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VIN Decoder Ireland

Renata Liubertaitė

Importing a car to Ireland from the UK has gotten a little trickier since Brexit. With new taxes and paperwork, the days of just taking a ferry and driving back with a deal are long gone. However, UK imports to Ireland continue to be a great choice for many Irish buyers due to their larger market and the possibility of finding amazing deals on unique or high-spec models.

The red tape shouldn't deter you. From locating the ideal vehicle across the Irish Sea to obtaining legal registration and putting it on the road here at home, this guide will help you every step of the way.

Reveal them all! Just enter a VIN code and click the button:

Used cars have dark secrets

. Knowing where to look is beneficial because the UK market offers a huge selection. Well-known websites that list thousands of cars from private and trade sellers, such as AutoTrader.co.uk, eBay Motors, and Motors.co.uk, are great places to start.

Examine the approved used car sections of trustworthy UK dealership websites too for added peace of mind. Even though the sticker price may be a little higher, these vehicles frequently have better buyer protections and warranties included in the sale.

Remember these important points as you browse:

 Check dealership reviews or exercise caution when dealing with unproven private sellers.

 Make sure the vehicle has its V5C logbook, which is the UK version of our VRC.

 Some vehicles have specifications unique to the UK market. This could lead to headaches later with emissions standards or sourcing replacement parts in Ireland. A quick check on Irish forums for the model you're considering can be a lifesaver.

Use carVertical to verify a vehicle’s history before importing

When buying a used car, especially from another country: you only know what the seller wants you to know. A 

, but its past could be hiding some expensive or dangerous secrets. This is where a 

 from carVertical becomes an essential tool.

A car history check can uncover critical issues that aren't visible in an 

 or even during a quick viewing. It can flag everything from a 

 to outstanding finance, but two of the most crucial checks for any import are mileage fraud and damage history.

, also known as "clocking," occurs when is illegally rolled back to make the car appear less used than it is. A car with a 

 could be due for major servicing (like a timing belt change) far sooner than you think, leading to unexpected and hefty garage bills.

The report can also reveal if the car has been declared a write-off by an insurance company in the UK (e.g., Cat S or Cat N). Some of these vehicles are repaired and put back on the road, but the quality of the repair can vary massively. An improperly repaired car could be structurally unsafe, and you may have trouble getting it insured in Ireland.

Getting a history check isn’t about being pessimistic; it’s about making an informed decision and protecting yourself from buying a lemon.

Avoid costly problems by checking a vehicle's history. Get a report instantly!

Check your VIN

Physical inspection: what to look for before you buy

Even with a clean carVertical report, nothing beats seeing the car in the metal. If you can travel to the UK to inspect and test drive it, you absolutely should. If a trip isn't practical, consider hiring a third-party vehicle inspection service in the UK. For professional peace of mind, the cost of this is a small price to pay.

Here is a brief list of items to check for, whether you or an inspector is involved:

 Poor accident repair may be indicated by irregular gaps or misaligned panels. Look for paint overspray on the window seals and trim.

 Variable tire wear could be a sign of alignment or 

 when the engine is running warm or cold.

 illuminate when the ignition is turned on and extinguish when the engine is started.

 Make sure the vehicle's mileage and age match those listed in the service history book, which needs to be stamped.

It's risky to skip a physical check. You might have to pay more to fix a hidden problem than the total cost of importing the vehicle to Ireland.

Key costs to consider when importing a car from the UK

To figure out if that UK car is a true bargain, you need to calculate the total "landed" cost. The initial purchase price is just the beginning. When importing a car from Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales), be prepared for the following expenses:

 The cost of a ferry and fuel if you collect it yourself, or the fee for a professional delivery service.

 Generally 10% of the purchase price plus transport costs.

 Charged at the Irish rate of 23% on the total value (purchase price + transport + customs duty).

 A significant tax paid upon registration in Ireland.

 Including the cost of your new Irish number plates.

 Standard running costs, but essential to make the car road-legal.

Thanks to the Windsor Framework, importing a used car from Northern Ireland is much simpler and cheaper. If the car is a "qualifying" vehicle (meaning it was in free circulation in NI), you do not have to pay Customs Duty or VAT. You are still liable for VRT when you register the car in the Republic of Ireland. This makes NI a much more attractive location for UK imports.

