Advice on buying/selling odd car from UK

bs2014

Hi there,
Recently unemployed and have a keen interest in cars. With the way Brexit is, was thinking of trying to buy a car in England and sell it here and make a few pound on it. I'd only choose a car that I could happily drive and live with myself if I failed to sell it on. I'm thinking of buying a 2-3 year old car as they hopefully won't give me any mechanical issues.

-Was thinking of a Mazda 6 or maybe a Focus Zetec. Focus is abit common and could be hard to sell privately as its a popular import.
-Is it better to pay VRT and then sell. I was thinking this way I could appeal the VRT due to a lower more accurate OMSP and pull back a few pound.
-I would prefer to have a D plate. I spoke to revenue this morning and the rather "pissy" woman said if I want a D plate, you go to Dublin. Is it only dealers who have a TAN number can register a car with any county on it.
-Where is best to go to source? I know the UK car auctions are popular but since I don't have a VAT number etc I can't apply. Is it a waste of time ringing up the a main dealer off the autotrader and seeing will he do me a good straight price.
-Is it cheaper to fly over and drive back or just arrange for NVD or that to transport it over?
-Any recommendations on whats hot or not to import and turn a few pound on?

I'm not looking to make millions, it more of an experiment and project of mine I was always curious to try. Any fellow dealers wish to mentor or offer their advice?

Similarily, any dealers needing someone to go collect cars for them, I'm also open to that!
Thanks in advance

Cee-Jay-Cee

Sorry to burst your bubble but I think your wasting your time and money.

The country is awash with UK imports so unless your getting a car for considerably less than anyone else then you are most likely going to lose money on it or be stuck with it.

There are countless dealers bringing truckloads of cars from uk every week and offering warrantys (of sorts) which you won't be in a position to do. They also can ship them here cheaper as they're doing so in bulk and either have their own transporters or a contract with a vehicle transporter.

Lastly if you do decide to try it then don't buy a Mazda. They don't have a good reputation and people wanting to buy a car a few years old will want to buy from a dealer and not a private individual. The same goes for a focus.

I used to bring cars in from the UK regularly to sell on again but I bought slightly older 5/6 yr old cars and cars that were easy to sell at the time (mainly Civics and Corollas). There is no money in it anymore and unless you find something really cheap and desireabke then your wasting your time.

bs2014

You have kind of burst my bubble but to be honest it was what I had kind of heard thought might be the case. I thought Mazda actually had a good reputation but thats interesting to know.

bazz26

You probably missed this boat by about 10 years. You're also up against the supermarket carpark wheeler dealers and chancers on donedeal who are buying cheap cars with colourful or invisible histories in the UK and undercutting genuine selling prices here.

Also legally a private individual is supposed to pay the VRT prior to selling a used import here to an Irish resident. And if you import something like 5 cars per year then Revenue consider you a motor trader and expect you to pay income tax on the profits you make.

mullingar

bazz26 wrote: »

You probably missed this boat by about 10 years. You're also up against the supermarket carpark wheeler dealers and chancers on donedeal who are buying cheap cars with colourful or invisible histories in the UK and undercutting genuine selling prices here.

Also legally a private individual is supposed to pay the VRT prior to selling a used import here to an Irish resident. And if you import something like 5 cars per year then Revenue consider you a motor trader and expect you to pay income tax on the profits you make.

Has anyone ever found out the true number before your flagged by Revenue? I heard it was 4, but I never trust rumours.

bazz26

Don't know for sure myself other than what I've heard third hand.

bs2014

Thanks; is it true that only garages or people with a TAN number can register the car in any county? or is a dealer in say Mayo who self registers a UK import restricted to having a MO reg unless a Dublin customer happens to come along?

bazz26

Legitimate dealers will register the car in the county of the buyer.