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Showing 61 - 70 results (out of a total of 408) found for "Irish" in Ask Us Anything

Can Irish buyers get car finance in the UK?

We are Irish residents and want to buy a car from the UK. Do UK companies provide finance for those living in Ireland?

Joanne (Ireland )

Feb 2025 Filed under: finance

Expert answer

Hi Joanne,

No, we don’t think that would be possible unless you have a place of residence in the UK as well as here that the transaction could be done through. Also, it’s likely to violate the terms of any car finance agreement to take it out of the country and register it in another one - which you would have to do to use the car in Ireland.


Should I buy a Mazda CX-80?

Thanks for your replies to my earlier questions. I have read your review of your experience of the Mazda CX-80. You reference the suspension and use the words “crash and bang” - this is probably the most damning description of a car’s suspension I have ever read. If I test drive this car it will be in a short distance of the garage on good roads, but your review is no doubt more comprehensive and professional. Overall, your review is very positive I feel! Thanks for your replies and if you feel that I have got the wrong end of the stick please correct me.

Regards

Tony Cahill (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

Happy to help someone find the car that suits them.

I suspect you’ve focused a little too much on one of the few negative things Neil said about the car’s suspension in that review, and I should point out that the “crash and bang” words were used specifically in conjunction with “when tackling rough-edged surfaces.” I myself spent a few weeks in the CX-80 on Irish roads in December, including driving on poorly surfaced country roads and found it generally to be excellent. Rough surfaces can make themselves felt, but no more than in any competitor vehicles.


Have you driven the new Mazda CX-80?

Have you driven the new Mazda CX-80 yet, or will you be doing so soon?

Tony Cahill (Dublin)

Feb 2025 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

We have indeed. Take a look at our Mazda CX-80 reviews page for the written and video reviews.

We've also since driven the car on Irish roads, so come back to us if you have specific questions not answered in the review.


Can you help calculate the VAT on a UK import?

Thank you for your reply.

You say that the 23 per cent VAT to be paid on the car being imported from the UK is based on the customs value which according to Revenue includes the purchase price. Does this mean the purchase price I paid in the UK and the customs value reflects the UK purchase price or is the 23 per cent VAT based on the customs value or purchase price of the car in Ireland?

Apologies but when I read up on it, it does not state if it's UK or Irish customs value or purchase price so it's a little confusing and I don't want to end up buying a car and be hit with a huge VAT invoice.

If you could break it down that would be great. So, I take a flight to UK, buy the car for £11,500 (or €13,610.77) and drive it back myself using the ferry. What VAT is due? I know import customs duty is 10 per cent, I'm just stuck on VAT.

Kind regards

Michael (Dublin)

Jan 2025 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

VAT at 23 per cent is charged on the customs value, which as I mentioned before includes the purchase price (in the UK), the cost of transport and insurance, plus customs duties.

In your case, the purchase price is €13,610.77, which means customs duties of €1,361.08 (10 per cent). To those you’ll have to add the transport and insurance costs to bring the car back - i.e. your ferry fare. Let’s say €200. All that adds up to €15,171.85 as the customs value. The VAT should then be 23 per cent of that, or €3,489.53.

Please double check our calculations and take this as guidance only.


What does Revenue base the VAT calculation on?

Thank you for your previous reply.

In relation to your previous answer to my question regarding importing a car from the UK, can you please advise on the following question related to VAT:

Is the 23 per cent VAT to be paid on the car calculated from the purchase price paid for the car in the UK or is it on the Irish OMSP value of the car?

Please advise

Michael (Dublin)

Jan 2025 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

VAT at 23 per cent is charged on the ‘customs value’ of the car, which, according to Revenue is “the purchase price, plus the cost of transport and insurance, plus any Customs Duties payable”. It has nothing to do with the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price).


Can I sell a pickup to an Irish buyer with no VAT?

Hi,

I’m selling my Toyota pickup and I live in England. The vehicle was bought brand new by me including VAT . It for sale now and someone in southern Ireland wants to buy it. He’s saying I don’t have to charge him VAT if he gives me his VAT number and zero rate the VAT. Is this the case? The pickup is £42,499 plus VAT. He want to come over to England to pick it up and take it back to Ireland.

John Halpin (Grimsby )

Jan 2025 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi John,

That is all correct so long as certain conditions are met. You can check the validity of the Irish VAT number at the European Commission’s VIES VAT number validation page for a start.

You will also need proof from the buyer that the vehicle has been exported. Without that you may be liable to pay VAT on the sale to the UK government, even if you never actually charged the seller VAT.

And overriding all of this of course is the assumption that you are selling the vehicle as a VAT-registered entity with a VAT invoice. It would not apply to a private sale.


How much is the BYD Sealion 7?

How much is the BYD Sealion 7?

Richard Foy (Dublin)

Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

We don't yet have Irish pricing for it. Keep an eye on our review of the car as we will update it as soon as BYD Ireland confirms the price.


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. 


Irish pricing for the Dacia Bigster bed?

What is the price of back bed tent fitting in a Dacia Bigster?

Robert Mackay (Thurso)

Jan 2025 Filed under: aftermarket

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

I'm afraid we don't have any Irish pricing information for the Bigster and its accessories as yet. 


How to check the history of a UK car?

How do I check the history of a car imported from the UK?

Frank Dodd (Dublin)

Dec 2024 Filed under: importing

Expert answer

Hi F D,

So long as you have the UK registration then you can do it through the larger Irish car-history checking sites such as Cartell.ie and Motorcheck.ie. It's also worth availing of the free UK government's service for extra information.