Vehicle Registration Tax, or VRT, is a tax you must pay when you first register a vehicle in Ireland. It’s a key part of the cost of importing a car from the UK to Ireland and can be a significant chunk of your budget.

VRT must be paid to Revenue at your local National Car Testing Service (NCTS) centre. The amount you pay is calculated based on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of the vehicle, which is the price Revenue determines it would sell for in Ireland. Next, a percentage rate determined by the vehicle's CO2 emissions is applied to this OMSP. The tax increases as emissions rise.

To get an idea of how much VRT is in Ireland, it's best to use the 

official VRT calculator on the Revenue website

 If Revenue gives it an OMSP of €24,000, the VRT rate (22.5%) would result in a tax of 

 With a higher OMSP of, say, €35,000 and a higher emissions band (26%), the VRT could be 

These examples show how quickly the costs can add up, so always factor VRT into your budget.

In certain situations, you may be exempt from paying VRT. The most common exemption is for those moving to Ireland permanently. Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief is the term for this. To get the exemption, you'll have to prove you're making a permanent move to Ireland. You also need to show you've owned and used the car for at least six months while living abroad.

Remember, you must apply for this relief and get it approved by Revenue 

 you register the car. Strict conditions and documentary proof are required. You can find full details on 

Once you’ve bought your car, the next step is the logistics of getting it from the UK to Ireland. You have two main options.

 This is often the most cost-effective choice and gives you a chance to get to know your new car on the journey home. You’ll need to book a ferry from a port like Holyhead, Pembroke, or Fishguard to Dublin or Rosslare. Before you travel, you must arrange insurance. Some Irish insurers may provide temporary cover for the journey, but this must be confirmed beforehand. You’ll also need the car to be road-legal in the UK (with valid tax and MOT) for the drive to the ferry port.

 You can hire a company from the comfort of home, and ask them to pick up the car and deliver it right to your door for a hassle-free experience. If you're short on time or the car is located in a remote part of the UK, this is a great choice. It is more costly, but it eliminates the trouble of temporary plates, insurance, and ferry arrangements.

Customs, VAT, and import exceptions explained

Depending on whether you are importing from Northern Ireland (NI) or Great Britain (GB), the procedure varies significantly at this point.

Due to post-Brexit regulations, you will be subject to import taxes on vehicles that are imported from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales).

 on the value of the car plus the shipping cost. So, if your car cost €15,000 and shipping was €500, the duty would be 10% of €15,500, which is €1,550.

 Value Added Tax is charged at the Irish rate of 

. Crucially, this is calculated on the total of the car's value, the shipping cost, 

These charges are paid to Revenue and are separate from, and in addition to, the VRT. You can find more details on the 

Custom duties on cars from Northern Ireland

Importing a car from Northern Ireland is much more straightforward. Under the Windsor Framework, if you import a used car that is "qualifying" from NI into the Republic of Ireland, you do not have to pay any Customs Duty or VAT.

A "qualifying" vehicle is one that has been in free circulation within the UK/NI market. This effectively means most used cars sold by dealers or private sellers in Northern Ireland fit this description. This exemption makes NI a very popular place for Irish buyers to source UK imports.

How to register your imported car in Ireland

Once your car arrives in Ireland, the clock starts ticking. The registration process must be completed to make it legally roadworthy here.

 You have seven days from the date the vehicle arrives in Ireland to schedule a pre-registration inspection appointment at an NCTS facility. The appointment itself needs to be scheduled within that first week, but it can be later. Within 30 days of the car's arrival, the entire registration procedure needs to be finished.

 The complete UK V5C registration certificate (not the little tear-off slip), the invoice with the purchase date, and identification proving your name and address in Ireland (such as a utility bill) are among the documents you will need to bring to your appointment.

 After inspecting the car at the NCTS centre, Revenue will calculate its OMSP to determine how much VRT you ultimately owe. This must be paid on the day.

 Once VRT is paid, you’ll be given your new Irish registration number. You can then get official Irish number plates made at any registered motor factors. Before you drive away, you must take out a new Irish insurance policy for the vehicle using its new registration.

