Importing a Australian car to Ireland, no equivalent exact model type in Ireland

HillFarmer

Hi All,

Unusual question , not sure if anyone can assist.
We are moving back to Ireland from Sydney at the end of this year.

We have a Toyota Rav4 late 2016 model, 2 litre petrol.
It the Mrs car and she loves it.

When I look at the same type of car in Ireland they only have the diesel model.
My question would be, is that going to cause us any issues with insurance, registering etc?

If so, we probably may not bother bringing it home and just sell here.
However with the low value of the Aussy dollar we would like to bring it.

Keen to hear if anyone has advise / experience on the matter.

zg3409

I am no expert but I know someone that brought a 'Jeep' style car (a holden I think) back from Australia and they had a bad time getting the required C02 value and paperwork. They also found the vehicle too large for typical Irish parking spaces, even though they lived in Ireland before and after.

The tax was crazy like 2450 euro annual due to high c02 from large petrol particularly as Australian models are not tuned for low co2.

Insurance was also an issue, as it was not on Irish insurers books and spares not readily available.

Last I heard they were talking of shipping it back, as it was unsellable in Ireland due to tax and increased insurance.

They also needed a temporary car while waiting for the car on the slow boat from china, and while registering and getting nct.

My advice would be to sell in Australia.

Also beware in general if insuring anything in Ireland after coming back from Australia your insurance costs may be crazy, they may put you down as having no driving experience, no no claims, etc.
You might end up paying thousands for insurance, so you may want to pick a car that has lowest insurance cost such as less than 10 years old, one litre engine until you build up a new no claims history. Don't buy anything without getting firm insurance quotes.

zilog_jones

Registering it shouldn't be a problem, and if you've owned the car for more than 6 months you won't have to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (which can be substantial).

Insurance might be tricky if it's not a configuration listed in their database, but shouldn't be impossible either. I think that engine is available in Japan so it might be in databases (many people import used cars from Japan). Imports from Australia are not unheard of.

You may need to obtain some declaration of emissions from the manufacturer if it's not known to Revenue in that engine configuration, as this is required for motor tax classification. Others who have imported uncommon cars may be more familiar with this process.

zilog_jones

zg3409 wrote: »

They also found the vehicle too large for typical Irish parking spaces, even though they lived in Ireland before and after.

The tax was crazy like 2450 euro annual due to high c02 from large petrol particularly as Australian models are not tuned for low co2.

They're talking about a 2-litre RAV4, a very normal car for Ireland except the fact it's not diesel. Motor tax is probably band C or D (€390-570) so not insane.

Cheensbo

The petrols weren't really sold here but did sell in the UK.

This is the only petrol one for sale in Ireland ATM and to be fair it is not top spec although awd - https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-rav4-rav4-2-0-luna-m-d-awd/24798972

How does it fare against the value of the car in oz + shipping & hassle etc?

Atlantic Dawn

Looks like CO2 emissions would be 152 (g/km) so motor tax would be €390 a year if this UK model is comparable. Check your Australian logbook it should give the emissions.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/toyota/rav-4/toyota-rav4-2-0-v-matic-icon-5dr-cvt/10484752

bazz26

zilog_jones wrote: »

They're talking about a 2-litre RAV4, a very normal car for Ireland except the fact it's not diesel. Motor tax is probably band C or D (€390-570) so not insane.

According to the below Australian government site a 2015 to 2019 2WD 2.0 litre petrol Rav4 has a Co2 rating of between 190 and 214 g/km which would put it into the €750 to €1200 a year tax bands here.

https://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/Vehicle/QuickCompareVehicles

Co2 emissions from the same models are not universal in all markets despite being mechanically similar. They are tuned differently depending on local fuel grades, etc which affects their Co2 rating.

zilog_jones

What's the test cycle in Australia? If it's not the NEDC is wouldn't be a correct figure for registration/tax in Ireland - NEDC figures would be expected, and Toyota (Ireland/Europe) may be able to provide these.

I found around 150-160 for EU variants, but it's possible they used the 3ZR-FAE engine and Australian models used the 3ZR-FE (same thing without Valvematic, so probably less efficient).

