UK or ROI?

The Guvnor

Just looking for some opinions on the subject.

If buying a second hand car where is better value to be had?

I always have looked to the UK in the past purely on the basis that I felt there was more choice and cars available were of a higher spec than here, arguably better maintained as well?

However with the nasty VRT and the exchange rate where it's at - where do you guys think offers better value on a second hand car?

I'm thinking of exporting my car to get a few quid back and get a half decent price in the UK for it etc.

NIMAN

I don't think there is the value to be had like in the past. As you say the exchange rate put a dampener on that for a lot of cars.

However, the one thing you will have is a greater selection in the UK. Plus a lot of makes and models might be better spec'd than the Irish version.

There is also a belief that UK car owners look after their car better than Irish owners. Although I take this with a pinch of salt, a very hard thing to quanitfy.

If you have to consider flights/ferries, a night in a hotel, the petrol/diesel to drive across the UK, food money, taking to VRT centre to be assessed for VRT (and possibly putting through NCT if >4yrs old). the sheer hassle involved etc, then I'd need to be saving serious money to consider it.

Also bear in mind that some buyers in Ireland are not mad about imported cars, so it could put off potential buyers of your car when you come to get rid in the future.

The last time I changed my car, I priced up for NI/UK and Ireland, and it was cheaper to buy the car in Ireland, so it doesn't work otu always that the UK will be cheaper.

Soarer

All depends on what you're looking at.

Some sort of Luxobarge, Ireland is a better bet.
Prius-style hybrid yoke, UK due to small VRT.
Something in the middle, you'll have to compare like-for-like.

bazz26

Really depends on what value you put on condition and specification versus saving money.

With the exchange rate the way it is at present you probably will buy a car cheaper here in ROI but you have less chance of buying a higher spec car or one in very good condition with a traceable service history in the ROI than in the UK.

So you got to decide whether you want to save money or are willing to possibly pay more for a better speced and in better condition car.

The Guvnor

Thanks Lads!

TBH I'm all over the shop.

I'm looking at lots of options carwise but this time not keen on sinking much into something that'll only depreciate etc.

Thinking of an E class Merc upto 2009 not averse to Petrol - just a nice luxobarge that is:

A) Comfortable
Reliable

That's about my list.

Lexus are being considered as well.

Don't get me wrong a nice RX or newish ML merc be nice but...they aren't cheap!

The Guvnor

I've family in the UK so do be over there from time to time which semi-negates going to the UK just to buy a car etc.

bazz26

VRT maybe more expensive on some of those particular cars you mentioned if the emissions are high. Also because they have above average motor tax they may actually be cheaper to buy over here.

NIMAN

If you are buying an older model and its Open Market Value on the VRT website isn't that high, then the VRT might not be too bad.

But as Bazz said, since older bigger engined petrols aren't seen as attractive in Ireland, if you could source one here it might be got at a very good price.

This is a handy and quick VRT Calc once you know the UK reg and mileage

http://www.motorcheck.ie/blog/vrt-calculator/

The Guvnor

Thanks lads.

I'm narrowing the search down.

Looking now at an estate anything 06 onward.

I do wonder if you can have some estates classed as utility to go to €333 road tax.

If importing VRT under €5,000 would be acceptable, just!

Key reason for UK is the severe lack of choice here plus asking prices here versus OMSP on vrt site seem to vary a good bit on what I'm looking at atm which is E Class MB estates.

The Guvnor

Any good site for cars in Ireland?

Adverts.ie not the best
Donedeal as above.
CBG
Autotrader
Carzone

Might just keep current lump be easier!