How can I estimate VRT on a new Kia Niro?
Regarding the Kia Niro hybrid: there are two Irish models and four UK model specifications (1, 2, 3 and First Edition). To date, only one of the UK specs have been imported, the Niro 2, which is why only one appears on the Revenue VRT calculator.
I would like to import the top-spec (First Edition) since this spec is not available in Ireland. The problem with this is that I have been told that I cannot get an estimate of this high-spec'd car until after I purchase it and then bring it to the VRT office for evaluation, after which they compile a report of the extras and then I sit back and wait.
This is too much of a risk for me to take. It is all to do with OMSP value. The difference between the highest Irish Niro spec to the highest UK spec is electric sunroof, front parking sensors and an eight-speaker high quality sound system. In your expert opinion, by how much could I expect the Rosslare Revenue office to increase the OMSP value by for my First- Edition model?
Currently, of the four UK models available, the Niro 2 has a VRT OMSP value of €27,535 (but try adding the previous three extras...).
Apologies for this rant.
Many thanks!
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The price gap, new, in the UK market is around £4,200, but it will depend on whether Revenue treats the extra equipment as a separate model, or extras added to an existing car, in which case the gap would probably be higher still. I think, and this is a pure finger-in-the-air calculation, that if you add about €6,500 to the OMSP of the Model 2, then you’ll be in the right ballpark, but sadly this is yet another example of the inequity of a system that charges you based on what they think you should have paid, versus what you actually paid.
Will hybrid VRT relief change in the Budget?
I would welcome your opinion on the upcoming 2018 Irish Budget in November. The current VRT relief on hybrid cars is €1,500. In light of current poor sales of hybrid cars in Ireland (two per cent of total Irish sales), do you see them raising this value or could they possibly withdraw it?
I ask this because I am planning to purchase a hybrid for 181 and I would like to take advantage of the 'increased' value.
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I would expect to see little to no change in the hybrid subvention in the coming budget. Although there will be some pressure to incentivise low-emissions cars that aren’t diesel, the focus will probably be more on higher incentives for battery-electric cars, and possible plugin hybrids, and some changes to the reclaiming of VAT on petrol for company users. The Department of Finance will be well aware that there is a huge number of new hybrid cars due for launch, and they won’t want to risk a fall-off in revenue by increasing the subvention, so I think, at this point, it’s unlikely to change very much.
Can you help me estimate a Niro's OMSP?
Determining the OMSP of a car that is not available within Ireland: yes, I have read through all of the Revenue documentation, and the only remaining variable in determining the VRT amount due is in determining the OMSP of the UK car. There are two Irish versions of this car, but there are FOUR in the UK. Only one of the four have previously been VRT'd, (I know this because it shows on the VRT calculator).
The car I wish to purchase is the top-spec, which includes front parking sensors, sunroof and high-spec sound system. What value could the Rosslare Office assign to these extras? What's worse, I rang Rosslare and they said that I have to purchase the car then register it, and only then can they tell me the OMSP of the car. This is too much of a risk. Please help if you can.
This car is a hybrid, hence the reason why only one of the four types have previously been imported.
Michael, Donegal.
Michael Carey (Letterkenny)Aug 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
The problem is that it’s not an open and transparent system. Because there is no official guide for second hand prices in the Ireland (such as the UK’s Glass’s Guide) it means that Revenue can set a value that they see fit, both for vehicles and for extras. Sadly, and I’m sorry that this isn’t much use to you, any value we might ascribe to such extras is a pure guess, and could be completely at variance with what Revenue eventually says. It’s an unpleasant quirk of an outdated vehicle taxation system.
What are the Irish motor tax bands?
What are the Irish motor tax bands for new cars in Ireland?
Johnson Thoppilan (Angamaly)Aug 2017 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Johnson,
The current motor tax bands run from A to G, based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle, with bands A and B — the ones into which the majority of cars on sale fit — split into sub-bands.
A starts with an electric-only band of A0 (which costs €120 a year) and then goes to A1 (up to 80g/km at €170 a year), A2 (80-100g/km, €180), A3 (100 - 110g/km, €190) and A4 (110-120g/km, €200).
