Expert answer

Hi Roman,

The VRT calculation for a private car import depends on two things. The first is the VRT band, determined by the car's CO₂ emissions. That Land Cruiser will be in the top band, with VRT at 41 per cent of the OMSP. The OMSP is the Open Market Selling Price, the second item we need. Unfortunately, it's a tricky thing to estimate in some cases as it's the price Revenue believes the vehicle would sell for in Ireland, fully registered etc, which may not correspond with how much you pay for the car abroad.

In the case of the Land Cruiser, most are commercial vehicles in Ireland so it's not easy to get a good feel for their value as a passenger car. For the sake of our calculation, let's say it's €40,000, though I'd not be shocked if Revenue suggested higher...

With an OMSP of €40,000, the VRT would be €16,400.

This car will attract a very high NOx levy as well so don't forget that and, if you're importing it from England, Scotland or Wales, you'll also have VAT and import duty to pay. 

Make sure you read our Guide to importing cars from the UK or the Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland if that applies.

Expert answer

Hi Jane,

Good news, it looks like that should fit in. I didn't have a tape measure with me when driving the car, but I used the measure function of an iPhone and the distance came in at a little more than two metres, so even if that's not very accurate, you should have plenty to spare. 

And yes, the seat backs all fold down flat. Works well.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Inster here

Expert answer

Hi Megan,

That's a very difficult situation and also not easy to untangle from a legal perspective. The mechanic certainly has some responsibility if they sourced the engine for you, though I'd suggest that extends only to communicating with the seller of the engine. They are ultimately responsible for its condition, depending on how it was presented to your mechanic. 

Go back to the mechanic and tell them you think it's their responsibility to sort out one way or another and see how you get on. If you have no luck, consider getting in touch with the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) as it may be well-placed to advise you. 

Hopefully you have all of this fully documented. 

Best of luck

Expert answer

Hi George,

I believe your thinking is all correct, except that there is no onus on the dealer to pass on the VAT reclaim saving to you.

Expert answer

Hi Damien,

First up, the BMW i3 is a great option for your needs based on what you told us. It's a cracking compact car that will cost you nothing to run and is an idea runabout. And yes, I'd agree that the fully electric version is the best one, especially when you have access to other cars in the household for longer journeys. 

I really like the 4 Series Gran Coupe as well, but understand the reticence to trust the diesel engines. Would you consider a petrol one instead perhaps? The NOx levy on the diesel on importation can be expensive as well. Because of potential engine issues I'd be inclined to stick with a local BMW dealer and get as good a warranty as you can.

Obviously electric cars don't emit any NOx or CO₂, so it's a bit bizarre if Revenue's site can't deal with that... There is a VRT exemption up to €5,000 and anyway, it's only 7 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).

If you're looking to buy in the North, just make sure the car has been registered and used by a private individual in the North for at least three months before you import it, and that must be verified by documentation. Then no VAT or import duty should be due, just VRT - and the NOx levy if applicable. 

Hopefully all that helps, but come back to us with other specific questions if you need more assistance of course.

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

If the vehicle already has rear seats then all you need to do is inform your motor tax office of the change of use and pay the relevant motor tax increase. Check your insurance policy as well to ensure this is covered.

If the Land Cruiser has no rear seats then it's a much bigger job to convert it, and I'd suggest you enlist the services of one of the many companies specialising in this process. Do a search online and then try to find reviews of ones in your locale. In many cases, however, it may be more cost effective to just change your vehicle.

Expert answer

Hi Ciara,

We're in the same situation (without the pooch, sadly) so I understand your needs for sure. There are no electric Skoda estates as yet (at least one is on the way in the next few years, but that'll be too late for you), but there have been plug-in hybrid options. Not sure if you're buying new or used, but the current Superb Combi can be had new as a plug-in hybrid and it's an exceptional car. You'll find some of the previous-gen on the used market as well.

Other fully electric estate options include the MG5, but come back to us with your budget and new/used preference if you want us to help you narrow your search.

Expert answer

Hi Joshua,

The belt in your car is a 'long life' belt and doesn't need to be checked until it has passed 240,000km.

Expert answer

Hi Anita,

Whether you won it or not, you will still be liable for all costs to import the vehicle and register it in the South. From the information you've given, we believe you'd only have VRT to pay. 

However, you will need to book an appointment to have the vehicle inspected at an NCT centre within seven days of it arriving in Ireland and you have 30 days to complete the procedure. I.e. you'll have to pay VRT on it as a passenger car if that's what it was on arriving in Ireland.

You can of course do the conversion afterwards. 

Expert answer

Hi Anita,

I'm not sure we have all the information here, but if I understand it correctly, it's a UK or Northern Ireland registered car that you've won and you're living in Ireland.

If it is registered as a passenger car then you'll have to import it as that and pay VRT and the NOx levy at least. If it was used in the North by someone other than a car dealer then that should be it, but if it has come from England, Scotland or Wales then you'll also have to pay VAT and import duty. 

With such an old diesel, the NOx levy could be up to €4,850, and I'm not sure how you calculated €400 for VRT. It's likely to be in the top band at 41 per cent of the Open Market Selling Price (i.e. the value Revenue places on the car in Ireland). Even if it's deemed to be worth only €5,000 (which is unlikely), the VRT would be €2,050.

If you decide to pay all these costs and register the Shogun here, then you can go about converting it to a commercial SUV, but that won't be cheap either I'm afraid as the work has to be certified afterwards.