Are UK-reg cars safe to buy in Ireland?

Are UK-reg cars safe to buy in Ireland?

Elaine Kennedy (Meath)

Feb 2014 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Elaine,

 

Yes, in that it’s perfectly fine to buy a car imported from the UK as long as you’re happy that the vehicle’s condition and history are all in order, but we’d be wary of buying a car that is still on its UK plates. There are strict time limits of 30 days from the point of a car’s arrival in the State to the point where its VRT must be paid and its new numberplates fitted, so be very wary of any private seller or any dealer who hasn’t done that before they sell the car to you. A reputable seller would usually have completed the process before selling the car on.

Also, well worth checking an import's history through Cartell.ie

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe