Thinking of buying a car in the UK...
I am thinking of buying a UK car, but driving it in the UK for six months. Am I right to think VRT is only payable on entry to Ireland and what are the main documents you require for importation? Also I presume the VRT is calculated on the vehicle age and mileage entering Ireland?
William Neale (Malahide)Apr 2018 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi William,
Not quite. Actually VRT is calculated on the OMSP, or Open Market Selling Price, which is that which the Revenue Commissioners calculate the car would be worth if it were an original Irish registered model. So, yes, age and mileage do come into it, but it’s not quite as simple as that.
As for the UK residency thing, again it’s not quite that simple — yes, you can avoid VRT if you bring a car into the country that you can show has been taxed and insured for at least six months, by you, at an address in the UK, BUT you will be asked to provide proof that you’re moving from the UK to Ireland, and proof that you were living and working in the UK for at least 185 days prior to the transfer of residence.
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
When will the updated Mazda6 hit Ireland?
Eamonn McDermott (Limerick City)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Eamonn,
Later this year. The European version of the updated Mazda6 will be shown this week at the Geneva Motor Show, and it should be on sale here this summer.
I think RWD cars should use winter tyres!
Why are winter tyres not mandatory on rear-wheel-drive cars? I’m on my second Mercedes and know to switch to winter tyres each year. I rarely see other rear-wheel-drive cars doing the same yet such vehicles are uncontrollable in icy conditions - much worse than front-wheel drive. This is a serious safety issue not just for owners but other road users. I can guarantee someone will get killed if action is not taken. I suggest campaigns but also really dealers have an onus to notify buyers. Perhaps you could highlight as well.
Thanks
Sean
Sean Burgess (Limerick City)Mar 2018 Filed under: tyres
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
I agree to a certain extent with this, but not completely. Rear-wheel-drive cars with their engines up front (as with your Mercedes) really struggle with traction in icy conditions, but front-wheel-drive cars are no better when it comes to braking and turning in the same conditions so if such a law was to be brought it, it really should apply to all cars, as winter tyres provide much more grip whether you're accelerating, braking or turning.
However, despite the crazy week we've had here in Ireland with snow and ice, long term weather stats clearly show that we don't get enough cold weather in most parts of Ireland (i.e. the temperature below seven degrees C) to warrant forcing everyone to change to winter tyres. Above seven degrees C, winter tyres are not as good as all-weather/summer tyres and they wear much quicker.
The Irish motorist already feels hard done by in terms of taxation and running costs so I don't think any government would bring this in here, but to be honest, I don't think they should, either. It really should be up to the individual. And that's coming from someone that has expereinced how brilliant winter tyres can be. Other opinions area available...
Should I worry about outstanding finance?
I am purchasing a used car imported from the UK by a dealer in Dublin who appears to specialise in this type of car sales. I have paid a small deposit to the dealer but have discovered via a Cartell.ie check that the vehicle has outstanding finance of a type called 'Unit Stocking' from a UK finance company. Interestingly the start date is shown as 01/02/2018 with a term of six months. I was told there was no finance outstanding on the car and the vendors appear to be respectable and trustworthy.
What steps should I take to protect my interests prior to completing the purchase?
GH, Tullamore
Gabriel Hannon (Tullamore)Feb 2018 Filed under: finance
Expert answer
Hi Gabriel,
We had a worth with our contact at Cartell.ie and this is what they said:
"Unit Stocking usually points to dealer finance. These types of issues can often be resolved, but as with any amount outstanding on a vehicle Cartell would advise caution until the matter is resolved. A Cartell.ie report provides a contact telephone number and account reference number for finance markers in the UK - so the customer can contact the bank directly and look to clarify the issue. If you are still having problems ring Cartell.ie customer service team on 1890 252331 or 01 5241517 and they'll be happy to talk you through the steps."
Hope that you get sorted
Mileage limitations on campers and classics?
Are drivers of camper vehicles or classic vehicles limited to a certain annual mileage?
Mairtin O Mhuirgeasa (Manorhamilton)Jan 2018 Filed under: classic cars
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Camping vehicles, no — you can drive them as much as you like (depending on any mileage agreed with your insurer of course). Classic vehicles, usually yes — again, each policy is different and you can always negotiate, but Irish insurers tend to view classic and ‘vintage’ cars as very much show ponies, and you’re usually stuck both with a 5,000km annual limit and the need to show proof of having a ‘normal’ car insured and taxed for day-to-day use.
Can you tell me about a new Lexus crossover?
Can you tell me anything please about the new Lexus hybrid small crossover due out in 2018 I think? I drive an Audi A4 and love it, but thinking of changing to Lexus so I can drive a hybrid.
Many thanks
Elizabeth Regan (Dublin)Jan 2018 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Lily,
We’ll very likely find out a good deal more about the new small Lexus crossover at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, or failing that the Geneva show in March. Here’s what we know for now, though...
It will be called the Lexus UX, and the company has already trademarked the UX 250h badge for the hybrid version. That suggests it may use the 2.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid assistance found in the existing Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but, as the UX will platform share with the smaller Toyota C-HR, it may be that it will get a higher performance version of that car’s 1.8-litre hybrid. Certainly, Toyota has been making noise about a higher performance version of the C-HR Hybrid so it’s likely that both models are being developed in tandem.
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.
Looking for differences in Audi A5s.
Is there much difference between 177hp Audi A5 S line and 150hp Audi Sportback SE Technik? Also, some cars show a dial positioned just below the gear knob for controls while other models show no dial, but a display on the dash. Why is this considering they are the same year?
Gavin Reddy (Carlow)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Gavin,
Well the obvious answer for the first part is that there’s a 27hp difference — the 177hp 2.0-litre TDI engine has significantly more power and torque, but to be honest the 150hp version is pretty sufficient. S line and SE Tecknik are pretty similar in overall equipment levels, but the S line will have slightly lower, firmer suspension so may not be ideal for you depending on where you mostly drive. The knob below the gear stick is the MMI system, which controls the car’s setting and infotainment. If it doesn’t have that then it’s a pretty basic model, on which the original owner hasn’t spent any money on extras.
Will a cracked windscreen fail the NCT?
I booked my car in for its NCT recently and now a crack has appeared in my windscreen. Does this mean it will fail the test if it is not replaced?
Patrick Mcnally (Mayo)Mar 2017 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
It depends where on the window the crack is and how big it is. Click here to view the official NCT testing manual - go to page 26 and it clearly shows how cracks in the windscreen are assessed.
Best of luck
Is the Opel Ampera-e for Ireland?
When will the Opel Ampera-e go on sale in Ireland?
Seán Ó Dufaigh (Castlerea)Feb 2017 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Sean,
It probably won’t. Opel confirmed at the Paris Motor Show last year that there won’t be right-hand drive production of the Ampera-e and that position has not yet changed. If there’s a sudden jump in demand from the UK and Ireland for electric cars, then Opel may well reconsider, but for now, we won’t be getting it.