What do I need to buy from the UK?
l am about to buy a used 2009 Toyota Avensis TR model from a private seller in the UK. What documents do I require from him for VRT/VRO in Ireland? I appreciate your advice because this my first time.
Thanking you.
Ebere Johnson (Dublin )Dec 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ebere,
You’ll need two crucial documents. You’ll need the V5C form, which is the vehicle’s identity papers (it’s the red, pink and blue form with the car’s reg number, VIN number etc.) and you’ll need an invoice showing the date and location of sale and the amount paid for the car.
Other than that, you’ll need the usual proof of identity for yourself (passport or driver's licence, utility bill with your home address etc.).
I’d suggest you have a good careful read of two pages before you start out:
How best to upgrade to a newer car?
Hi, I am thinking of changing my 2006 Nissan Navara in the next nine months. I was thinking of upgrading to 2011/12 Volkswagen Passat or Ford Mondeo and my budget is about €12,000. The problem is I don't know how to sell my own car. It's seen far better days and the engine isn't in great condition either. Most dealers are offering €3,500 or less and I tried cash4cars and they're not interested. I am hoping to get four grand plus for it but don't have the time to sell it privately. I really don't know what to do with my Navara and was wondering if you would know?
Many thanks, Denis
Mike Connolly (Wicklow Town )Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Should I import a high-spec Insignia from UK?
Hi,
I'm looking at buying a used car in the UK. We need a spacious, reliable and safe family car. The Vauxhall Insignia seems really great value for money. High spec models even. Are there any glaring problems with them? Say 2010 - 2011. They are cheaper than the Mondeo and Passat.
Ciarán.
Ciarán O'Neill (Athlone)Nov 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Ciaran,
No major glaring problems. They can develop electrical gremlins, especially with the central locking and alarm systems, and the boot seals can leak, letting in water, but as long as you buy one with a full service history you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.
Thinking of importing an American car...
Hi,
I am thinking about purchasing a US car that has just been registered in the UK. The car in question meets the UK IVA standards and passed all tests. The lights have also been adjusted to meet EU standards. I have two questions:
1. Is the IVA test good enough (the car hasn't really been driven much in the UK and looks to have all documents in check) or should I fork out for an independent test. Trying to minimize my spend as I will need it for VRT.
2. How much will VRT be on a 2014 5.7-litre?
Many thanks
Derek
Derek J (Dublin)Nov 2016 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Derek,
Well, if the car has been correctly adjusted to meet UK and EU standards then it should be fine, and for lights there are always aftermarket upgrade options such as better bulbs or extra spot lamps. The IVA test is pretty comprehensive so if it’ll get through that and pass an NCT, then I wouldn’t have any major worries, as long as the car’s history etc all checks out.
I'd like a new car that is really comfortable.
Hi,
I have just been reading Neil Briscoe's article (June 2016) about Citroen's new suspension system. I take it Neil wasn't too impressed. I have a 2003 Citroen C5 that is a fantastically comfortable car. It will have to be replaced sometime unfortunately. Because I have spine injuries I would need something that is the equivalent in terms of a smooth ride.
What do you think the chances are of finding same?
Thanks
Clare
Clare McLoughin (Tullamore)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Clare,
Well, if I gave the impression that I wasn’t too impressed, then that’s not quite right as we haven’t yet driven a new Citroen model equipped with the new Advanced Comfort suspension system. It won’t go into production until next year (2017). We have just driven the new Citroen C3, which has a very impressive ride quality on standard springs and dampers, so the omens for the new system are good.
Is it worth upgrading to a premium brand?
I would like some advice on changing from my Ford Mondeo to a higher price level car, say BMW 5 Series or Audi A6 or Mercedes. Is it worth all the extra cash? What will I feel that will be so much better?
