Expert answer

Hi Kay,

It will depend if you’re importing it. If not, then no VRT applies in any case, but there will be a fee payable for re-registering. At that point, there may also be motor tax implications, but theoretically, if Revenue accepts the conversion, then motorhomes only have to pay €102 a year.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that, to be classified as a motorhome, you’ll have to pass type approval, for which there are minimum standards. The Road Safety Authority has all the details you’ll need, but it might get expensive meeting all the requirements. 

Expert answer

Hi Ken,

Well, the good news is that, even if you’re importing it for personal use, at the point of paying VRT it still counts as a commercial, so it’s just 13.3 per cent of the Irish market selling price. The wrinkle comes then when you want to tax it as a private car, which means going back onto the old by-engine-capacity system, which for a 3.0 Hilux is going to mean a whopping €1,494 a year.

Expert answer

Hi John,

I think a word with your accountant would be the best option as there are hoops to be jumped through for registering and taxing a car as a commercial, especially a five-seater. The bigger issue by far could be getting you insured, as most insurers will see the words ‘Range Rover Sport’ and '21-years old’ and run a mile.

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Hi Roisin,

You’ll be exempt from VAT as the car has done more than 4,000km, but not VRT I’m afraid as you’ve owned it for less than six months. 

Expert answer

Hi Pat,

Well, generally speaking, it won’t matter, as, if a vehicle is older than six months or has more than 6,000km on the clock, it won’t be chargeable for VAT anyway. The benefit you will get is that you won’t have to pay VRT. Just fill out a form with Revenue to get a Letter of Authorisation with the car’s VIN number and you won’t be charged any VRT at all.

Expert answer

Hi Mark,

It will depend on the specific model, but assuming that it’s a Titanium-spec with the 150hp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, you’ll be looking at around €4,500 to €5,000 in VRT.

Expert answer

Hi Rob,

Yes, if you have registered the car to your London address, and can show proof of continuous tax and insurance for six months prior to your move, then you’ll be able to avoid VRT when you import it here. On the Discovery Commercial, you’ll be looking at rather more than €200 VRT to import it, I’m afraid. N1 and Cat B commercial vehicles don’t pay a flat rate any more, they pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price, or the Irish market price as defined by Revenue. The same will go for a crew-cab, and 13.3 per cent is the lowest possible rate of VRT. 

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Hi Dagmar,

Thankfully, you’re absolutely right. As long as you can provide proof of transfer of residence to Revenue (such as a letter confirming your employment, proof of address etc), then you can import the car with no VRT cost whatsoever. 

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Hi Andreas,

Unfortunately there’s not a lot you can do here, mostly because all 911s prior to the introduction of the 3.0-litre turbo flat-six engine were above the 225g/km cutoff for the top VRT band of 36 per cent, which means you’re probably going to be looking at a significant VRT charge no matter which model you bring in.

You’re right to say that there’s a big disparity between 2008 and 2009 prices, but given that there are so few 911s available for second-hand sale in Ireland, it’s a tricky model to accurately value, and a huge amount is going to depend on condition, mileage and specification.

Expert answer

Hi Richard,

You will have to pay VAT here as it’s less than six months old. As for VRT, you’re probably looking at a charge of around €3-4,000, depending on the spec of the car.