Importing from the UK - definitive guide (Q&A)

learnerplates

Do you have to present the car itself to the VRO?
I'm going over to London have a look this weekend, if I purchase I'll have to leave the car in Dublin and drive back to Galway in my own.
I'd plan on going into the VRO on Monday but will I have to have the car itself present?

Is the 24hr time to go to the VRO very strict?

The_Conductor

learnerplates wrote:

Do you have to present the car itself to the VRO?
I'm going over to London have a look this weekend, if I purchase I'll have to leave the car in Dublin and drive back to Galway in my own.
I'd plan on going into the VRO on Monday but will I have to have the car itself present?

Is the 24hr time to go to the VRO very strict?

The VRO may ask to inspect the vehicle- really it depends on the type/age/mileage/price of the vehicle. Then again they may not. When I was registering my Volvo in February they asked me was the vehicle available for inspection- I replied that it certainly was, that its parked outside the door, they didn't bother though.

Re: 24 hours- its the law, but they are reasonable and will give you a little leeway (providing you do not totally take the mick, and accept that if you are driving the car on foreign plates here without Irish road tax, the vehicle is liable to be impounded). A day or two should be fine. They can ask for importation documentation though (e.g. ferry documents).

S.

learnerplates

I think I'll chance it, if they ask to see it I'll just have to make the journey to Dublin to pick if up.

rebel.ranter

learnerplates wrote:

I think I'll chance it, if they ask to see it I'll just have to make the journey to Dublin to pick if up.

Is it that you will have two cars in Dublin but only one driver? If you are afraid to drive the car on UK plates back to Galway I wouldn't be too worried. As long as you intend to VRT it soon then you shoukld be fine. You should have the car with you when going into the VRO. They probably will not inspect it as there are so many coming in at this stage.

whippet

as far as I know attending 3rd level college in the UK does not count as residence .. when my wife was bringing her car in I seem to remember something to that effect on the paperwork!!

JohnCleary

whippet wrote:

as far as I know attending 3rd level college in the UK does not count as residence .. when my wife was bringing her car in I seem to remember something to that effect on the paperwork!!

Definately does NOT count as residence, unfortunately

Darando

Has anyone ever bought a car through the Ford Direct scheme in the UK. They already have an RAC inspection done and also a HPI and milage check done already. (meaning you can save on doing another AA/RAC inspection??? )

Seems that they can deliver the car free to any dealership, i.e. one in Wales near Holyhead for example!

Is the price quoted on the website negotiable? or is it fixed?

Is the Ford Direct warranty valid in Ireland? (Doesnt mention it in T&Cs)

The_Conductor

Darando wrote:

Has anyone ever bought a car through the Ford Direct scheme in the UK. They already have an RAC inspection done and also a HPI and milage check done already. (meaning you can save on an AA/RAC inspection???)

Seems that they can deliver the car free to any dealership, i.e. one in Wales near Holyhead for example!

Is the price quoted on the website negotiable? or is it fixed?

Its probably a fixed price, but there is no harm in trying to bargain with them- worst case scenario they will say no. I even bargain in shops around Dublin- I got an extra Nintendo DS game for my wife when I bought her a console in the game shop, and a pair of HDMI cables and a universal remote in DID when I bought a TV there (in the last week.....)

Try to bargain- worst case scenario they say no, its no hair off your back......

DundalkDuffman

I went to England in January to collect a Toyota Avensis that the girlfriend had won on an ebay auction, There was no tax but was fully MOT'd and had all the necessary bumpf record/recepits with it. Took my chances the whole way from Walsall to Holyhead and just immediately after checking in for the ferry I was directed into a big shed shipside of the terminal. Customs and Police both checked me over and at no point did they ask about the tax, they were more interested in MOT and my receipt and auction details printout. Still I was 20 minutes while they checked over my licence and had sniffer dog give the car (and me!) the once over. This was for the 2am sailing so I was surprised to see so many out in force.
They also were very interested to hear that I had flown into England that morning with 5 grand sterling in my pocket. One of them told me that I was liable have had it taken off me at the airport and have to prove where it had come from! Something to be aware if you are dealing in cash over there.
There are great savings, I have only ever bought my cars in NI or UK but that whole experience put me right off. Still maybe it was unlucky but forewarned is forearmed

