Expert answer

Hi Feilim,

You can certainly estimate the VRT payable, but that's all it will be. And you'll need proof of the car's CO₂ emissions as well.

With the CO₂ rating, go to our How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland feature and find the corresponding VRT band. I'd assume it'll be in Band 7 or 8. Let's say 8 for the calculations.

Then you'll need to estimate the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) of the car in Ireland. This is the value Revenue believes it to be worth after registration in Ireland.

You've not told us the year so we can't do that for you. I suggest going to Carzone.ie to find similar spec cars to yours and taking the average price as a rough estimate.

From those two things you can then estimate your VRT. Beware it will only be that, though, an estimate.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

As I'm sure you know, the 330e was updated late in 2024, so if you can find one of those within budget, you'll appreciate the upgrades. Read our review of the revised BMW 330e here.

We're big fans of the 330e as well. It's difficult to beat its blend of performance, driving dynamics, style and efficiency. Here are a few alternatives to consider, nonetheless:

Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: I love the look of these, and it feels like a proper luxury car inside, more so than the BMW. Its chassis is more comfort-focused though, so you need to choose which you prefer. There's not much to choose between this and the updated 330e when it comes to performance, electric range and space, but the Mercedes is very expensive.

Volkswagen Passat GTE: I suspect this is not what you're looking for in terms of badge appeal, but the GTE is a very decent car. It's much bigger inside than your BMW and exceedingly comfortable, with perky performance when you need it (ok, not as perky as the 330e's). Its electric range isn't great, but fine for short commutes. And this car is more affordable than most on this list.

Skoda Superb iV: Much the same can be said about the Superb as for the Passat above, though the Superb is larger again and it doesn't always come with a sporting badge, which some will like. It's not massively common in the classifieds though.

Volvo V60: Now this is a hidden gem and would be my choice of the lot here, even as a serious fan of rear-drive cars such as the 330e. And yes, it is an estate body style, which you might not have been looking for, but it is such a fantastic, polished car that is great to drive, looks sensational and packs a bigger punch than many will expect.

Give our review of the V60 T6 Recharge a read and go test drive one for yourself to make up your own mind. Same advice really for all of the above cars, but this one stands out.

Expert answer

Hi Zoltán,

Those comments from the writer appear to stem from how poorly the car drives. It's summed up in this paragraph:

"The suspension in that car is soft and sloppy, which makes the car lean and lurch around corners, particularly if it has to deal with a change in elevation, direction and road surface all at once. Yet despite that, the ride is still as firm as that of a hot hatchback, with an unsettled feel over even the smoothest surfaces and a sharp thump over any potholes. Combine that with the wheelspin and slow steering that feels as detached and lifeless as a cheap games console's wheel, and the driving experience goes from being unremarkable to unacceptable."

Anyway, Jaecoo is not sold in Ireland yet, so hopefully all the teething issues will be sorted out before it is...

For others interested in the story, read our Jaecoo 7 SHS review here

Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

We can't answer that definitively, unfortunately, as there is no official word on it. The Karoq is certainly ageing and due replacement, but we agree there's plenty of demand still for a Skoda model in this space that is not only available with electric power. 

Watch this space I guess...

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While it sounds like the car shouldn't attract VAT or import duty (you'll need to prove it was used in Northern Ireland), all passenger cars being imported are subject to VRT and the NOx levy. If it's a commercial, there is no NOx levy, but there would still be VRT, calculated differently. Revenue has quite a strict definition of what a commercial SUV is though, so make sure you know what you're doing before you make that move.

Read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide for more information

Expert answer

Hi Conor, 

There's a wealth of choice at that price point on the used market really. Here are a few options to consider, many of them early 2025 registrations:

Dacia Duster
Hyundai Kona (the newer model)
MG ZS (newer model)
Nissan Qashqai
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Taigo or ID.4 if you fancy going electric

I've added links to our reviews of the cars so you can take a look and see what you like the look of. Come back to us and let me know if we're on the right track here, and your thoughts on each of these as we help you narrow down your search.

Expert answer

Hi Lisa,

It does not sound like the dealer imported the car according to the Windsor Framework (do ask them) and it does not sound like the car was used for "a reasonable amount of time" after importation into the North so going on the little information above, we'd have to assume that yes, you would be liable for VAT on importing that car, plus import duty, VRT and the NOx levy.

Read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland for more

Expert answer

Hi Cathal,

We don't have a written feature or video comparing the Enyaq and Elroq though we've extensive experience in both cars and lots of content on them individually. What would you like to know?

Skoda Enyaq reviews and videos

Skoda Elroq reviews and videos

Incidentally, on the Elroq link above you'll find our embedded social media videos covering the Elroq 85 Sportline, but feel free to ask for more detail on any aspect that interests you. 

Expert answer

Hi Christine,

It sounds like you're new to this, so it may be worth reading our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature.

In summary, whether you have to pay VAT and import duty depends entirely on the circumstances of the car in question. If the car was registered new in NI and used there (and is now over six months old) then no VAT etc payable.

Same thing for a car imported from the rest of the UK to the North, registered and used there for "a reasonable amount of time" according to Revenue. 

The ones to watch out for are cars brought in by a dealer in the North purely to be sold on, without properly importing it first.

The dealers in the North should know what paperwork you need to show Revenue, but always check for yourself.

And finally, no matter what, you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy.

Expert answer

Hi Erika,

You will need to go through the standard importation procedure for all cars being brought into Ireland. Keep all documentation relating to the purchase and the car's original importation into Northern Ireland. Hopefully it's exempt from VAT and import duty, though you will have to pay VRT and the NOx levy regardless.

Be aware that you must make a reservation with the NCTS within seven days of the car arriving south of the border, with a view to completing the process in 30 days.

I highly recommend you read our guides on the subject:

Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland

How much VRT is paid in Ireland?