Imported Cars in Ireland 2023
Imported Cars in Ireland 2023

Imported Cars in Ireland 2023

November 17, 2023
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Imported cars are a popular choice for motorists in Ireland for several reasons. They are often cheaper than buying a new or used car from a local dealership and offer a more comprehensive range of features and options. However, there are also some things to remember when buying an imported car in Ireland, such as taxes and duties, warranty coverage, and registration requirements.


We will discuss everything you need to buy an imported car in Ireland. We will cover the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing an imported car, the different types of imported cars available, how to find a reputable importer, and the steps involved in importing a car to Ireland.


We will also provide tips on buying a reliable imported car in Ireland and resources for more information on importing cars to Ireland. Whether you are a first-time buyer or simply looking for more information on imported cars in Ireland, this blog post is for you.


What are Imported Cars ?

Imported cars are vehicles that have been manufactured in one country and sold in another country. In the case of Ireland, imported cars can come from any country in the world. Still, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan are the most popular sources.


Reason of Irish People Choose to buy Imported Cars

  • The Irish independent give several reasons why people choose to buy imported cars. One reason is that they are often cheaper than buying a new or used car from a local dealership. This is because the importer can negotiate better prices with the manufacturer or dealership in the country where the car was manufactured.
  • Another reason people choose to buy imported cars is that they may offer a broader range of features and options than cars sold in Ireland. For example, some imported cars may have features unavailable in Irish-market cars, such as different engine options, trim levels, or safety features.
  • However, some things must be remembered when buying an imported car. One thing to consider is the cost of taxes and duties. When you import a car to Ireland, you must pay import duty and VAT. The tax you pay will depend on the value of the car and the country where it was manufactured.
  • Another thing to consider is warranty coverage. Some imported cars in Ireland may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. You should check with the importer to see if the car you want is covered by warranty..

Overall, imported cars can be a good option for motorists in Ireland. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision.


Imported cars are popular in Ireland for a number of reasons, including:

Lower Prices

Imported cars are often cheaper than cars sold in Ireland. This is due to several factors, such as different tax regimes and exchange rates. For example, the VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) in Ireland is a progressive tax, which means that the more expensive the car, the higher the tax. However, in some other European countries, the VRT is a flat tax, meaning all cars are taxed at the same rate, regardless of price. This can make imported cars significantly cheaper than cars sold in Ireland.

Wider Range of Options

Imported cars may offer a broader range of features and options than cars sold in Ireland. This is because manufacturers may provide different models or trim levels in other markets. For example, some imported cars may have features unavailable in Irish-market cars, such as different engine options, trim levels, or safety features.

More Competitive Market

The imported car market in Ireland is more competitive than the domestic market. This is because more importers and dealerships are competing for business. This can lead to better prices and services for consumers.


Benefits of Buying an Imported Car in Ireland

There are a number of other benefits to buying an imported car in Ireland, including:

Potential Savings

Imported cars can often be cheaper than cars sold in Ireland, even considering the cost of taxes and duties. For example, a study by the Irish Motor Industry Association found that imported cars were, on average, 5% cheaper than cars sold in Ireland in 2022.

Wider Vhoice

 Imported cars may offer a broader range of features and options than cars sold in Ireland. This can be especially beneficial for consumers looking for a specific type of car or wanting a car with a particular set of features.

Better Value

The imported car market in Ireland is more competitive than the domestic market. This can lead to better prices and services for consumers. For example, imported cars are often subject to more rigorous inspection standards than cars sold in Ireland.


Drawbacks of Buying an Imported Car in Ireland

While there are several benefits to buying an imported car in Ireland, there are also a few drawbacks that consumers should be aware of, including.

Taxes and Duties

Imported cars are subject to import duty and VAT, which can add to the cost of the vehicle. The tax you pay will depend on the value of the car and the country where it was manufactured. For example, the import duty on a car from the United Kingdom is 10%, and the VAT is 23%.

Warranty Coverage

Some imported cars in Ireland may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty may be specific to the country where the car was sold. Consumers should check with the importer to see if the car they want is covered by a warranty.

Registration Process 

The registration process for imported cars can be complex and time-consuming. Consumers must obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer and then apply for an import license from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS). Once the import license has been granted, consumers must pay the import duty and VAT and then register the car with the NVDRS.


Types of imported cars in Ireland

Japanese Imported Cars

Japanese cars are some of the most popular imported cars in Ireland. They are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The most popular Japanese cars imported to Ireland include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Qashqai, and Mazda CX-5.

German Cars

 German cars are also trendy in Ireland. They are known for their performance, luxury, and handling. The most famous German cars imported to Ireland include the Audi A3, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volkswagen Golf..

British Imported Cars

British cars are another popular choice for imported cars in Ireland. They are known for their style, comfort, and driving experience. Some of the most popular British cars imported to Ireland include the Land Rover Discovery, Jaguar XF, and MINI Cooper.

