Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It is really difficult to get the official CO₂ and NOx figures for an imported Japanese car unless the seller provides it.

However, in your situation, it probably doesn't really matter as that car would likely be in the highest band for CO₂ (over 191g/km for VRT purposes) and NOx. The NOx levy is actually capped at €600 for petrol-fuelled cars.

Go back in and tell then you can't get the values and so I believe they'll have to put down the highest rates. This means you will pay €600 for the NOx levy and VRT at 41 per cent of the car's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP – the value Revenue believes the car to be worth after importation). There is a minimum fee for the latter, however, at €820 for cars in the highest band.

Unfortunately, as your car isn't quite a classic yet (it will be next year when it turns 30), you will pay motor tax at a rate of up to €2,400 if it is put into the top band for tax at over 225g/km. But that will only be for one year and from 2027 on you can pay classic car tax of just €55.

Don't hesitate to come back to us if you need anything clarified.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The Leapmotor B10 could be a suitable choice as a taxi as it has quite good levels of rear passenger headroom and legroom, while still retaining a useful 525 litres of boot space.

The 67.1kWh capacity battery is capable of 434 kilometres of range, and we found it to be quite close to the official energy consumption when we drove it.

Also, being an LFP battery, it is happier to be charged to 100 per cent regularly. Speaking of charging, it has a peak DC charge rate of 168kW, so 25-30 minutes will add an almost full recharge, though obviously charging up at home would be more affordable.

We did find the driver assistance features to be overbearing, but Leapmotor does provide a way of creating shortcuts to mute these, but it must be done every time the car is turned on.

Expert answer

Hi there,

As the car you're looking at has been in use all its life in the North - and I presume you can prove that - then there should not be any import duty or VAT payable on its importation south of the border. You will have to pay VRT of course. 

Always check your facts directly with Revenue before committing to a purchase.

Expert answer

Hi Caroline,

If the car is already registered in Ireland and has an NCT then there will be no issue at all taxing it. The seller should be able to supply the usual Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC - often referred to as the log book). You can also check that the car is on Revenue's system by putting the registration into the Motor Tax Online page.

Expert answer

Hi Luke,

We don't believe you can do that without actually registering the motorhome in the North first and then using it there with proof that it has been imported properly and is in fact in 'free circulation' in the EU.

The only possible way to avoid extra taxes is if you are actually permanently relocating yourself to Portugal.

Expert answer

Hi Simone,

I'm assuming you're trying to choose between that ex-demo Volvo and a brand-new Kia EV9, as we wouldn't usually consider these cars to be direct rivals, despite the fact they're both electric and can seat seven people.

The Volvo is supposedly the more luxurious car and brand for sure, and it's a very impressive vehicle. I too would be worried about the software, however, unless there's evidence that it has been updated to a newer version.

A new Kia EV9 would come with a much longer warranty and Kia also has a great reputation for reliability, so it's probably the safer bet. Saying that, the EV9 is also a lovely car, very well specified and spacious.

Make sure you drive examples of both to help you decide – and do let us know which way you go.

Expert answer

Hi Julia,

While there's no strict definition of the 'Recommended Retail Price' (RRP), it tends to include all taxes, but not the so-called "delivery fee".

This does not, incidentally, mean delivery to your own address, but delivery to the dealership...

Expert answer

Hi Jim,

I assume you mean the G6, the only car Xpeng sells in Ireland right now. 

It should make for a good taxi in terms of comfort, running costs and space, for sure. The rear seat is huge and it has a decent boot as well.

It hasn't been around long enough for us to make a call on its reliability, but EVs have less to go wrong than cars with engines so it's likely to be pretty dependable. 

Expert answer

Revenue does run a tax-relief scheme for vehicles adapted for drivers and passengers with disabilities, but the Government has confirmed that this does not apply to public service vehicles such as taxis or hackneys, wheelchair-accessible or not. In other words, a wheelchair-accessible taxi is not automatically free of VAT and VRT.

What you can benefit from is the National Transport Authority's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme, which offers a cash grant towards the cost of buying or converting a wheelchair-accessible taxi or hackney. That grant doesn't remove VAT or VRT, but it can significantly reduce the overall cost to you – by up to €17,500 depending on the age of the vehicle.

Read the information guide on the WAV Grant Scheme here

Expert answer

Hi Robert,

Yeah, it would be fine as a taxi, although I'd avoid the seven-seat one as the extra seats are useless.