Expert answer

Hi Noel,

You can indeed get a lower rate of VAT and VRT when importing a commercial vehicle from the UK. For VRT you'll pay 13.3 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) - the price that Revenue reckons the car is worth in Ireland, not what you paid for it. Buying second hand in the UK and having the car converted is also a fine idea, but best to have the conversion done in the UK so that the car is already in commercial form when it lands here.

By the way, all this only applies if you're bringing in a commercial vehicle to use for work purposes. If you're using such a vehicle for social, domestic or pleasure use and paying VRT, VAT and motor tax at the commercial rate, you're technically breaking the law.

Here's our full guide to importing a car from the UK

Expert answer

Hi Mary,

Quite close overall in terms of practicality and economy. Both are in Band A for motor tax, both are less than terrific to drive, but then that's endemic to the breed. The Citroen is certainly the more stylish and comfy, the Kia is maybe slightly better built and, of course, comes with that seven-year warranty.

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Hi there,

There were two slightly differing versions of the first generation pro_cee'd 1.6 petrol when it comes to CO₂ emissions. The version running on 16-inch alloy wheels records 145g/km, while the one on 17-inch wheels emits 148g/km. It makes no major difference, as both will fall into Band C for motor tax, with an annual bill of €390. In terms of fuel economy, there's also a slight difference, with the 16-inch wheel version doing a claimed 46mpg, while the 17-inch one is slightly worse off at 44mpg. Resale values for these cars seem to be holding up quite well, with asking prices for a 2011 model hovering between €11,000 and €14,000.

Hope that helps

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Hi Francis,

Can I suggest then chopping it in for another Hyundai, this time an i40 Tourer? It's massively spacious so you won't (aside from the seat height) feel like you're trading down. It's also very comfy and, with your long-haul runs and high-ish mileage in mind, hugely economical. Drive the 1.7 115hp CRDi version gently and you should top 60mpg. 

If you don't fancy another Hyundai, then picking a similar estate from the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat or Peugeot 508 ranges should do the job just as well.

Let us know what you end up doing

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Hi Susan,

Well, strictly speaking the Santa Fe isn't an MPV, it's an SUV (I know; Captain Pedant strikes again...) and that does have a pretty unpleasant effect on its CO₂ rating. A 2008 2.2 CRDi diesel Santa Fe emits 190g/km of CO₂ - enough to land you with a €750 annual bill. That aside it's a very fine car, with reliability, looks and practicality all on its side.

If it's lower CO₂ you're looking for though, you may well have to consider an MPV. The Ford C-Max is only capable of taking three child seats once you get into the current model, and that may still be too pricey for you. Likewise, the Mazda5 needs to be a recent model if it's to have the current 1.6 diesel that brings with it lower tax bills. So, try and track down a 2009 Citroen C4 Picasso with the 1.6 HDi diesel and the EGS automatic gearbox. That has a 140g/km CO₂ emissions figure, so you'll just scrape into the top end of Band B with a €280 tax bill.

How does that sound?

Expert answer

Hi Keith,

No, it's not a waste of time at all. It's almost always better value to keep and fix an existing car rather than pay the cost-of-change to upgrade to something newer. That said, if you're convinced you need a better solution, then you won't do better than to go for one of the many car-vans on offer now. The Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo are the best known versions, but there are also similar models available from Fiat, Volkswagen and Peugeot.  My personal pick would be the Fiat Doblo, fitted with the 1.6- or 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engines. You'll find the cabin surprisingly comfy, it's quite pleasant to drive, very economical and good on tax and massively spacious in the back. There's even a seven-seat version available if you want to be really popular at the school gate.

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Hi Lisa,

Well, there is the obvious recommendation of a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, but a €7,000 budget won't, sadly, get you into a post-2008 car, so you'll be paying a higher rate of annual motor tax. 

So here's a less obvious recommendation: an Opel Astra 1.3 CDTi. It's not the fastest car in the world, but it should prove very economical, it's well built, comfy, spacious and even has a decent boot. Best of all 130g/km emissions mean you'll pay a reasonable €270 a year to tax it.

What do you think?

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Hi Michael,

That model has a CO₂ emissions rating of 208g/km, so if it’s one that’s been imported since 2008, then it will have motor tax of €1,250. If it’s an original Irish market car registered in 2007, then it’s on the old by-engine-capacity tax system, so that’ll be €1,345.

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

Well, if you could tell us the exact make and model you’re looking at,  we can tell you. All motor tax rates since 2008 are calculated on the CO₂ emissions of the car (unless it’s a commercial version) and that can be affected by everything from the engine to the gearbox to items of trim and equipment. The more detail you can give us, the more precise an answer we can give. For reference, read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained guide.

Expert answer

Hi Natash,

Your best bets are the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, the VW Touran, the Peugeot 5008, or the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi (the current-shape model). All of those slot into Band A for motor tax, as long as you get the 1.6 or 1.7 diesel models.