How much VRT to import a van from NI?
Hi,
We are hoping to import a van from NI and I understand that we have to pay VRT, but how is it calculated? Also is it more expensive to import a van that has more than three seats? The official websites are very confusing.
Brenda ConeyOct 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Brenda,
It depends on the van, and the configuration of those seats. According to Revenue "Car derived and jeep derived vans” will be charged 13.3 per cent of their OMSP (Open Market Selling Price, basically what Revenue thinks the car would be worth were it on sale in Ireland), but "Other vehicles such as tractors, large vans, lorries, vintage cars (over 30 years old), minibuses (minimum 12 passenger seats)” will be charged a flat rate of €200. The easiest way to find out is to get the VIN number and description of the vehicle you’re looking at and give your local motor tax office a ring and ask.
They’re usually very helpful people.
Disabled driver that wants to trade up in Feb...
I am on the Disabled Drivers Scheme and want to trade up next Feb '21. I currently drive a Mercedes A-Class hatchback that has been valued at €22,500. I would like to change to something a bit more robust as most of my driving is on country roads. I carry backseat passengers very occasionally and would like a decent sized boot. Automatic gearbox and reversing camera are neccessary. Also something stylish. I have €4,500 to spend with my current car and the DDS allowance. Don't mind petrol or diesel.
Thank you,
Grainne D, Cork
Grainne Dennehy (Rosscarbery)Oct 2020 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Grainne,
As previously noted, you’ll need to have a current and valid primary medical cert as new certs are not being issued right now thanks to a Supreme Court decision that has thrown the rebate scheme for disabled drivers into limbo. However, if you already have the cert, you should still be able to avail of the VRT and VAT rebates, so that should be fine (although it’s worth checking ahead of time — it’s a bit of a moving target at the moment).
I think that a Skoda Kamiq might be the right sort of car for you. Not much bigger on the outside than the Merc, but more roomy within, and with the necessary automatic gearbox and reversing camera on the options list. Get it with the sweet little 1.0-litre petrol engine and you’re onto a winner. It’ll be well within your budget, too.
How much VRT on a 2014 Transporter?
Hi,
I would like to buy a Volkswagen Transporter in the UK. Long wheelbase, 2014, 230k miles. I would like to know the VRT I would need to pay for this in Ireland but the Revenue system does not list this very common vehicle.
Any assistance appreciated.
Aidan Raftery (Cork)Oct 2020 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Aidan,
Well, generally speaking, vans fall into one of two categories for VRT. Most will be charged 13.3 per cent of the Irish open market selling price (OMSP), which in the case of a 2014 Transporter is likely to be in the region of €13,000. So 13.3 per cent of that is €1,279 and that should be your VRT cost, more or less.
Of course, there’s a chance that your Transporter of choice will fall into the second category, which gets charged a flat-rate of €200 if, says Revenue, “it always had less than four seats and at any time a laden mass greater than 130 per cent of the mass in service.”
Can I privately tax and insure this Transit?
Taxing a five-seat M-Sport Transit for private use. What will it cost and will insurers cover it?
Paul Barrett (Kerry )Sep 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
I’m presuming that has the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine? If so then it’s €710 a year to tax as a private car. As for insurance, yes you can insure it privately, but you might have to shop around a good bit. Some insurers are wary of such policies, but a good broker should be able to help you out.
Will I fit three kids in back of my Duster?
Hi!
I have a 2019 Dacia Duster. I have a 2 and a half year old using a Maxi Cosi Axis seat, which uses the standard three-point belt. I am expecting twins and wondering will I be able to fit two infant seats in addition to my toddler into the back of the Duster?
Thanks.
Una in Meath
Una Farrelly (Meath )Sep 2020 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Una,
Sadly, I suspect not. It's highly unlikely there is enough width on the back seat to accomodate all three. If you already have the infant seats, give it a go to make sure, or bring the car along to a good child seat store and they should help you check it out for size as well.
Please do let us know how you get on.
Can I fit a child seat in the third row?
Hi,
We have a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. We are unable to install the three car seats we have in the middle row so are wondering if it is safe to install a convertible forward facing child car seat in the third row using the seatbelt? I know it might not be illegal but is it safe?
Thanks
Martin Healy (Dublin)Aug 2020 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
It will be safe in terms of the seatbelt mounting etc. The only thing to consider is that there is less room between the back of the car and the child in the case of a rear-end crash, but that's the case for nearly all seven-seat cars in fairness.
Tax costs to convert a Transporter?
Hi,
I want to add three seats to a VW Transporter. So convert it to a six-seat vehicle instead of a three-seat vehicle. Any ideas what costs would be involved in this, other than the actual cost of conversion? I.e. changing seat number on logbook etc?
Eoin Byrne (Tinahely )Aug 2020 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
The only cost will be in the change of tax. There’s no cost to have a commercial vehicle re-registered as a private car (although you will have to satisfy the NCT that the conversion has been carried out to an adequate standard), but your tax costs will go up, as you’ll be put onto the by-engine-capacity tax system, which, depending on the engine in the Transporter (I’m presuming it’s a 2.0-litre), will be much more costly than the existing commercial tax of €333 per year.
Best hybrid SUV for three teens in back?
Need to replace a very reliable 12-year-old Toyota Corolla Verso that was bought to accommodate three child seats. Mostly city driving, only 100k on said Verso. Now looking at a hybrid SUV, which would need to fit three teens. Any tips on best SUVs with space in rear seats?
Fidelma O'Reilly (Dublin)Aug 2020 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Fidelma,
A Skoda Kodiaq would be a very good bet — lots of space in the rear seat, plus the option of extra seats in the boot (although those ones are a bit tight for teens), but there’s no hybrid version as yet. Its close cousin, the SEAT Tarraco, will soon be offered as a hybrid, while the new Volkswagen Tiguan arrives next summer.
The Toyota RAV4 is pretty roomy, but there’s no seven-seat option and you might find the rear bench a little narrow for three teens side-by-side. The best thing to do is bring them on the test drive and see if they all fit comfortably.
Peugeot’s 3008 plug-in hybrid could also be worth a look, although you might be better off waiting for the larger 5008 version using the same powertrain. Toyota will be launching its new Highlander seven-seat hybrid SUV in early 2021, but that might be too far away for you.
It all depends on how much you want to spend, as there are hybrid versions of the BMW X3 and X5, plus the Volvo XC60 and XC90. Come back to us with your budget if you want more specific advice.
Can I import a Defender as an 11-seat version?
I am considering importing a Land Rover Defender 110 Utility or Station Wagon into Ireland. Can I add two rear bench seats to either of these vehicles prior to importing it to make it an 11-seater? Will this allow me to avail of a lower VRT cost once it's over a nine-seat capacity?
Matt Maloy (Dublin)Jul 2020 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Matt,
In theory it would, but the seats would have to have been fitted as an original option to those specific chassis codes, so that might trip you up. It’s worth a try...
Three child seats into a Hyundai Tucson?
Hi,
Just wondering is it possible to fit three car seats in a Hyundai Tucson and if so what make car seats please?
Thank you
Laura Sinnott (Waterford )Jul 2020 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Laura,
It'll be difficult to get three child car seats into the back of a Tucson I'm afraid, as the rear seat just isn't wide enough. There may be particularly slim child seats out there that make it possible, but even so, our experience is that it's not an ideal set-up. Recommending specific child seats is outside our remit I'm afraid, as we don't habitually test various models of seat.