Is it worth importing a 2009 Saab 9-3 diesel?

Hi,

I want to know how much VRT I would have to pay on a 2009 Saab 9-3 1.9 diesel. When I try and do it on the VRT website it doesn’t give me the option of that actual model. Don’t want to buy it if the duty is going to end up costing me too much and then the car won’t be worth the money then.

Thanks

Louise (Louth)

Feb 2025 Filed under: VRT

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Expert answer

Hi Louise,

The difficulty here is working on what OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) Revenue is likely to place on the vehicle, especially one so rare. Let’s say a maximum of €4,000, though it should be worth less than that.

Then we need the CO₂ rating, as that gives us the VRT band and percentage. Our data shows that the car would have a CO₂ value of 137g/km. However, that’s the old “NEDC” figure and the Irish government will apply an “uplifting” formula to bring it up to WLTP standards for VRT calculation. It comes out as 166g/km.

That means VRT in Band 18, or 30 per cent of the OMSP.

With an OMSP of €4,000, the VRT would be €1,200.

And don’t forget the NOx levy, which would be quite high for that car as well regardless of the OMSP.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor