Expert answer

Hi John,

In terms of preference, I'd have a strong one for the Hyundai. It's a far more polished driving experience and it has a far more sensible interior layout that doesn't rely entirely on a touchscreen. Along with that, there's the back up of a full dealer network and Hyundai's strong warranty.

On paper, of course, the Tesla's stats are impressive as it's quicker accelerating, has a longer range on a charge and has a larger boot, but none of those things are enough to convince me it's the one to have in this comparison. 

Best advice I can offer is to go and test drive both for yourself and see what you think. Please do let us know what you think (in private) by submitting a message via the Contact Us page.

Expert answer

Hi Adam,

Based on the information you've provided, I think you'll cause complications by trying to get rid of the VAT portion through an intermediary in the North, and that may raise suspicions with Revenue on importation.

There's no way to avoid VAT on a car - you either pay it in the North or when you import it here. 

As the car was used in the North for those two years, there should be no additional VAT (or import duty) payable on importing it south, even though it was used by a dealer. Just pay the dealer in full, get an invoice from them showing the transaction and then you should only be dealing with VRT (which is presumably zero in the case of a used EV such as this in any case).

If in any doubt, send a query to Revenue.

Expert answer

Hi Lucas,

It's very simple: as this vehicle is over 30 years old it qualifies for a flat rate of VRT - it'll be just €200.

Make sure you understand the potential for VAT and import duty payments on importation though, depending on where you're bringing it in from.

Expert answer

Hi Martin,

We wish all readers were so detailed in their requirements, as it makes it easy to choose a suitable car for you.

In your position, I'd be inclined to buy as new and long-range a used Nissan Leaf as I can find to use as your second car for ferrying the kids about. It's not huge inside but should be grand for a couple of child seats in the back so long as the front-seat passengers are not really tall.

It'll be exceptionally cheap and easy to run as you already have a charger at home and maintenance will be minimal as well.

And you'll get a bike rack on any car within reason.

If you'd rather not have another EV, then perhaps consider a large hatchback such as the Skoda Octavia. It's massive inside and in the boot so could fill in all the gaps you've mentioned, and there are plenty of different models available, including plug-in hybrids, so it might offer you an extra dimension of versatility, but with the option of keeping your costs low at the same time.

Come back to us to let us know if we're on the right track (you can submit another question or send us a private message via the Contact Us page).

Expert answer

Hi Lynsey,

The only way to do it would be to permanently remove the rear seats and seatbelts and create a bulkhead between the front two seats and the cargo area. It will also require a conversion declaration.

Expert answer

Hi Gerard,

On importation, you will not have to pay VRT as the Kona is all-electric and within the top limit for a full VRT rebate.

We can't determine the car's customs status for you, however, which determines whether or not you'll pay VAT and import duty. To avoid that, you'll need to ensure the car was actually imported into the North and used there for a “reasonable amount of time” (Revenue's words) before being sold on for export.

Put more simply, if the dealer brought the car into the North from England, Scotland or Wales just to sell on, it's highly likely that you will be stung for VAT and duty.

Expert answer

Hi Terence,

The reg itself isn't what Revenue looks at, but it certainly looks at the customs status of the car. If it was brought into Northern Ireland from GB (England, Scotland or Wales) just to be sold on and not actually used in the North by an owner, then VAT and customs duty will be due on importation south of the border.

If it was imported into the North and used there “for a reasonable amount of time” (Revenue's words), and you need to be able to prove that with a paper trail, then no VAT or duty should be required.

So don't just go by the reg on the car.

Expert answer

Hi Michael,

Given what you said, we'd assume that there is no import duty or VAT in that price, just VRT and the NOx levy.

VRT is based on the CO₂ emissions band and the so-called Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). The latter is not the price paid for the car, but the value Revenue believes it to be worth after importation in Ireland.

And while the CO₂ emissions rating might be 187g/km, that is likely to be the old NEDC rating. Revenue 'uplifts' that to be comparable to the newer WLTP standard, which would put this Cayenne into the top band for VRT, at 41 per cent of the OMSP.

It's not easy to estimate what Revenue might say the OMSP is, as that's a rare car in that specification, but for example, if it said it's worth €30,000 in Ireland, then the VRT alone would be €12,300.

On top of that is the NOx levy, which can be really expensive for big old diesels. We'd estimate that could be just under €3,000 for the Cayenne S Diesel.

Unfortunately, therefore, the price you've been quoted to bring this car into Ireland isn't at all surprising.

Expert answer

Hi Pauric,

I'm afraid your local motor tax office has it right. When a commercial vehicle is taxed for private use, it is done by the engine size, reverting back to the old pre-2008 system, even for a relatively new van such as yours. It has nothing to do with CO₂ emissions.

So a van with an engine of 1,401-1,500cc capacity does indeed cost €413 per year to tax for private use.

Read our Motor Road Tax Prices In Ireland Explained guide for full details.

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

That is mostly correct, though the car must be registered to someone at the Northern Irish address and I don't believe that petrol receipts will suffice as proof. An MOT in the North should though. Revenue isn't very precise in its information around this, unfortunately.