Expert answer

Hi Anita,

I'm not sure we have all the information here, but if I understand it correctly, it's a UK or Northern Ireland registered car that you've won and you're living in Ireland.

If it is registered as a passenger car then you'll have to import it as that and pay VRT and the NOx levy at least. If it was used in the North by someone other than a car dealer then that should be it, but if it has come from England, Scotland or Wales then you'll also have to pay VAT and import duty. 

With such an old diesel, the NOx levy could be up to €4,850, and I'm not sure how you calculated €400 for VRT. It's likely to be in the top band at 41 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (i.e. the value Revenue places on the car in Ireland). Even if it's deemed to be worth only €5,000 (which is unlikely), the VRT would be €2,050.

If you decide to pay all these costs and register the Shogun here, then you can go about converting it to a commercial SUV, but that won't be cheap either I'm afraid as the work has to be certified afterwards.

Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

I suspect a hybrid would really suit you at that relatively low annual mileage. I certainly wouldn't recommend diesel for you now unless you spend most of that mileage at quite high speed on the motorway. Away from that, a hybrid should be more efficient - and nicer to drive, too.

The Toyota Camry is a lovely option if within budget, but the C-HR is a fine car too. Maybe come back to us with your budget, the type of driving you do and how many people you need to carry on most journeys and we can help narrow things down for you.

Expert answer

Hi Daniel,

First up, the battery in those alone wouldn't cost in the 10s of thousands - it's considerably less than that. Not that you'd ever want to have to do it, but still, it's worth bearing that in mind.

I must admit we have heard of a few cases where BMW has struggled to identify an issue with the hybrid system recharging the battery and the repair is expensive as it involved replacing the whole hybrid system, not just the battery. That's frightening of course, but it's only a few cases rather than every example of the car.

If you go ahead with the purchase, perhaps consider an aftermarket used car warranty.

If you don't feel confident going for it, come back to us with more information on your budget and needs and we'll try to find you an alternative to your diesel Passat.

Expert answer

Hi there,

If I understand correctly, the car was registered as new in Northern Ireland in 2021 - i.e. not first registered in the rest of Great Britain before being brought in. If so, and you can prove that, then the dealer is correct and no VAT or import duty should be payable.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

Without any more information than that it's difficult to estimate your car's value. For example, there are 2018 X-Trails for sale on Carzone.ie ranging in asking price from about €20,000 to not far off €30,000. Take a look on there and try to find a selection of cars close to yours in terms of specification and mileage for an estimate. 

And we'd recommend Carzone.ie as well to sell your car. If you're buying the camper from a dealer they may take the X-Trail as part-exchange, but you'll get more for it selling it privately. 

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I drove the Macan 4 at its international launch (read that review here) and today the Audi Q6 e-tron on Irish roads so I can have a stab at comparing them, though bear in mind that both were high-spec cars. The Q6 e-tron I tested was the quattro model using the same two electric motors as the Macan 4, as well as the 100kWh (95kWh of which is usable) battery so these are quite comparable.

The Audi had loads of options though, including air suspension, so that undoubtedly alters how it drives. On that note, the Audi is a little more comfortable than the Porsche, but a little less involving and slower to respond to steering inputs and accelerator inputs. Both are very quiet, refined and smooth to drive, with the Audi slightly better in that regard. The Porsche has fractionally better 'blending' of the friction brakes and recuperation via the motors.

There's nothing to choose between them in terms of range, efficiency and charging capabilities.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Macan 4 has a marginally bigger boot and extra storage under the bonnet included in the price, while you have to pay Audi more to get the 'frunk' insert in the Q6. The rear seats of the Audi feel more spacious, however, than the Macan's.

The cabins are vastly different, but both of very high quality. I prefer the perfectly round steering wheel in the Porsche.

Finally, pricing: the comparable Audi is cheaper than the Porsche and there are more affordable versions of the Q6 e-tron - one with a smaller battery, another with rear-wheel drive - that there are no equivalents to in the Macan lineup.

So as you can see, no clear 'winner' as there are too many variables at work, but hopefully this helps you choose which is for you and your budget. 

Do let us know which one you go for. Both are lovely.

Expert answer

Hi Deirdre,

Yes, we have to agree - the whole process is completely over-complicated and difficult to understand at times. And it would appear some of the rules allow for real grey areas.

For example, according to Revenue: "There are no customs obligations for a vehicle that has been brought into Northern Ireland after 1st May 2023 and where the vehicle has been in private ownership in Northern Ireland for a reasonable period of time." This would suggest that Car 1 in your question would attract VAT and import duty if it has actually not been used by a private individual. I.e. it has been imported by a dealer to sell on. It doesn't matter how long it has been in the country if it is sitting on a dealer forecourt and switching it to NI plates before selling it to you doesn't change that.

Car 2 would also, we believe, attract VAT and import duty. The 'made in the UK' thing is tricky as you need to prove it yourself and it comes down to more than just the factory the car was made in - it depends on its components as well.

Sounds like you've read a lot already, but you want our take on it, look at our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Niamh,

I assume you mean what's the best way to go about bringing the car into Ireland and registering it here? 

From the information you've given, I'd assume you're eligible for the "Transfer of Residence" exemption on VRT etc. Take a look at the official Revenue page explaining that here and give Revenue a call if you're unsure on anything.

Expert answer

Hi John,

It entirely depends on how you drive it and where. First up, in terms of actual range you'd get from a tank of fuel, it's worth noting that the Corolla's fuel tank is about a quarter smaller than the Octavia's.

The Corolla hybrid can certainly match the economy of a diesel in certain circumstances, but it really does depend on how it's driven. If you're someone always in a hurry and you like to use all the available performance regularly, then the diesel car is most likely more economical. If you're a gentle driver the Corolla is more efficient.

For lots of motorway driving, the diesel is most likely more economical, but if you only use the motorway a little, I'd suggest the hybrid is better.

Longer term, the diesel model will have bigger maintenance bills as well, so that's something else to consider. 

Expert answer

Hi Rebekah,

1: You'll need to inform your local motor tax office of the change of use of the vehicle. VRT is only paid the first time a vehicle is registered in Ireland so don't worry about that. Your annual motor tax rate will be different to the fixed commercial vehicle tax, however. It will be calculated based on the engine size. The table of prices is the top one in our Motor Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.

2: Taxing is straightforward, as above. Insuring a van for private use can be trickier so take your time and shop around on that before you commit to buying the vehicle.

3: Correct, it's no more complicated, really, and a modern van like you're looking at should sail through for many years.

For further reading check out Buying a van for private use on our van website, CompleteVan.ie.