Fergal Reidy (Celbridge)Nov 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Fergal,
In a purely objective sense? No, there’s nothing. Will you get an interior that looks and feels a bit classier? Yes. Will you get a badge that has a bit more appeal? Yes. Do these things really matter? Not to everyone. If you’ve got a Mondeo then you already have a well-made, comfortable car that’s good to drive. So upgrading to an Audi or BMW will get you… a shinier badge. If you want something that feels as good as the premium stuff but costs less, have a look at a Volkswagen Passat or Mazda6 as a potential replacement. The only area in which the German cars are quantifiably better is in resale value.
Passat GTE or BMW 330e suitable for me?
I do about 12,000km a year in and around Dublin, using the M50 a bit. Would a hybrid like the Passat GTE or BMW 330e suit me or should I go for diesel? Buying a new car in the new year!
Michael Quin (Sandyford)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I’d suggest that a Passat GTE or 330e would be about perfect with that kind of mileage and usage. It will help, of course, if you have a driveway where you can fit a charging point, but once the batteries have drained and you’re running on normal hybrid power, both of those cars will average better than 40mpg. Here are our reviews:
What new MPV would you recommend for us?
Hi,
We are in the market for an MPV/SUV. We hope to buy by the end of March next year. We have a budget of €19-20k plus our 2010 2.0-litre Volkswagen Passat Highline. The car should have three full rear seats and a good size boot.
What would you recommend?
Des Wynne (Dundalk)Oct 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Des,
It depends on just how big a car you need, and if you need a full seven-seater. The Volkswagen Golf SV, for instance, has the space for three seats across the back, but doesn't have the folding seats in the boot of the bigger Touran. Both are excellent cars, but you'll save a considerable amount of money by going for the SV. Others worth considering are the Toyota Verso (available in both five- and seven-seat forms), Citroen C4 Picasso (ditto) and the Kia Carens (only a seven-seater).
Peugeot's 5008 and Ford's C-Max are also worth a look, but if you need something bigger, if basically boils down to two choices - Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra.
How can I import a commercial SUV?
Hi guys,
Really hoping that you can help me with this one. I'm hoping to import an SUV (either Volkswagen Touareg or Mercedes-Benz ML 280) from the UK and register it as a commercial vehicle. The most ideal situation would be to import it, get the crewcab conversion and register it as a five-seater crewcab (I'm one of the few who would very genuinely need both five seats for crew and the ability to drop them and use as a commercial through my job in events), but will settle for two seats and commercial tax.
There do not seem to be any of those SUVs in the UK that are non-passenger versions (I presume due to the UK not having a commercial SUV as such) so I'm just wondering what steps I will need to take to get the lower tax rate and import as commercial.
Please let me know, as your help will be much appreciated.
Brian McCarthy (Dublin)Oct 2016 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
There is a way of doing this, but it requires some very careful timing. Once you import a vehicle, you have seven days from its arrival on these shores to notify Revenue that it’s in the country and also to book the NCT inspection to get the final bill for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).
So that gives you a little wiggle room. Ideally, you would be best advised to find a company in the UK who can carry out the conversion and re-register the vehicle with the DVLA in Swansea, before importing it. If that’s not possible, then what you need to do is to make sure you have an Irish conversion company set up and ready to go who can carry out the conversion when the car arrives here, before it goes for its inspection. It’s ever so slightly legally dubious (letter of the law rather than spirit), but if you can keep the timings sharp, it could work.
Looking for a spacious diesel car for €15,000.
Hi,
I'm looking for a diesel saloon as I do a lot of travelling. I bring quite a lot of equipment so it needs to have a large boot or it could be a car van? What would you recommend that's reliable and economical and reasonably smart looking? I have a budget of €15,000.
Thanks
Aiden Toomey (Dublin 12)Aug 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Aiden,
That’s a good-sized budget so you should be able to get a good-sized car. In terms of car-vans, the best ones are the Citroen Berlingo and the Volkswagen Caddy Life, but both are noisier than a conventional car, and less comfortable over long distances. With that in mind, I reckon you need an estate – have a look for a Mazda6 Tourer, Ford Mondeo Estate or Volkswagen Passat Estate – or keep an eye out for the best of breed, the Skoda Superb Combi. All are comfortable, roomy and have frugal diesel options.