The_Conductor

DundalkDuffman wrote:

They also were very interested to hear that I had flown into England that morning with 5 grand sterling in my pocket. One of them told me that I was liable have had it taken off me at the airport and have to prove where it had come from! Something to be aware if you are dealing in cash over there.

Ye gods- 5 grand in cash.....
You wouldn't have organised a cash transfer via First Trust or another Irish bank? Carrying that much cash was taking a massive risk- and I don't mean from C&E at the airport......

JohnCleary

And here was me thinking I just looked like a pikey! I guess i'm not so special afterall, was shocked when the exact same thing happened me on the 2.45am ferry at Pembroke.

I asked the custom's guy wtf was up and he just laughed it off, saying it's standard procedure. I had all paperwork needed, said he was checking for ringers... Thankfully he confirmed that my car was all clear and sent me on my way

DundalkDuffman wrote:

I went to England in January to collect a Toyota Avensis that the girlfriend had won on an ebay auction, There was no tax but was fully MOT'd and had all the necessary bumpf record/recepits with it. Took my chances the whole way from Walsall to Holyhead and just immediately after checking in for the ferry I was directed into a big shed shipside of the terminal. Customs and Police both checked me over and at no point did they ask about the tax, they were more interested in MOT and my receipt and auction details printout. Still I was 20 minutes while they checked over my licence and had sniffer dog give the car (and me!) the once over. This was for the 2am sailing so I was surprised to see so many out in force.
They also were very interested to hear that I had flown into England that morning with 5 grand sterling in my pocket. One of them told me that I was liable have had it taken off me at the airport and have to prove where it had come from! Something to be aware if you are dealing in cash over there.
There are great savings, I have only ever bought my cars in NI or UK but that whole experience put me right off. Still maybe it was unlucky but forewarned is forearmed

Moanin

Never stopped me!

DundalkDuffman

smccarrick wrote:

Ye gods- 5 grand in cash.....
You wouldn't have organised a cash transfer via First Trust or another Irish bank?.

With hindsight I should have done that and given the reaction of Plod at the time I defo would if I was doing it again

Elessar

Did anyone ever get stung by the VRT adding on more for extras on a car?

I want to bring in a BMW soon but I hear that they can add extras for them and specifically look out for beemers.

I'm a bit paranoid about it, because there is no way I could afford the VRT if they added on all the little extras I'm getting with the car!

The_Conductor

Elessar wrote:

Did anyone ever get stung by the VRT adding on more for extras on a car?

I want to bring in a BMW soon but I hear that they can add extras for them and specifically look out for beemers.

I'm a bit paranoid about it, because there is no way I could afford the VRT if they added on all the little extras I'm getting with the car!

I brought back a Volvo V40 turbo diesel with the luxury pack and the sports pack- which would normally have added about 15k onto the price of the car, and was not charged any difference in the VRT over and above a bog standard V40. I have heard that they specifically look out for particular makes and models of cars though. I was asked at the VRT office if my car was available for inspection- to which I replied- sure, its parked outside. They didn't bother inspecting it.

the_galway_fry

PowerHouseDan wrote:

Quick Question, With regards to importing a Commerical From Uk? Is there a set VRT Rate? Also the Mitsubishi L200 Imported as Private or Commerical because i cant find it on the VRT Cal?

would like to know the answer to this as well .
are jeeps such as isuzu trooper(i.e. can be used to either carry people or goods) eligible for the 50 euro vrt fee if used for commercial use?
or do you have to prove it somehow
thank you.

the_galway_fry

bump...