American Cars

American cars are less common in Ireland than other types of imported cars. However, they are still popular with some motorists. American cars are known for their size, power, and luxury. The most famous American cars imported to Ireland include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Charger.

Other European Cars

 Other popular European cars in Ireland include the Volvo XC60, Peugeot 308, and Skoda Octavia. These cars are known for their reliability, comfort, and value for money.


How to Buy an Imported Car in Ireland

There are three main ways to buy an imported car in Ireland:

Finding a Reputable Importer

This is the easiest and most convenient way to buy an imported car. Importers will handle all of the paperwork and logistics for you, so you can simply choose the vehicle you want, and they will take care of the rest.

You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations to find a reputable importer. You can also search online for reviews of different importers. Once you have found a few potential importers, read their terms and conditions carefully before deciding.

Importing the car yourself

This process is more complex and time-consuming, but it can save you money. To import a car, you must obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer and then apply for an import license from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS). Once you have the import license, you must pay the import duty and VAT and then register the car with the NVDRS.

Buying an Imported Car From a Private Seller

This is the least common way to buy an imported car in Ireland. However, it can be a good option if you want a specific car or want to save money.

To buy an imported car from a private seller, you must be able to inspect the car yourself and arrange for the car’s transportation to Ireland. You will also need to pay the import duty and VAT yourself.


Finding a Reputable importer

When choosing an importer, it is important to do your research and choose a company that has a good reputation. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Experience: Choose an importer that has experience importing cars to Ireland. This will ensure that they are familiar with the process and that they can handle all of the paperwork and logistics for you.
  • Reputation: Read online reviews of different importers to get an idea of their reputation. Look for reviews that mention the importer’s customer service, honesty, and professionalism.
  • Guarantees: Some importers offer guarantees on their cars. This can be a good way to protect yourself if the car has any problems.

4 Steps Importing the Car Yourself

If you decide to import the car yourself, you will need to follow these steps:

Obtain a Vehicle Inspection Certificate

A vehicle inspection certificate is a document that certifies that the car is roadworthy. You can obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer in the country where the car is located.

Apply for an Import License

You can apply for an import license from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS) website. You will need to provide the vehicle inspection certificate and other documentation.

Pay the Import Duty and VAT

The import duty and VAT will be calculated based on the car’s value. You can pay the import duty and VAT online or at a post office.

Register the Car with the NVDRS

Once you have paid the import duty and VAT, you can register the car with the NVDRS. You can do this online or at a post office.


Buying an Imported Car From a Private Seller

If you decide to buy an imported car from a private seller, you will need to follow these steps:

Inspect the Car Yourself

It is important to inspect the car yourself before you buy it. This will help you to identify any potential problems.

Arrange For the Transportation Of The Car to Ireland

You will need to arrange for the transportation of the car to Ireland yourself. You can do this through a shipping company or a private transporter.

Pay The Import Duty and VAT

You will need to pay the import duty and VAT yourself. You can do this online or at a post office.

Register The Car with The NVDRS

Once you have the car in Ireland, you will need to register it with the NVDRS. You can do this online or at a post office.


Things to Consider When Vuying an Imported Car in Ireland

Taxes and Duties

Imported cars are subject to import duty and VAT. The amount of tax you pay will depend on the value of the car and the country where it was manufactured. You can find more information on the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS) website.

Warranty Coverage

Some imported cars may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty in Ireland. This is because the warranty may be specific to the country where the car was originally sold. You should check with the importer to see if the car you are interested in is covered by warranty.

Registration Process

The registration process for imported cars can be complex and time-consuming. You will need to obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer and then apply for an import license from the NVDRS. Once you have the import license, you will need to pay the import duty and VAT and then register the car with the NVDRS.

Insurance

You will need to purchase insurance for your imported car. The type of insurance you need will depend on your individual circumstances. You should contact a few different insurance companies to get quotes.

Additional Considerations

  • Model availability: Some models of cars are not available in Ireland. Imported cars can give you access to a wider range of models to choose from.
  • Price: Imported cars can often be cheaper than cars sold in Ireland. However, you need to factor in the cost of taxes and duties, as well as the cost of the registration process and insurance.
  • Condition: It is important to inspect imported cars carefully before you buy them.

Top Imported Cars in Ireland

The following are the top imported cars in Ireland, based on data from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS):

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a popular choice for imported cars in Ireland because it is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is another popular choice for imported cars in Ireland because it is a well-rounded car that offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and practicality.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a popular choice for imported cars in Ireland because it is a fun-to-drive car that is also affordable and practical.

Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a popular choice for imported cars in Ireland because it is a versatile, fuel-efficient SUV.

BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a popular choice for imported cars in Ireland because it is a stylish and sporty car that is also fun to drive.