Is it worth importing a car from the UK to Ireland?

This is the big question, and the answer isn't a simple yes or no. The route you choose for your UK import to Ireland now makes all the difference.

Bluntly speaking, for cars coming from Great Britain, the dream of bagging a cheap runaround is mostly a thing of the past. The triple-hit of Customs Duty, 23% VAT, and VRT can quickly swallow up any bargain you thought you found. For your average family car, you’ll likely find a better deal already on an Irish forecourt.

That said, if your heart is set on a rare classic, a performance model, or a car with a top-end spec you just can't find here, importing from GB might still be the only way to get it.

It’s a different story when you look north. Importing a car from Northern Ireland remains a far more appealing option. Because you get to skip the customs duty and VAT, the only major hurdle is the VRT. This keeps the costs much more manageable and makes the hunt for value genuinely worthwhile.

Ultimately, your calculator is your best friend. Before you fall in love with a car online, sit down and do the sums. Add up every potential cost, from transport to taxes, to see if the final figure really makes sense for you.

How much does it cost to import a car from the UK to Ireland?

How is VRT calculated in Ireland?

Does it make sense to import a car from the UK to Ireland?

How long can you drive a UK-registered car in Ireland?

What you need to know when importing a car from the UK to Ireland

Evaldas Zabitis

Finding a great deal on a used car can be a fantastic feeling. But the Irish car market also attracts its share of scammers looking to make a quick euro off unsuspecting buyers. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) found that a startling 20% of Irish shoppers who bought a second-hand car in 2021 didn’t perform a single check.

Skipping your homework can leave you with a dodgy motor, or worse, no car at all, and an empty bank account. To help you steer clear of trouble, we’re uncovering the most common car buying scams and showing you the red flags to watch for.

You’re scrolling through popular car buying sites in Ireland, and you see it: the perfect car at a price that’s almost too good to be true. This is a classic tactic used in one of the most brazen car buying scams.

Fraudsters will create a completely fake listing using photos stolen from other ads.

 Their goal is to lure you in with a bargain price and then pressure you into paying an upfront deposit to "secure" the vehicle before you've even seen it. Once the money is sent, the seller and the ad vanish without a trace.

The seller is vague, avoids answering specific questions, or refuses to meet in person.

They push for a deposit or full payment through an unusual method.

The price is significantly lower than similar models on the market.

Odometer tampering, or "clocking," is an age-old scam that remains a serious problem. A seller rolls back the car's mileage to make it appear less used, artificially inflating its value and hiding potential wear and tear. 

A car showing 80,000 kilometres might have actually travelled double that

, meaning you could be facing premature mechanical failures and costly repairs down the line.

The easiest way to catch this scam is with a comprehensive vehicle history report. A carVertical report can reveal discrepancies in a car’s mileage history, flagging potential clocking and saving you from a money pit. You can read more about the 

Have a good look inside. Does a car with supposedly low mileage have a driver's seat that's worn to bits? Is the steering wheel smooth from years of use? Worn-out pedals don't lie, either. These are tell-tale signs that the odometer reading might be pure fiction.

criminals take a stolen or written-off car and give it a new identity, copying the number plate and VIN/chassis number from a perfectly legal car of the same model.

 The result? A 'clone' that looks legit on the surface. The problem is, if the Gardaí uncover the switch, you won't just get a slap on the wrist – they'll seize the car, and your cash will be long gone.

Your best prevention technique is to research the VIN beforehand. Make sure the number on the logbook and your history report matches what you see on the car's chassis, under the windscreen, and on the door frame.

You might think you'd spot a stolen car a mile off, but thousands are sold in the used car market every year. Getting caught with one, even if you bought it in good faith, means losing the car and your money when the Gardaí track it down.

This is one headache you can easily avoid. Punching the car's VIN into the carVertical database will flag if it's on a stolen vehicle register. And never hand over money without seeing the seller's proof of ownership and the original logbook – make sure the name on the documents matches the person selling you the car.

This one is a real trap for the unwary on the car market in Ireland. You find a car, pay the seller, and drive away happy, only to discover there's still an outstanding loan on it. In the eyes of the law, the finance company owns that car until the very last payment is made.

