How to check the history of a UK car?
How do I check the history of a car imported from the UK?
Frank D (Dublin)Dec 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi F D,
So long as you have the UK registration then you can do it through the larger Irish car-history checking sites such as Cartell.ie and Motorcheck.ie. It's also worth availing of the free UK government's service for extra information.
What's up with my Insignia's gearbox?
I bought my Vauxhall Insignia Estate 1.6-litre diesel from Perrys Main Vauxhall Dealers in Huddersfield in July 2021 which was first registered in September 2016. To date, it has recorded 41,000 miles approximately on its odometer with two previous owners.
I had its annual service and MOT carried out a local garage with an excellent reputation in July 2023 in July 2024 which included supplying new front discs, pads and offside callipers which was completed and paid for on 8/7/24.
Shortly afterwards the clutch burnt out and had to be supplied and fitted along with a dual-mass flywheel completed and paid for on 19/7/24. The vehicle was returned to the garage for bleeding on 25/7/24 due to the poor-quality gear change.
The vehicle was returned to the garage on 23/10/24 with a problem in selecting reverse gear and subsequently first gear without switching the engine off. The manager confirmed this work and any further work relating to this problem would be on a free-of-charge basis under warranty.
Subsequently, the garage has fitted two more clutches to replace those burnt out and a master cylinder during November 2024. Unfortunately, the problem of selecting reverse and first gear still persists, and the vehicle is going back into the garage tomorrow for further investigation.
Have you any suggestion that could resolve this problem?
Cheers, Michael
MICHAEL LAWTON (Huddersfield)Dec 2024 Filed under: gearbox
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
I don't think we can add much to this other than to say that it sounds like a selector issue, which may have been dislodged or damaged when the work on the clutch was done. However, I'd have expected the gear selection issue to be there from the start if it was that and this sounds worrying like an internal gearbox problem now.
Unless the garage somehow damaged the gearbox during the work, I don't see how they could be responsible for it, but if they're taking responsibility for fixing it for you then they are in a better position than me to advise you what is causing the issues.
I do hope it gets sorted soon.
Renault Clio or Toyota Auris?
Hi,
I am looking at purchasing either a 2015 Renault Clio 1.5 diesel with 88,000km on the clock or a 2013 Toyota Auris diesel with 196,000km on the clock for €8,500. I used to drive a Peugeot 207 and currently renting a Clio until I buy a new car.
I drive a lot for work and need a good seat (neck issues) and something that is economical on fuel. I'd really appreciate your advice on which is the better car in the long run. My budget is €9,000, which I know is low for a decent car.
Ciara Conway (Galway)Nov 2024 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Ciara,
In general, larger cars come with better seats, and the Auris is in a class above the Clio in size terms so that would normally hold true. However, there's two years between these cars and over 100,000km, to the benefit of the Clio, and that really goes against the Toyota as its seats (and everything else of course) will have been through a lot more use. On top of that, the Clio is one of the bigger and more substantial cars in its sector.
In this case, and without knowing anything about the condition or service history of both (just as important as mileage and year), I'd suggest the Clio would be a better bet for you. Both are similarly economical.
A quick look on Carzone.ie for a diesel hatchback for under €9,000 reveals plenty of good alternatives to the above, including the Nissan Note and Pulsar and Honda Civic. There are loads of others with higher mileages on the clock already. From what I've seen, the Honda Civic seems like a really good option.
Thoughts on my Golf's timing belt interval?
Hi,
Re: timing belt interval on Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI (Mark 7.5, first registered 2019).
Has Volkswagen changed the intervals on timing belts? When I bought my 2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.0 TSI I enquired as to the interval for the timing belt and was informed that it would need replacing at 240,000km or if that mileage was not reached it should last the life of the vehicle.
Today when I scheduled my car for a routine service at about 87,000km I was told that the interval for timing belt is either at five years of age or 120,000km. The cost of replacement at main dealer is a massive €700. I made a point of confirming the timing belt interval when I bought the car to budget for the overall costs of running the car while in my ownership. I feel aggrieved with Volkswagen if it's the case it has changed the interval without notice.
The cynic in me would think VW is merely lining its pockets. Am I taking a risk if I don't change the belt now that the car is five years old although the mileage is only 87,000km?
Thanks, Des
Des D (Maynooth)Nov 2024 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Des,
Our information is 240,000km or 15 years on that car, but in truth, the dealer should know best. A car manufacturer wouldn't just change the interval for the sake of 'lining its pockets' as you've described and it's not unusual for changes to the interval to happen in a car's lifetime as experience is gathered.
No harm double checking that information with a few other Volkswagen dealerships and, as the car is out of warranty anyway, you can always consider getting the work done at an independent garage.
Should I buy an Ocean Fisker?
Hi,
I'm looking to buy a second=hand electric car in the near future. I have been looking at the Ocean Fisker (good price second hand at present). There has been a lot of negative views/reviews on the car on YouTube. There seems to be a lot of issues with software updates and talk of the company going bankrupt. Do you think it would still be a good car (could it still be serviced and would it work/drive) or would it be a brick in the driveway?