Tipsy Mac

As far as I know to qualify for the €50 VRT the SUV would need to be commercialised when going to VRT Office, eg back seats would need to be ripped out, windows blackened/covered and rear seat belt holders welded over. Not sure if it's something you could do yourself or if it has to be done by an approved garage. O'Reilly Conversions do this, maybe give them a call.

The_Conductor

I think the answer is that determination of whether the vehicle is Category B or C is determined by a calculation that is still under discussion.

A category B vehicle is a vehicle (other than a motor cycle, category A vehicle or a listed vehicle) not more than 3 tonnes unladen weight, with a roofed area to the rear of the drivers seat of less than 2 meters in length. VRT on this is 13.5% of the open market value.

A category C vehicle is a commercial vehicle qualifying for a €50 flat rate of VRT.

For the past few years there were issues particularly with manufacturers of 4x4s who were trying to have their vehicles classed as commercial vehicles by artificial means including:

* extending seat runner rails to push the driver’s seat artificially forward,
* fitting smaller steering wheels,
* fitting slimmer seat backs,
* removing seat stuffing,
* removing dashboard fittings,
* welding in new floors to raise floor to seat level.

Along with all the usual things (installing metal side panelling in the window caveties, blacking out internal glass, removing additional seating, removing any internal fixtures for rear passenger usage etc.)

The Revenue Commissioners went on a confiscation binge about 3/4 years ago based on their interpretation of what constituted a commercial vehicle- which resulted in at least one manufacturer taking them to court (maybe if you google you might find the outcome?)

If you don't intend using the vehicle for commercial purposes, it probably is more trouble than its worth modifying it to meet the criteria to have it classified as a commercial vehicle........

Elessar

Are UK dealers likely to discuss price over the phone? What if they don't want to? Any Irish dealers I've dealt with wont discuss money until you physically go down to the garage.

Also, how much of a discount is likely? I would be hoping to get at least £500 off a BMW 3 series (in the £7000-9000 range), but since they are so popular I might not?

Jakey

Elessar wrote:

Are UK dealers likely to discuss price over the phone? What if they don't want to? Any Irish dealers I've dealt with wont discuss money until you physically go down to the garage.

Also, how much of a discount is likely? I would be hoping to get at least £500 off a BMW 3 series (in the £7000-9000 range), but since they are so popular I might not?

They will usually try that stunt of not discussing the price but explain your booking a flight specifically to buy the car and you should get them going. Dont accept the 'we'll knock a few pound off when you get here' there few pound will inevitably be a lot less than yours.

Haggle hard remind them its a straight sale and they'll never see the car again as your taking it across the pond.

Is it worth your while with a 3 series? I checked a while ago and the prices were so similar it wasnt worth travelling

Elessar

Jakey wrote:

They will usually try that stunt of not discussing the price but explain your booking a flight specifically to buy the car and you should get them going. Dont accept the 'we'll knock a few pound off when you get here' there few pound will inevitably be a lot less than yours.

Haggle hard remind them its a straight sale and they'll never see the car again as your taking it across the pond.

Is it worth your while with a 3 series? I checked a while ago and the prices were so similar it wasnt worth travelling

Definitely. If you can find me a 00/01 320i coupe with black leather and full service history for 15-16k here then I will gladly buy it.

Prices are similar but what you get in UK beats Irish $tealers hands down.

Can anyone give me an outline of how their haggling went?

Elessar

I just rang Quinn Direct about getting a temporary cert while I bring the car over but they said they cant do it. I will have to wait until my policy is up before I can go to the UK (August) :mad:

How did everyone else fare with getting temp insurance for the uk reg?

blastman

You do a temporary substitution for a set amount of time (usually a couple of days) They won't issue you with a new certificate though, just transfer your insurance temporarily for the time specified.

If you don't already have insurance though, I don't know what you would do.

The_Conductor

Same here- temporary substitution of the insurance from another vehicle. It doesnt even have to be your insurance policy- as long as it has open drive on it. Hibernian will normally do this for an admin fee of 20 Euro.

