Expert answer

Hi Mark,

Our understanding is that no VAT or import duty would be payable on such a car, but as ever you should clarify the situation with Revenue for yourself. 

Expert answer

Hi Jake,

You can easily notify your local motor tax office that you will be using a pickup like the Amarok for private use, and then pay the required motor tax. Unfortunately, that may not satisfy the insurers. Best to ask them before you buy the vehicle if this will be sufficient, and also make sure you get a quote. 

If you have no joy, consider employing the services of an independent insurance broker to do the legwork for you.

Best of luck

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Hi Waltter,

It depends on which all-wheel-drive system your car has. Most of them have an automatic system that sends engine power to the rear wheels only when slip is detected at the front. Some have a centre differential that you can lock yourself using a button on the dashboard marked "4WD Lock" or similar. This is for low speed use only and can only be turned on at very low speeds. It will revert to automatic functioning once you exceed about 40km/h.

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Hi Denis,

It goes by the engine size in that case, which would mean €1,080 per year - based on engine size of 2,402cc.

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Hi Ahmed,

We can help you calculate an estimate, but bear in mind there are variables that are outside our control. The two items needed are the CO₂ rating to determine the VRT band the car is in and the OMSP. The latter - standing for Open Market Selling Price - is not a fixed thing and not directly linked to how much you pay for the car. It is the price Revenue believes the car would sell for registered in Ireland and it's not always easy to guess a figure for. Also bear in mind that if the car has lots of extras, Revenue will bump up the OMSP. 

Anyway, to help give an estimate, I believe the CO₂ rating for that model should put the car into Band 9, at 15.25 per cent. 

Taking €19,000 as the example OMSP, that would mean a VRT bill of €2,897.50. 

Don't forget the NOx levy and, depending on where you're importing the car from, VAT and import duty as well.

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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 Rob,

I'd suggest not spending any money on the car until you've gone back to the seller. Tell them you know they're a trader and you'd like them to fix the issue. If they won't play ball, gather as much evidence as you can and then get the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection) involved.

Best of luck with it

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Hi Mattias,

If you love the car and can't find the same thing in Ireland or the North - and you don't want to look in the rest of Europe for a left-hand-drive example - then it's your only choice I guess.

It will cost a bit though. Beyond the usual VRT, you'll also pay VAT and import duty.

Expert answer

Hi Mike,

There's nothing stopping you from using any car for business purposes, but there are no official commercial versions of the BYD cars on sale at this time. Though you've not said what you will use the vehicle for, I'd suggest that the Seal saloon is not suited for carrying bulky goods at all, as lovely as it is as a car. 

The Seal U SUV is much better suited as it has a large boot and rear seats that can be folded down. You could in theory have those rear seats removed completely and turn it into a commercial, but as it's so new we don't know of anyone that has done that. 

The Seal U runs on petrol, obviously, which you couldn't claim VAT back on, so that may rule it out for many.

Come back to us with more details if you need more assistance.

Expert answer

Hi Alisa,

That is a terrible situaton and I'm not sure if you can do anything. If you buy a used car from a private individual then there is usually no warranty and though you never met the actual seller, it sounds as if you were aware it was a private sale and there was no mention of warranty. 

If you have other information that you have not disclosed to us, perhaps contact the CPCC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) and talk through the situation to see if there is anything more you can do.