Regards
Des Joyce (Galway)Oct 2024 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Des,
I quite liked the Fisker when I drove it, but even the press car was badly made, which doesn't bode well. I personally would not buy that car given the financial issues the company is having. There are loads of good alternatives on the market now from established brands.
VRT on an imported VW Transporter?
Hi,
A friend of mine purchased and imported a Volkswagen Transporter van a year ago from England but didn't pay the VRT yet. He has paid the Customs Duty (10%) and VAT (23%) but didn't pay the VRT.
How much would the VRT be if he decides to pay it (including any late payment penalties where applicable)? Is it VRT Category B of 13.3% of OMSP or is it €200 flat fee based on N1 van category as it has only three front seats (no back seats) and a laden mass greater than 130% of the mass in service (whatever that means)?
Thanks
Des D (Maynooth)Sep 2024 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Des,
The late payment penalty is 0.1 per cent per day after the allowed 30 days. If the van is as described, with a VRT fee of €200, then the daily penalty added on is just 20 cents...
Thinking of getting a BMW i3...
Hi,
Are EVs exempt from VRT if looking to import one? Having trouble with the Passat and if and when it gets sorted my wife wants it gone and to treat ourselves so started looking at used BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe but tow truck friend warning us away from the 2.0 diesels: "doesn't matter who had it, where or how often it's been serviced or easy life, they are all trouble." And 3.0 diesel harder to find here but still give timing chain trouble.
Son is 20 and learning to drive so depending on cost to fix may dictate keeping it so third car turning to a BMW i3. When I met my wife she drove a SEAT Arosa and we kept that and I used it for my backroad commute to work for years as economical second car runabout.
With fuel, both diesel and petrol rising it might tick a few boxes to look at small economical runabout, it's auto so will suit both wife and son and our first step into EV.
Earlier with the range extender seems lower on the recommend list compared to the later fully electric 2018 onwards or i3S model.
ROS VRT site looks like it has had an update and gave both i3 and i3S options but wasn't clever enough to blank out NOx and CO2 fields. When checking rates for i3S it auto filled a figure for NOx, which I just cancelled out.
Ideally I'd like to buy from a BMW or SIMI dealer with history and warranty and liked your article on importing from Northern Ireland.
Appreciate any advice on importing an i3 (or 4 Series Gran Coupe) from up North
Regards
Damien McGettrick (Lusk)Sep 2024 Filed under: electric cars
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.
Can I convert my commercial Land Cruiser?
Hi,
Currently driving a 2010 LWB Toyota Land Cruiser (commercial). Now with the arrival of two small boys, I cannot bring them with me when driving. Can I change it from commercial to business/passenger and if so what is the process for same?
Patrick Fitzgerald (Tipperary)Sep 2024 Filed under: commercial vehicle
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.
Are my calculations right on importing this Honda?
Hi,
I've recently paid a substantial deposit on a car in Northern Ireland. (I/we live in Ireland). We bought a petrol car as the import charges are a lot less than diesel. I worked it out to be approximately €196 NOx charge and about €1,200 VRT. In total the cost of the car is under £3,000 Sterling. It is a 2012 Honda CR-V 2.0 petrol.
Can you please advise me urgently as I was going to collect my new car this weekend. If I’m being misled please let me know so I can try to stop the sale due to this discrepancy and get my refund back.
Thanks
Raymond O Callaghan (Slane)Sep 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Raymond,
Following on from our separate conversation, you've confirmed that car is on a Northern Ireland number plate, so I'd assume it has been used in the North by a private individual for quite some time. A quick check of the UK's MOT history service confirms the car was tested in the North since at least 2018.
You'll need documentation to prove all this on importation, but it would appear that you will not be liable for VAT or import duty on this car.
So then it's just VRT and the NOx levy.
It would appear that the NOx rating is 23mg/km, which means a bill of €150 if that's correct.
The CO2 rating appears to be 190g/km, though that would be on the old pre-WLTP system and it needs to be 'uplifted' by Revenue's calculations. That would bring it into the top band, at 41 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price). The OMSP is the value Revenue believes the car to be worth on the Irish market, and it's not always an easy figure to guess accurately.
There don't see to be many similar cars on sale in Ireland now so our job is made more difficult by that. If you assume an OMSP of €12,000 as a worst case then VRT would be 41 per cent of that, at €4,920. Obviously, that final figure depends massively on the OMSP.
Hope that helps
When to change my BMW 420d's chain?
When is my BMW 420d timing chain due? It is a 2014 BMW 420d F32 M Sport with 216,000km. It is regularly serviced and there is no rattling noises coming from the engine or anything.
Tommy Whyte (Portlaoise)Jul 2024 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Tommy,
There is no recommended replacement schedule for the timing chain on that car - or on most cars really. If it's not noisy and the car is running well, plus you regularly service it, then there shouldn't be anything to worry about.