Band B is spilt into B1 (120-130g/km, €270) and B2 (130-140g/km, €280).
After that it’s Band C (140-155g/km, €390), Band D (155-170g/km, €570), Band E (170-190g/km, €750), Band F (190-225g/km, €1,200) and Band G (over 225g/km, €2,350).
Where do I get new car price lists?
Where do I access new car price lists in Ireland?
Michael Tynan (Dublin)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
There is a complete new car price list section on the Society Of The Irish Motor Industry’s BeepBeep.ie page, but for the most up to date prices, you’d be better off going to an individual manufacturer's website — have a poke around the various menus and you’ll usually find a current price list.
Any idea of VRT cost on 1994 Mercedes?
Hi,
I've bought a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible from the UK. It's not listed on the Revenue VRT calculator. Sale price of £9,000. I had thought VRT would be low, but it looks like that might not be the case!
Any idea how much this might cost me?
Bobby Kennedy (Dublin)May 2017 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Bobby,
That model, depending on the engine and spec, is going to be worth in and around €10,000 on the Irish market, so you’re probably looking at a VRT cost of in and around €2,500.
Thinking of buying a SEAT Ateca 1.4...
Hi guys,
Thinking of buying a 1.4 TSI petrol SEAT Ateca and trying to find a report on the engine configuration. I recently had a test drive in one and at one stage the engine indicated on the dash '2-cylinder mode' - not sure how that works!
Any direction on understanding this would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Robert
Robert Smyth (Wicklow)May 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Robert,
Great choice. We published our Irish road test of that very car only last week and it's a good option for those that don't need diesel. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine features something called Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two of the engine's four cylinders when the car is cruising or the engine is on light load. This saves fuel and is nothing to worry about in the least. By displaying when the engine switches into that mode it educates the driver as to when the car is being driven in its most efficient mode.
Anything else specific you need to know, just shout.
How much insurance will I pay?
I am a 60-year-old male with a clean driving licence and full no claims discount. Can anyone give me a rough estimate what insurance will cost? The car is a 2007 Jaguar XKR 4.2 with 37,000 miles on the clock and a value of €30,000.
Steve Sredojevic (Carnew)Mar 2017 Filed under: insurance
Expert answer
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately no, we can’t. The Irish insurance sector is byzantine at best, and downright mendacious at worst. With a high-performance vehicle such as the XKR, you’re probably looking at at least a four-figure premium, in spite of your good record, but we’d suggest getting in touch with a good broker, who may be able to squirrel out deals that others can’t.
Can I get the owner's name from a car reg?
Can you tell me the name and address of the registered keeper for a Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI, reg number DE12 XXX?
Michael Blanchfield (Bray Co.Wicklow)Mar 2017 Filed under: registration
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I'm afraid that's not information that we have access to. That's a UK car so the only ones that would have that information is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority) and the British Transport Police, neither of which are in the habit of disclosing such private information to the public.
It makes no difference that it is a British car; the same limitations would apply to an Irish one.
Is all ok with this Nissan Qashqai?
Hi,
Can I please ask a question regarding a 2009 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 diesel we are considering buying. We are asked for €10,000 for it and it has only 62,000 miles on the clock and I'm just wondering if that can be correct. Can you tell me what questions should I be asking the garage? And when does the timing belt need to be changed? Just worried; it's such a lovely car, am I missing something?
Thanks Marie
Marie O Connell (Drogheda )Mar 2017 Filed under: mileage
Expert answer
Hi Marie,
The timing belt interval for the 1.5 dCi engine is every 120,000km or five years, so you would expect to see that this car will have had the belt changed in 2014 at the latest. As for the mileage, it’s certainly not impossible for a car to have covered only low miles, but if you have any concerns then get a history check done by a company such as Cartell.ie, and ask to have a look at all of the service stamps and records for the car. If any are missing, be suspicious. If it’s an original Irish market car, then check its previous NCT certificates, which should have recorded the mileage at each inspection.