Is Skoda introducing a five-seat Kodiaq?
Is Skoda introducing a five-seat Kodiaq to Ireland?
Daniel Doyle (Sligo)Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Daniel,
Skoda Ireland has confirmed to us that the only five-seat Kodiaq offered here will be the plug-in hybrid.
Is a warranty valid on a UK import?
Hi,
Wondering if you could assist me, please. I’m looking at potentially buying a UK-imported VW Golf from a Mazda dealer garage. It will have two years left of the manufacturer warranty. Will that warranty be valid in Ireland if something unfortunately happened and who would I take the car to, a local Irish Volkswagen dealership? The garage/seller maintains the warranty would be valid.
Can you please confirm?
Thanks in advance.
Connor (Louth)Jan 2025 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Connor,
If it is a pan-European warranty, then it should be valid and yes, an Irish dealer should be fine with carrying out warranty work if needed. If possible, get the car's VIN from the seller and contact Volkswagen Ireland with it to check its warranty status.
Is VRT higher on an Audi TT Roadster?
Hi,
I'm thinking of importing a convertible car (2017 Audi TT 1.8 petrol cabriolet) from Northern Ireland and put the details into the VRT calculator. However, the calculator only gives the choice of three 1.8 petrol models, all of which are coupes, not convertibles. Is VRT higher for a convertible car?
Thanks
Simon (Westmeath)Jan 2025 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
VRT might be a little higher, but it shouldn't be much more. It's nothing to do with the body style directly, though; it comes down to the VRT band, which is determined by the official CO2 rating (which can be a little higher in open-topped cars as they're generally a little heavier and less aerodynamic than their coupe equivalents) and what Revenue calls the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The latter may be a little higher for the TT Roadster, but there really shouldn’t be a lot in it.
Is there a diesel Opel Frontera?
I want to know when the diesel Opel Frontera will be in garages for sale. What price will this be for different specs?
Caroline Dyer (Galway)Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
There isn't going to be a diesel-engined Frontera I'm afraid, and Opel Ireland has not yet confirmed pricing for the hybrid or electric versions. Keep an eye on our Opel Frontera reviews page for information as it comes in.
VRT on a 2015 BMW 420d?
How much would VRT be for a 2015 BMW 420d M Sport?
Ahmed Aziz (Portlaoise)Dec 2024 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Ahmed,
We can help you calculate an estimate, but bear in mind there are variables that are outside our control. The two items needed are the CO2 rating to determine the VRT band the car is in and the OMSP. The latter - standing for Open Market Selling Price - is not a fixed thing and not directly linked to how much you pay for the car. It is the price Revenue believes the car would sell for registered in Ireland and it's not always easy to guess a figure for. Also bear in mind that if the car has lots of extras, Revenue will bump up the OMSP.
Anyway, to help give an estimate, I believe the CO2 rating for that model should put the car into Band 9, at 15.25 per cent.
Taking €19,000 as the example OMSP, that would mean a VRT bill of €2,897.50.
Don't forget the NOx levy and, depending on where you're importing the car from, VAT and import duty as well.
How much to import a Toyota Land Cruiser?
Hello,
I am considering importing a 3.0-litre diesel 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser Icon seven-seater. However, I can't find any VRT estimate on Revenue’s site. Would you have any idea how much would it cost to import it approximately?
Cheers,
Roman
Roman Spinu (Kells)Dec 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Roman,
The VRT calculation for a private car import depends on two things. The first is the VRT band, determined by the car's CO2 emissions. That Land Cruiser will be in the top band, with VRT at 41 per cent of the OMSP. The OMSP is the Open Market Selling Price, the second item we need. Unfortunately, it's a tricky thing to estimate in some cases as it's the price Revenue believes the vehicle would sell for in Ireland, fully registered etc, which may not correspond with how much you pay for the car abroad.
In the case of the Land Cruiser, most are commercial vehicles in Ireland so it's not easy to get a good feel for their value as a passenger car. For the sake of our calculation, let's say it's €40,000, though I'd not be shocked if Revenue suggested higher...
With an OMSP of €40,000, the VRT would be €16,400.
This car will attract a very high NOx levy as well so don't forget that and, if you're importing it from England, Scotland or Wales, you'll also have VAT and import duty to pay.
Make sure you read our Guide to importing cars from the UK or the Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland if that applies.
What does AA approved mean?
I was looking to change my car for another and was looking at a few imported ones from a few dealers but with warnings about no history on cars from the UK, I was not too happy to buy until I noticed “AA approved" on the dealer’s ad. If AA approved, can I assume that the car is under some sort of guarantee?
Frank D (Dublin)Dec 2024 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi F D,
Full details of the AA Approved car network can be found on the AA Ireland website, and it does offer some reassurance, plus 12 months of AA Roadside Rescue. It isn't a warranty though. The dealer you are buying the car from should give you full details of the warranty they provide with the car.
Worth importing a 2008 Saab from the UK?
Found a little gem in the UK; is it worth importing to Ireland or will it set me back a ton? It's an 2008 Saab for £10K
Mattias Stromberg (Trim)Dec 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Mattias,
If you love the car and can't find the same thing in Ireland or the North - and you don't want to look in the rest of Europe for a left-hand-drive example - then it's your only choice I guess.
It will cost a bit though. Beyond the usual VRT, you'll also pay VAT and import duty.
Dacia Duster hybrid or new Bigster?
Thinking of getting the new Dacia Duster or else waiting for the Bigster. Which would you recommend, and do you know when the Bigster will be available in Ireland?
Thank
Pat
Pat OBrien (Cork City)Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Pat,
As much as we like the new Duster, the Bigster is undoubtedly a superior machine. It's larger and a little more luxurious, so you can expect it to be more expensive as well, obviously.
We're beging told that the Bigster will arrive in the second quarter of 2025, while the new Duster has just arrived in Ireland.
Did you see our news piece on the Bigster? Embedded at the bottom of it is a detailed video walk-around of the car if you're interested.
Which taxes on importing a new BMW 530e?
Hello
I am based in Dublin and willing to buy a 2024 BMW 530e (plug-in hybrid) from Northern Ireland. Will I have to pay VRT, VAT and import fees or only VRT?
Thank you
Michael Mousa (Dublin)Oct 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
So long as the BMW was imported into Northern Ireland properly and used there by a private individual before you import it south, then you should only be liable for the VRT and NOx levy. But you will need the paperwork to prove all of that.
Read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland#mce_temp_url# for more details