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Hi Fiona,

From the information provided (and we're assuming the car is over six months old), we do not believe you will have to pay VAT or import duty on this car, though of course you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy. 

Just make sure you can prove all of the above and that the car was actually physically in Northern Ireland.

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Hi Brendan,

We can't answer that definitively, unfortunately, as there is no official word on it. The Karoq is certainly ageing and due replacement, but we agree there's plenty of demand still for a Skoda model in this space that is not only available with electric power. 

Watch this space I guess...

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Hi Damian,

Yes, that is entirely possible. Make sure the paperwork shows that the car was imported into the North according to the Windsor Framework with clear reference to the car's identity, the dates and all costs paid. 

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Hi Patsy,

The VAT and import duty side of things is not affected by the car's modification for the Mobility scheme (though VRT and the NOx levy are).

So, same as any other car, if it has been in use in the North for a "reasonable amount of time" (according to Revenue), and you can prove that, then it will be exempt from VAT or import duty.

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Hi Eric,

Every garage has its own pricing structure, but you should know that this is a pretty large job, requiring about eight hours of work. I don't think you'd get much change from €400 no matter where you get the work done. 

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Hi David, 

I'm afraid not - no car is exempt from VRT (unless you're moving into Ireland with your own car from abroad).

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Hi Gerry,

Connolly's Volkswagen Sligo is the official garage of course, but you may get a better price at an independent mechanic. I'm afraid we don't have any first-hand experience with any in the region so advise you to ask friends and family for a recommendation.

Any mechanic can change a timing chain, but it won't be cheap no matter where you get it done as it's a big job.

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Hi Dilan,

The lower CO₂ rating of that earlier car was according to the old “NEDC” standard. Any cars imported since 2021 with an NEDC-standard CO₂ figure (as this Jap import would have had) would have had the number 'uplifted' by Revenue to make it comparable to the newer WLTP standard. It was trying to reduce the number of older, more polluting diesels being imported, but it just means that people may more motor tax at times, even if the cars are identical to those already registered in Ireland.

Of course, a Japanese model's CO₂ figure could be a little different on top of all that.

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Hi Matt,

If you mean are there companies that will do all the paperwork etc. and just give you a bill at the end, then yes there are. We've not used any of them ourselves so can't recommend any, but do a search online for those specialising in importing cars from the UK or Northern Ireland - and then look for public reviews of the services.

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Hi Pete,

The process is the exact same as for a running car. You will need to make an appointment with the NCTS and have the car inspected, and pay VRT, even if it is indeed on a trailer or recovery truck.

If the Ford is over 30 years old the VRT will only be €200 in any case.