VRT web site

anybody thinking of importing a car and doesn't want to wait on the line calling the VRT, it can now be done on-line

https://www.ros.ie:/VRTEnquiryServlet/showVRT

Wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any minister to reduce VRT.

The website is a big step forward, even if its not perfect, but way overdue.  There were supposed to be public kiosks in the VRT offices in Tallaght and Ennis that you could walk in and diy for quotes, etc.  I called in to the office in Ennis about 5 times in the last 18 months and it was NEVER available.  Last Christmas, it was unavailable for weeks because they had their Fairy lights plugged in the socket.

Derek, don't know about abyone else, but I'd love to know what '94 car gave you a quote like that!

There may be some anomolies, so I'd use it only for guidance.  Put in the details for my 325i (as at when I declared it a few months ago) and got back a figure of €458 when I was charged €315.  In € terms its not a great difference, but it anounts to a 30%+ discrepency. 

Its probably more accurate for more recent cars, e.g. put in details of a 01 530i and the details tally roughly with the lower end of dealer asking prices on Carzone.

Chances are also that if you get someone who knows their cars you could get a different result too...

E30 M3.... just an old 3 series or a motoring icon?

Derek

You are right.  Their systems are wise to some "specials" like the M3 as Geo points out (and I think Eamo commented a while back on what his cost).  But my old 320i Conv was an import when I bought it and the OMSP at the time was about £2250 when the going rate for one was £8-9k.  I put in the details on their web link today and came up with an OMSP of €1448.  I sold it in September last year for €7500.  The phone rang off the hook for the whole month it was up there, so it must have been priced about right.  Even with some depreciation since then there is still a V big gap.

The VRT people have discretion in how they "grade" (3 categories I think).  Years ago I bought a Sierra in the UK.  A guy ran into me in traffic there before I got it home.  It also snowed, etc. and the car looked like sh1te when I presented it, bumper hanging loose, etc.  I argued with the person a bit and they categorized it as "below avg" and that reduced the amount of VRT a bit.  There was no record of their category on any of the paperwork issued.

The one thing that you will often get away with is options fitted over and above the standard spec.  Not many of them know whether a sunroof or climate was std fit or an extra on a 5xx SE, or whether the wheels are regular alloys or £2k upgrade 18" jobbies.  They should take them in to account in calculating VRT.