Expert answer

Hi Cait,

VRT is 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP), but unfortunately there's no way to accurately predict that ahead of time, especially for campers as there is such variation in the market. You can appeal a valuation after the VRT has been paid, which isn't very helpful.

Campers are not subject to the NOx levy, you'll be glad to know.

However, if the camper is coming from outside the EU (including England, Scotland and Wales), you will also be liable for 23 per cent VAT and 10 per cent import duty. In most cases, campers imported from Northern Ireland do not attract these taxes, but only if they've been registered and used by private owners in the North before you buy it.

Expert answer

Hi Cait,

If it's a properly certified conversion then VRT should be just 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). That OMSP is what Revenue believes the vehicle is worth in its current state on the Irish market, so not the base van.

One thing to watch out for: if the car is coming from England, Wales or Scotland then you are likely to be liable for VAT and import duty as well as the VRT.

Expert answer

Hi Brian, 

That document is confusingly laid out, because, if you look further down, in section 10.3, it clearly states that VAT is due on importation of the vehicle to the EU. In summary, no, you don't pay VAT to the Irish government when you buy the vehicle from the foreign seller, but you do on importation.

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

I drove the Macan 4 at its international launch (read that review here) and today the Audi Q6 e-tron on Irish roads so I can have a stab at comparing them, though bear in mind that both were high-spec cars. The Q6 e-tron I tested was the quattro model using the same two electric motors as the Macan 4, as well as the 100kWh (95kWh of which is usable) battery so these are quite comparable.

The Audi had loads of options though, including air suspension, so that undoubtedly alters how it drives. On that note, the Audi is a little more comfortable than the Porsche, but a little less involving and slower to respond to steering inputs and accelerator inputs. Both are very quiet, refined and smooth to drive, with the Audi slightly better in that regard. The Porsche has fractionally better 'blending' of the friction brakes and recuperation via the motors.

There's nothing to choose between them in terms of range, efficiency and charging capabilities.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Macan 4 has a marginally bigger boot and extra storage under the bonnet included in the price, while you have to pay Audi more to get the 'frunk' insert in the Q6. The rear seats of the Audi feel more spacious, however, than the Macan's.

The cabins are vastly different, but both of very high quality. I prefer the perfectly round steering wheel in the Porsche.

Finally, pricing: the comparable Audi is cheaper than the Porsche and there are more affordable versions of the Q6 e-tron - one with a smaller battery, another with rear-wheel drive - that there are no equivalents to in the Macan lineup.

So as you can see, no clear 'winner' as there are too many variables at work, but hopefully this helps you choose which is for you and your budget. 

Do let us know which one you go for. Both are lovely.

Expert answer

Hi Will,

That car will be in the top band for VRT, which is 41 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price). If that really is €15,000 - and Revenue may disagree with you on that - then the VRT would be simply 41 per cent, i.e. €6,150.

Expert answer

Hi Barbara,

If you don't have access to the original sales invoice, and you can't contact the dealer that originally sold the car, then a good place to look would be SIMI's (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) 'Recommended Vehicle Price Guides' - they are available for past years and show the official pricing for all the makes and models. 

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

You should be fine, as if a vehicle is eligible for VRT exemption because of a transfer of residence, then it should also qualify for exemption for VAT and customs duty. 

According to Revenue: “If you are transferring your normal residence from outside the European Union (EU) to Ireland, you may be able to claim relief from Customs Duty and Value-Added Tax (VAT). This relief applies to imports of the following: certain personal property and household effects, including those of members of your household bicycles and motor cycles, private cars, trailers, caravans, pleasure craft and private aeroplanes.”

Just get all your paperwork in order and it should be fine. 

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

I wouldn't say the market is being flooded with these cars - demand is still far outstripping supply. 

For the most part, these cars represent good value, but go into the deal with your eyes open. If at all possible, get someone in the know to take a detailed look around the car you're looking at, to make sure it's in good condition and that it's identical to a European-market model. 

I'd insist that the car was serviced on Irish soil before taking delivery, and make sure the tyres are ok as well, as these cars could have spent quite a bit of time at sea and at docks here in Japan.

Other than that, check out your insurance before you commit to buying, as insurers can be a little odd about imports at times. 

Expert answer

Hi Phelim,

A rate of €750 a year suggests that the car has been put into the 171-190g/km emissions band. That does seem higher than native Irish Santa Fes. When did you import the car? It sounds to me that Revenue may have 'uplifted' the NEDC emissions rating to its WLTP equivalent, something that has happened since 1 January 2021.

See our Guide to Importing Cars from the UK feature for more information - most of that applies to a car imported from Australia too. Hopefully that helps you understand it.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

I suspect it's more to do with demand. Give your local dealer a call and ask them about it, as I'm sure they can get you one on special order if you want it.