Do people from NI buy new cars in the ROI?

[was8v]

I live in the North of England but am looking at the prices of new cars in the ROI.

Seems like the RRP price for a VW golf supplied in Dublin is around £3k less than from a UK dealer.

Do people who live in NI buy new cars in the ROI? Does it work out cheaper? Do you have to pay VRT?

Anyone got experience in this? Or do NI dealers just match the prices of ROI dealers?

[nicanary]

Check for differences in spec.

[stevieturbo]

Given the current exchange rate it is possible things may be cheaper.

If you had to pay VRT though, then it would cost a fortune. For an export, I doubt you'd have to though.

Might be best calling a dealer down there, as they'd know better ?

They may have different spec, their speedo's primary display will probably be kph too. Cant imagine there being any huge differences though

[Parisien]

A lot of dealers don't like the whole hassle ie reclaiming VRT on a new car, but as times are tough then they may be more interested.

Specs are different usually, ie more basic, but not done it for 12 years!

[100 IAN]

I'm wanting to buy a particular second hand car in Dublin and export it to England.

The dealer wants me to pay for it in full and then wait for him to reclaim the VRT before he'll release the car to me.

Is this the way the system works as i'm nervous about handing over £££'s and not actually getting the keys/registration doc's for as few weeks.

What if the dealer were to go bust?

Is there also an equivalent to the UK HPI check that i can do on the vehicle in Southern Ireland?

[MRPULLHARD]

i live down South , what dealer is it ? I have no connections with any dealer but am familiar with the good and bad ones.

[100 IAN]

MRPULLHARD said:

i live down South , what dealer is it ? I have no connections with any dealer but am familiar with the good and bad ones.

I've sent you a PM, Thanks for any help you can offer.

[MRPULLHARD]

that dealer is possibly best in the south , was out there at w end drooling over stock , sells all over the country and never heard anything bad. I would imagine hes very knowledgeable about imports/ exports .

[MRPULLHARD]

sorry forgot to say motorcheck and cartell are the car history check companies . what car are you thinking of ? Have you met the guy who runs the dealer in question ? Hes very young but comes from a very well known and wealthy family.

[stevieturbo]

Presumably if it's a new car and VRT/Extortion due, you're talking about a fairly hefty sum of money ?