Other popular imported cars in Ireland include the Honda Civic, Mazda CX-5, Audi A3, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

These cars are popular for several reasons. They are often cheaper than cars sold in Ireland, even considering the cost of taxes and duties. They may also offer more features and options than cars sold in Ireland. Additionally, some of these cars are not available in Ireland at all.


How to Import a Car to Ireland Yourself

If you want to import a car to Ireland yourself, you will need to follow these steps:

Get a Vehicle Inspection Certificate

A vehicle inspection certificate is a document that certifies that the car is roadworthy. You can obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer in the country where the car is located.

Apply For an Import License

You can apply for an import license from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS) website. You will need to provide the vehicle inspection certificate and other documentation.

Pay the import duty and VAT

The import duty and VAT will be calculated based on the car’s value. You can pay the import duty and VAT online or at a post office.

Register the car with the NVDRS

Once you have paid the import duty and VAT, you can register the car with the NVDRS. You can do this online or at a post office..

Get insurance for the car

You will need to purchase insurance for your imported car. The type of insurance you need will depend on your individual circumstances. You should contact a few different insurance companies to get quotes.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure that the car you are importing is eligible to be registered in Ireland. You can check the eligibility requirements on the NVDRS website.
  • If you are importing a car from the United Kingdom, you will need to get a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer.
  • You should allow plenty of time for the import process. It can take several weeks to complete all of the necessary paperwork and inspections.

Tips for Buying a Reliable Imported Car in Lreland

Buy from a Reputable Importer

Do your research and choose an importer that has a good reputation. You can read online reviews of different importers and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.

Inspect the Car Carefully

Get a qualified mechanic to inspect the car before you buy it. This will help you to identify any potential problems.

Look for Cars with a Good Service history

If possible, buy a car that has been regularly serviced by a reputable garage.

Choose a Car that is Known For its Reliability

Some brands and models of cars are more reliable than others. Do some research to find out which cars are known for their reliability


Resources For More Information on Importing Cars to Ireland

  • Kimtradings
  • National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS)
  • Irish Motor Industry Association (IMI)
  • Association of Independent Vehicle Importers (AIVIA)
  • Ask the importer about the car’s history: Ask the importer about the car’s previous owners, service history, and any accidents or damage.
  • Get a warranty: If possible, get a warranty on the imported car. This will protect you if the car has any problems after you buy it.
  • Be prepared to pay for shipping: If you are buying a car from overseas, you will need to pay for shipping to Ireland.

Final Thoughts

Buying an imported car in Ireland can be an excellent way to save money and get the vehicle you want. However, it is essential to research and choose a reputable importer or seller. You should also know the costs and paperwork of importing a car to Ireland..

If you are considering buying an imported car, here are a few final thoughts to keep in mind

  • Make Sure You are Getting a Good Deal: Compare the price of the imported car to the price of similar cars that are sold in Ireland. You should also factor in the cost of taxes and duties, as well as the cost of the registration process and insurance.
  • Inspect the Car Carefully: Imported cars may have been driven in different weather conditions and on different roads than cars sold in Ireland. It is important to inspect the car carefully for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
  • Get a Warranty: If possible, get a warranty on the imported car. This will protect you if the car has any problems after you buy it.
  • Be Prepared for Paperwork: The import process can be complex and time-consuming. Be prepared to provide a lot of paperwork to the importer and the NVDRS.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, buying an imported car can be a good way to get a great car at a great price.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)

Q: What are the taxes and duties on imported cars in Ireland?

A:Imported cars are subject to import duty and VAT. The import duty is 10% of the car’s value, and the VAT is 23%. For example, if you import a vehicle that costs €10,000, you must pay €1,000 in import duty and €2,300 in VAT.

Q: What is the registration process for imported cars in Ireland?

A: Imported cars are subject to import duty and VAT. The import duty is 10% of the car’s value, and the VAT is 23%. For example, if you import a vehicle that costs €10,000, you must pay €1,000 in import duty and €2,300 in VAT..

Q: What is the registration process for imported cars in Ireland?

A: To register an imported car in Ireland, you must obtain a vehicle inspection certificate from a qualified engineer and then apply for an import license from the National Vehicle and Driver Registration Service (NVDRS). Once you have the import license, you must pay the import duty and VAT and then register the car with the NVDRS..

Q: What are the benefits of buying an imported car in Ireland?

There are a number of benefits to buying an imported car in Ireland, including:

  • Lower prices: Imported cars are often cheaper than cars sold in Ireland.
  • Wider range of options: Imported cars offer a wider range of features and options than cars sold in Ireland.
  • More competitive market: The imported car market in Ireland is more competitive than the domestic market, which can lead to better prices and service for consumers

.

Q: How do I find a reputable importer in Ireland?

A: There are several ways to find a reputable importer in Ireland. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. You can also search online for reviews of different importers. Once you have found a few potential importers, read their terms and conditions carefully before deciding.

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