Expert answer

Hi Tom,

The NOx rating is proving to be very difficult to find for many buyers of used Japanese cars and most of the time it is not on the MILT site.

We've discovered that it may be possible to obtain a Certificate of Conformity from the Japan Inspection Organization, though we've not used the process ourselves. Click on the link to read up on how to do this.

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Hi Jamie,

VRT is determined by the CO₂ rating and something called the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The latter is the value Revenue believes the car to be worth after it is registered in Ireland. That's not an easy thing to guess when it's a rare model such as the CLA 45, but for the sake of our calculations let's assume it's €35,000.

Now, that car had a CO₂ rating of 161g/km in 2014, but on importation that will be “uplifted” by Revenue to an equivalent WLTP value. That brings it up to 183g/km, meaning the car sits in VRT Band 19, at 35 per cent.

Hence, if those numbers are right (and these are only estimates), the VRT bill would be 35 per cent of €35,000, or €12,250.

Don't forget the NOx levy, VAT and import duty as well.

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Hi John,

Not all cars are on the Revenue VRT website, unfortunately, so you may have to estimate the car's value in Ireland (i.e. what it might sell for here after importation). Revenue calls that the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and it bases its VRT calculations on that and the VRT band the car sits in due to its official CO₂ emissions rating.

On top of that, you will have to pay import duty and VAT and the NOx levy.

I suggest you have a read of these guides, as the same applies to cars coming from Japan:

How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland?
Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Guide To Importing Cars From The UK

And this: Guide to buying Japanese imports

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Hi Alan,

The Inster is very comfortable and quiet, even at motorway speeds. It would have no difficulty with doing the journey regularly. 

As ever, we encourage buyers to go and test drive a car they're interested in before committing to it.

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Hi Mark,

1: Be Forward is well-known, but we don't have any personal experience with the company, or with any other importers from Japan, so can only suggest that you read reviews on Trustpilot and Google, get confirmation in writing of the paperwork you will receive and ask for a written description of the importer's conflict resolution policy.

2: Yes, VAT and import duty would be payable on this car, the same as if it came from GB (England, Scotland and Wales), along with VRT and the NOx levy of course.

Many readers have reported issues trying to prove the CO₂ and NOx emissions of the car they've imported from Japan, so ensure the importer provides paperwork to show both of those things to present to Revenue.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

There are a few options for sure, starting with the plug-in-hybrid Audi A6, if that's not larger than you're looking for. There are plenty around within budget. Most are the less-powerful '50 TFSI e' model, though there are a few sportier editions as well, including the '55 TFSI e' variant. None of them will feel as agile as your BMW, but they're not bad cars at all.

If you've not been put off by your BMW's issues, then the 530e M Sport is a logical next step up. Again, not as agile as the 3 Series, but a fabulous car by any other measure. You could just about afford the Touring estate model as well.

From Mercedes you could get into the C 300 e instead. They're not as common as the others here, but the C-Class is a comparable size to your 330e, yet it has a dramatically more modern interior.

Finally, if you're open to estate cars, the Volvo V60 is an excellent option. It's powerful, great to drive, stylish, well-made and has a decent electric range. It would possibly be the one we'd choose from this selection.

If you want us to help narrow down your search, don't hesitate to come back to us again. Here are a few of our relevant reviews:

Audi A6 50 TFSI e review

BMW 530e review

Volvo V60 review

Expert answer

Hi Alberto,

It is a dry timing belt in that engine. If it is making excessive noise when cold then you really should bring it back to Volkswagen to have it looked at. We can't really diagnose such a problem remotely.

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

First up, none of the above affects the VRT calculation – that is fixed regardless, dependent only on the CO₂ rating and the car's OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) according to Revenue. Likewise, the NOx levy is calculated from the NOx emissions and is the same no matter where the car comes from.

Unless the dealer can prove with paperwork (they will know what you need) that the car was imported into Northern Ireland according to the Windsor Framework, then it unfortunately sounds to us like you could indeed be liable for VAT and import duty on this car.

Expert answer

Hi Jarek,

Unfortunately, Revenue's VRT calculator is just an estimate, and every vehicle will be inspected and valued individually according to its specification.

Expert answer

Hi Lyn,

We wouldn't worry massively about parts for those cars as they're freely available, and there are plenty of garages specialising in Japanese imports anyway.

Insurance is certainly something to look into before you commit to buying. You will definitely have to disclose that the car is a Japanese import, but that doesn't always automatically mean a higher insurance cost. Sometimes it does. Also, watch out for the fact that many Japanese imports do not have alarms or immobilisers – and that point can lead to higher insurance.