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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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

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Hi Marcus,

Though Revenue is a bit vague about it, it has been generally accepted that three months is a reasonable amount of time and we don’t believe you will be liable for VAT or customs duty on that car.

All imports attract VRT, but the good news for you is that it’s fixed for classics at just €200.

Expert answer

Hi Adrian,

There is VRT relief on first registration of an electric car in Ireland, which effectively means no VRT for most imports such as that Tesla.

VRT would be payable on importing a Skoda PHEV, though as the CO₂ emissions rating is so low for those, the VRT would be relatively low as well - likely to be just seven per cent of the OMSP (the Open Market Selling Price as determined by Revenue).

Regardless of what powers the car you import from the North, VAT and customs duty liability depends only on whether the car was imported into the North properly and used there by a private individual for a “reasonable amount of time” - generally accepted to be three months.

I suggest you read our Guide to Importing a Car from Northern Ireland feature to gain more understanding.