineer's report beforehand. The NSAI has a list of Approved Test Centres here that should be able to help with that. https://www.nsai.ie/certification/automotive/national-type-approva/atc/

You are supposed to book the vehicle in for an inspection with the NCTS within seven days of its arrival and have it re-registered within 30 days, so keep all that in mind when you're booking appointments.

Do let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Marek,

Go to https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/jidosha_fr10_000019.html (and use a browser that will automatically translate it from Japanese to English for you) and scroll down to item 6 and get Excel files full of information for loads of JDM cars. Those hold engine codes, etc, fuel consumption and CO₂ data.

We found several entries for the Toyota you mentioned, with CO₂ varying from 173-187g/km depending on the specific version of car.

If you're importing this car, Revenue will likely take the official NEDC CO₂ figure for the European market and 'uplift' it to WLTP standards, meaning that even the automatic model will likely be in Band F (191-225g/km), while the manual may be in Band G (226g/km and higher).

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

If the Open Market Selling Price of the car (the OMSP is the value Revenue in Ireland believes it is worth after importation) is less than €40,000 then you'll have no VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) to pay. If the OMSP is between €40,000 and €50,000 then there's tapered VRT relief, and no relief at all for cars deemed to be worth more than €50,000.

The above applies no matter what the 'customs state' of the car.

What you need to look out for is whether you'll be liable for customs duty - at 10 per cent of the customs value (purchase price, plus transportation costs, plus insurance) - and VAT. The latter is 23 per cent of the customs value plus the customs duty.

Now, if the car has been in use in Northern Ireland for, as Revenue calls it, “a reasonable amount of time”, then VAT and customs duty are unlikely to be payable. You will need proof of that, however. If the car is being bought from a dealer that imported it from England for sale, then ask them for proof of importing according to the Windsor Framework.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

First up, if you're not going to be able to charge a car up at home, we'd recommend you do not buy the MX-30. Yes, it's much improved with the 'range-extender' engine on board, but it's still a car designed to be plugged in and charged up. Without that, it would be a very frustrating petrol car with a tiny fuel tank. Read our review of the MX-30 R-EV here if you're still interested.

We're big fans of the Qashqai e-Power. It feels very like an EV at times to drive, giving you a flavour for that, yet you don't plug it in to charge it up. Go take a test drive for yourself to see if you agree with us. And read our detailed reviews of the Qashqai e-Power here. https://www.completecar.ie/car/search/car-reviews/Nissan/Qashqai

There are 2021 examples of the plug-in hybrid Velar in the classifieds varying from about €49,000 to as high as €75,000, though none are as low-mileage as your car, so that will help get a strong price for sure. That €75,000 example is an anomaly though so bank on somewhere slightly north of €50,000.

Expert answer

Hi Phil,

There's no definitive answer to that question, really – it's something you'll have to weigh up for yourself as only you know what car it is you want next. To buy that car now and leave the Passat lying idle would be an extra cost for sure, but obviously that's not the only consideration here.

Expert answer

Hi Michaela,

From that information, it sounds to me like you would have to pay customs duty on importing that car from Northern Ireland to the South.

Unless the dealer has proof that the car was imported from Scotland to the North according to the Windsor Framework, with customs duties paid, then it will be treated as coming from outside the 'customs union' and you will be liable for customs/import duty and VAT as well, on top of VRT and the NOx levy of course.

Expert answer

Hi Niall,

If you're looking to move to Ireland with the car, then you're likely eligible for a Transfer Of Residence (TOR) exemption for all taxes relating to importing it. Take a look at Revenue's Transfer of residence page for full information.

For what it's worth, customs duty is calculated as 10 per of the so-called Customs Value, which is made up of the purchase price, the cost of shipping and the insurance for the shipping.

VAT is then 23 per cent of the total when you add the calculated customs duty to the customs value.

Expert answer

Hi Ann,

The issue with early PureTech petrol engines is well documented. They use what's called a “wet belt”, which means the timing belt actually runs in oil. Most timing belts do not. Unfortunately, many of these engines have reportedly suffered from premature timing belt degradation. This can lead to lots of other engine issues caused by the presence of bits of the timing belt in the oil system. This did not affect every example of the engine, though.

In an attempt to fix the issue, there was a change to the material used in the timing belt from about 2021.

Aside from that, using the correct oil at service time is key, and perhaps shortening the time between oil services is to be advised. Likewise, we'd urge owners to change the timing belt a little earlier than the official interval.

Expert answer

Hi Aubril,

The Focus estate in general is pretty decent, but the 1.8-litre diesel engine was not Ford's finest hour and unless it has verified low mileage and/or a detailed service history showing regular oil changes, it's best to look for an alternative. The 1.6-litre diesel is a far superior engine from Ford, for example.

Expert answer

Hi Treavie,

Many car makers now supply these for free online. If you can't find yours then perhaps get in touch with your local dealer and see if they can help out. 

Let us know which year, make and model you are looking for and we will take a look for you as well.