If the seller you bought it from does a runner and stops paying, the finance company can, and will, come to take the car back from you. You're then left with no car and the nightmare of trying to chase a ghost for your money.

Pay attention to the ad and the seller’s behaviour

Scammers often betray themselves through inconsistency and pressure. So, if you're looking for a car, make sure to avoid the 

. However, beyond the car itself, the ad and the seller can give you plenty of clues.

 The ad is light on details or filled with spelling and grammar mistakes.

 The seller claims other buyers are interested and you need to make a decision or a payment immediately.

 They can't or won't answer specific questions about the car's history or condition.

 They insist on meeting in a strange location, like a service station or a random car park, instead of their home or a garage.

 The reasons for selling seem flimsy or change during your conversation.

Your essential checklist for scam-free car buying

So, how do you protect yourself from these car buying scams? It's easier than you might think. Sticking to a few key rules will keep you safe from nearly every trick in the book.

 This is a non-negotiable rule. Never, ever buy a car without seeing it in person first. Any genuine seller will happily arrange a viewing. If they’re making excuses, that’s your cue to walk away.

 Remember the VIN checks we talked about? Do them. Make sure the numbers you see on the car's body match what's on the logbook and your history report. It’s a simple check that stops cloners in their tracks.

 This is your secret weapon. A carVertical report is essential. It digs up the dirt sellers try to hide, exposing everything from clocked mileage and theft alerts to that sneaky outstanding finance.

 An extra pair of eyes can spot things you'll miss. Bring along a friend who knows their way around cars, or better yet, pay a local mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. They'll know exactly what to look for, like how to properly 

 At the end of the day, if a deal feels off or the seller is making you uneasy, listen to that little voice in your head. There are plenty of other great cars on the market. You don’t need the hassle of a dodgy one.

What should I do if I spot a car buying scam?

How can I tell if a car ad is fake?

How do I check if a car has outstanding finance?

Where can I get a reliable vehicle history check in Ireland?

Top 5 used car buying scams in Ireland and how to spot them

You’ve done the deal, and the car is finally yours. It feels brilliant. But that initial buzz can disappear fast if a 

 suddenly flashes on the dashboard. In that moment, your first thought isn’t about the great price you got; it’s about whether you’re facing a massive repair bill.

This is where your used car warranty comes in. Whether it’s an automatic legal right or a printed document, understanding your cover is the best defence against a great purchase turning into a costly problem.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about a used car warranty in Ireland. Think of it as your roadmap. We’ll walk you through the warranties on offer and, more importantly, the powerful legal rights you have as a buyer in Ireland. The goal is to help you spot the hidden traps that could otherwise turn a great deal sour.

Enter a VIN code to learn more about any vehicle!

Need help buying a used car?

The first thing to know is this: your legal rights from a used car or vehicle warranty in Ireland depend entirely on 

 you buy from. Getting a car from a dealer is completely different from buying it privately from an ad online, especially when it comes to getting problems sorted.

 are your typical car showrooms, service centres, or registered businesses that sell cars, often with a professional online presence. When you buy from a dealer, it’s a formal business transaction. This is great news for you, as you automatically get strong consumer rights. The law states the car must be of reasonable quality, safe, and as described by the seller.

 are individuals selling their personal vehicles, usually through 

 or in local papers. Here, the rules are completely different. The principle of 

 (let the buyer beware) applies, meaning you have far fewer legal protections and assume much more responsibility for checking the car's condition.

Consumer rights when buying from a dealer

When you buy a used car from an official dealer in Ireland, you're protected by powerful legislation. Your rights are built on the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, and have been greatly strengthened by the newer Consumer Rights Act 2022. Thanks to this foundation, it means that even if you don't sign a separate warranty document, the car automatically comes with certain guarantees.

Under the Act, any vehicle sold by a dealer must be:

 Taking its age and mileage into account, the car should be in a reasonable condition, safe to drive, and free from significant defects.

 It must work as a car is expected to work – getting you from A to B reliably.