Elessar

Thanks for the info, great thread btw.

I'm getting the car soon, a 3 series, but I keep reading of the VRO keeping an eye out for beemers and charging for extras accordingly! I'm terrified and when I go into the VRO a guy will come out, look at the car, realise it's loaded with extras, get the VIN number and get onto BMW and charge me a load extra.

With VRT already at 5k for the car, I simply cannot afford anything extra!

Anyone recently brought in a BMW?

What happens if you miscalculated the VRT you had to pay and didn't have enough?! Can you drive away to save up a bit more or do they impound the vehicle?! :eek:

MR DAZ

TBH ...if you check the make/model of your car on the VRT website it will give you the exact amount that which you owe.


When it comes to paying the vrt, (well in my case anyways..and i paid mine in limerick)

They come out to your car, and take note of the reg, the milage, and your VIN number.If your car is an SE model you will be charged as an SE model. If it is a basic model you'll get charged as a basic model.

The girl who checked my car was no more than 20, and when i got back into the office...she told me that the amount due was nearly 1500 euros less than what i had calculated it to be..... and for 10 seconds i was beaming , thinking i got away with something....till i realised she had my car down as a 01 instead of a 02...

In the end the amount i had to pay was EXACTLY what i thought i had to pay originally.

So If you dont have the money to Clear it...dont bother taking it in to them...cos your only drawing them on yourself.

Just park it up for a couple of weeks until you have the cash or take your chances driving it ..but the guards and customs seem to be clamping down big time on this.

And just one other thing.... If you import a car late in the month say 20th onwards...if i was you i'd wait till the first of the next month before paying it across.....as you have to back tax it to the start of a month when you take it in.

Elessar

MR DAZ wrote:

TBH ...if you check the make/model of your car on the VRT website it will give you the exact amount that which you owe.


When it comes to paying the vrt, (well in my case anyways..and i paid mine in limerick)

They come out to your car, and take note of the reg, the milage, and your VIN number.If your car is an SE model you will be charged as an SE model. If it is a basic model you'll get charged as a basic model.

The girl who checked my car was no more than 20, and when i got back into the office...she told me that the amount due was nearly 1500 euros less than what i had calculated it to be..... and for 10 seconds i was beaming , thinking i got away with something....till i realised she had my car down as a 01 instead of a 02...

In the end the amount i had to pay was EXACTLY what i thought i had to pay originally.

So If you dont have the money to Clear it...dont bother taking it in to them...cos your only drawing them on yourself.

Just park it up for a couple of weeks until you have the cash or take your chances driving it ..but the guards and customs seem to be clamping down big time on this.

And just one other thing.... If you import a car late in the month say 20th onwards...if i was you i'd wait till the first of the next month before paying it across.....as you have to back tax it to the start of a month when you take it in.

Oh don't get me wrong, I have the money to VRT the exact model of car, it's just the website doesn't tell you about the cost of extras if they are charged. Most people are telling me not to worry about it and get a car with loads of extras, but I'm reading more and more about a vendetta the VRO have against BMWs, Mercs etc. even a few guys in this thread got stung for the extras.

If they came up with a figure that you cant pay at that point in time, do they still let you drive away or will they impound the car?

Elessar

Oh wait nevermind.

In the space of one week the VRT cost on the exact same model of BMW has jumped €1000. Looks like I wont be buying the car after all.

Fúck this government.

The_Conductor

Elessar wrote:

Oh wait nevermind.

In the space of one week the VRT cost on the exact same model of BMW has jumped €1000. Looks like I wont be buying the car after all.

Fúck this government.

The resale value for second hand cars has gone up significantly in the last few months. The Revenue Commissioners have simply reappraised the values they had for different marques/models/years/mileage in their system. They do reappraise these values every few months. If a lot of people started buying new cars again, and the resale value of second hand models fell- this would likely be reflected in the VRT calculator fairly shortly. Swings and round-abouts.