UK registered cars for sale in Republic of Ireland

Bronco Bullfrog

Hi,
have seen numerous UK yellow reg cars for sale on sites such as Done Deal and even car dealers in Dublin selling such cars. These cars are already in the state and have been for some time. Just wondering what the story is concerning buying such a vehicle? When going to pay VRT and having it NCT'd the requirement is to show proof of arrival date in the state. The legal arrangement is to register the vehicle within 30 days of its arrival in the state. If the owners of these vehicles are selling them on they don't sell too quick. E.g on Done Deal can see them for sale in excess of 60 days.

Does anyone know if Revenue / VRT will allow the re-registration of these vehicles if proof cannot be provided of their arrival date in the republic? Is it legal to buy a vehicle that is currently registered in another EU country from the country in which it is being sold in?

Thanks in advance for any replies. Cheers.

goochy

None of this applies to a car dealer they can keep for as long as it takes but must use trade plates on roads which few do

Bronco Bullfrog

goochy wrote: »

None of this applies to a car dealer they can keep for as long as it takes but must use trade plates on roads which few do

OK understand the situation now regarding car dealers, but how about private individuals selling a UK reg car in the republic? Will it be possible to re-register a UK car if the date of arrival in the state cannot be proved? I see a post from a few years ago stating "A signed letter stating that you bought the car from X person on such a date and the letter stating that it hasnt been used on public roads will be sufficient" will this cover the lack of proof of arrival dates? Sounds a bit naive, will revenue accept that does anyone know?
Cheers.

relax carry on

Bronco Bullfrog wrote: »

OK understand the situation now regarding car dealers, but how about private individuals selling a UK reg car in the republic? Will it be possible to re-register a UK car if the date of arrival in the state cannot be proved? I see a post from a few years ago stating "A signed letter stating that you bought the car from X person on such a date and the letter stating that it hasnt been used on public roads will be sufficient" will this cover the lack of proof of arrival dates? Sounds a bit naive, will revenue accept that does anyone know?
Cheers.

Revenue don't deal with most VRT issues, that was sub contracted out to the NCT years ago.

Not all motor dealers are authorised to hold cars without the payment of VRT untill they sell the the vehicle. They must apply to and be authorised by Revenue.

No private individual is authorised to hold and sell an unregistered car in the state. By purchasing one from a private individual, you run the risk of paying the VRT and late penalties.

Bronco Bullfrog

Ok that helps explain the length of time it takes sellers to sell these UK cars, seems a bit of a 'ropey' practice, but having said that there are loads of UK cars on sites like Done Deal. You can even specifically search for a UK reg car on that website. So, basically whoever is selling a UK car is not necessarily the registered owner on the UK logbook either, so you may not be buying from the registered keeper. There is probably no insurance cover on the car as well if car is taken for a test drive.
I see some of these vehicles have had no UK tax or MOT for 2-3 years. They are not on SORN (UK off road notifications) or do not have UK export markers against the vehicle. (all UK vehicles MOT and tax info available online). So pretty dubious. So where have they been for the past few years without MOT and tax? Can't have been used in UK with so many camera's and ANPR cameras everywhere. Suggests these cars in use over here for some time and then just sold on? Would anyone else agree with that?
Just wonder how there is a market for these vehicles when the VRT is factored in? How come there is so many of them for sale?

Del2005

Bronco Bullfrog wrote: »

Ok that helps explain the length of time it takes sellers to sell these UK cars, seems a bit of a 'ropey' practice, but having said that there are loads of UK cars on sites like Done Deal. So, basically whoever is selling a UK car is not necessarily the registered owner on the UK logbook either, so you may not be buying from the registered keeper. There is probably no insurance cover on the car as well if car is taken for a test drive.
Just wonder how there is a market for these vehicles when the VRT is factored in? How come there is so many of them for sale?

Because a lot of people don't do the basic checks before buying a car. But since we have a boarder with the UK that doesn't require a ferry apparently a hand written note with an NI address is excepted in some NCT centres, but you'd want to getting a good discount off the price.

When I was buying my last car very few dealers accompanied me on the test drive so they put the risk on my insurance, but none asked to even see a drivers licence so I could have been driving uninsured for all they cared. These weren't even the proper cowboy dealers either. Another thing I noticed with cars for sale for a long time was that they were generally crap