 This means what you're told by the dealer has to be true. So, if the ad promises working air-con, it better blow cold.

 comes on just a week after your purchase. Don't panic. Your first call should be straight to the dealer. Under Irish law, they are held accountable for these kinds of underlying issues that were present at the point of sale.

It becomes their problem to solve. For minor faults, this usually means they'll carry out a repair. For more serious problems, you could be looking at a replacement car or even getting your money back.

What’s typically covered in a used car warranty

Used car warranties generally fall into two categories: the automatic legal protection you get from dealers (statutory) and the extra policies they might offer (voluntary). The level of cover you get for a second hand car warranty in Ireland depends heavily on which type you have.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:

So, what are your most basic consumer rights when buying a used car in Ireland? One of the biggest is the automatic legal warranty you get from any dealer. You don't have to ask for it; it's always there.

It simply means the car's condition must be fair for its age and mileage. A nearly new car is expected to be almost perfect. A ten-year-old car isn't, but it must still be safe and reasonably sound. If it isn't, the dealer is the one who has to put it right.

A voluntary or "dealer" warranty is a commercial product, essentially an insurance policy for your car's components. This is a used car vehicle warranty offered on top of your statutory rights, often for a specific period like 3 or 6 months.

On paper, these policies look great, often promising to cover the big, expensive mechanical parts like the engine and gearbox. But there’s nearly always a catch.

To keep the warranty active, you’ll have to play by their rules. This usually means 

getting the car serviced on a strict schedule

, and only at a garage they’ve approved. The devil is in the detail with these documents, so you have to check the exclusions list to understand what protection you’re actually getting.

The length and price of a warranty on used cars in Ireland can vary significantly.

 Your statutory rights don’t have a strict expiry date. The law is a bit vague, saying only that a car should be durable for a "reasonable" period. As a general rule, you’re in a very strong position if a fault appears within the first six months. In that timeframe, it’s much harder for a dealer to argue that the problem wasn't already there when you bought it.

 The length of these voluntary warranties can vary, but you’ll typically see them offered for 3, 6, or 12 months. For newer used cars, dealers often roll the price into the windscreen sticker to make the deal more attractive. If you are paying for it as a standalone extra, a year's cover could set you back anywhere from €250 to €800+. The price really just comes down to risk. A newer, low-mileage car is always cheaper to cover than an older one with more kilometres on the clock.

This is where many buyers get caught out. The most important part of any warranty isn't the list of what's covered; it's the list of what isn't. Every policy has these "exclusions," and getting to grips with them up front is the only way to avoid the headache of a rejected claim later on.

 Your warranty is for unexpected mechanical failures, not routine replacements. You'll still be covering the cost of new tyres, brake pads, wipers, and other parts that are designed to wear down with driving.

 A warranty won't pay for surface-level issues like scratches, small dents, or a bit of wear and tear on the seats. It's there to cover how the car works, not how it looks.

 This one's just common sense. If you cause a problem, whether through an accident, hitting a pothole, or general neglect, the repair bill will be yours.

Warranties also have limitations, such as:

 Most policies have a hard stop. They'll usually expire after a certain time (like 3 months) or a set number of kilometres, and the cover ends as soon as you hit either one.

 This is a big one. You'll almost certainly have to get the car serviced exactly on schedule at a garage chosen by the warranty company. Skip a service or go somewhere else, and you could void the entire policy.

 Standard warranties are for personal driving only. 

, as a delivery vehicle, or for any kind of motorsport will almost certainly cancel your cover instantly.

What to know when buying from a private seller

When you buy from a private seller, the safety net of consumer law is gone. Statutory rights do not apply, and you’re unlikely to be offered any form of used car warranty. The responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders to ensure the car is sound before you part with your money.

The only legal requirement for a private seller is that the car must be accurately described. But proving it wasn't can be incredibly difficult. Before you even think about handing over cash, take these precautions:

 Pay a qualified mechanic or an organisation like the AA to give the car a thorough once-over.

Buying and selling tips

What you need to know when importing a car from the UK to Ireland

Top 5 used car buying scams in Ireland and how to spot them

Used car warranty in Ireland: What’s typically covered

Avoid costly mistakes: Key questions to ask when buying a used car

Research: A used car with a clean history – mission (im)possible?