HillFarmer

Thanks everyone, appreciate all the information.

Ours is the 2 Litre petrol version, 2wd, the exact model over here is GXL series ZSA42R.


Here is the equivalent of carzone in Australia with the same car filtered.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/dealer/private/demo/2016/toyota/rav4/gxl-badge/zsa42r-series/suv-bodystyle/


From reading I think the CO2 of this model is 162 according to the book.
The current exchange rate 1 Aussy dollar is only 60 Euro cents.
I'm leaning towards bringing the car but would love to hear your views.

We have loved Australia but I cannot wait to get back to Ireland!

HillFarmer

zilog_jones wrote: »

Registering it shouldn't be a problem, and if you've owned the car for more than 6 months you won't have to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (which can be substantial).

Insurance might be tricky if it's not a configuration listed in their database, but shouldn't be impossible either. I think that engine is available in Japan so it might be in databases (many people import used cars from Japan). Imports from Australia are not unheard of.

You may need to obtain some declaration of emissions from the manufacturer if it's not known to Revenue in that engine configuration, as this is required for motor tax classification. Others who have imported uncommon cars may be more familiar with this process.

Thanks , we bought it new , so we should be good on that point, but Insurance could be the killer.

HillFarmer

zilog_jones wrote: »

What's the test cycle in Australia? If it's not the NEDC is wouldn't be a correct figure for registration/tax in Ireland - NEDC figures would be expected, and Toyota (Ireland/Europe) may be able to provide these.

I found around 150-160 for EU variants, but it's possible they used the 3ZR-FAE engine and Australian models used the 3ZR-FE (same thing without Valvematic, so probably less efficient).

Cars 5 years and older in NSW, need a Rego, equivalent of an NCT.

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/inspections/index.html

Good info re less efficient.

hoodie6029

Getting a Rav4 2.5 petrol Hybrid here might be less hassle all round.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-rav4-hybrid-lunasport-2wd/24058894

zilog_jones

HillFarmer wrote: »

Cars 5 years and older in NSW, need a Rego, equivalent of an NCT.

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/inspections/index.html

Good info re less efficient.

Sorry, I mean the test cycle performed for testing standardised emissions ratings with new cars (where the CO2 figures come from), not roadworthiness inspections. In the EU we were using the NEDC, which has recently changed to the WLTP for new cars.

Apparently Australia uses ADR 79/04 which isn't the same as either tests, so that figure you see may not be applicable for taxation purposes in Ireland and you may need to get NEDC (or equivalent) figures from the manufacturer.

Something else to consider is the price of petrol - it's currently quite cheap but back before the world went to hell it was around €1.40-1.45 per litre, which is one reason why 2-litre non-hybrid petrols are generally unpopular in Ireland.

shanec1928

if it was some vintage or rare it would make sense, but its just a toyota jeep that looks like a few are here and some in the uk. its probably going to cost the best part of what say 5 -10k to get it shipped not to mention the several months of a wait. sell it there and pick one up via here or the uk. not to mention if you do ship it and down road whish to get rid of it you might find it pretty hard to do so.

zilog_jones

No way it costs that much to ship a car from Australia, and they won't have to pay VRT either.

shanec1928

zilog_jones wrote: »

No way it costs that much to ship a car from Australia, and they won't have to pay VRT either.

a quick google search says its approx 5k before any fees or insurance

https://imgur.com/a/9FNBfVt

colm_mcm

That’s €2600 for RORO.

If getting a container, he could load it up with belongings too I assume.

zilog_jones

shanec1928 wrote: »

a quick google search says its approx 5k before any fees or insurance

https://imgur.com/a/9FNBfVt

One would assume when you post an unqualified value on an Irish forum that it's Euros and not AUD

michellie

From a registration point of view make sure you bring the original registration upto date document. That's the white/yellow/blue one.

Australian reg docs typically have very little information on them so you will need to provide a spec sheet(get that from the main dealer you bought it from) with all the variable details for the car on it including co2 & NOx, you will be exempt so NOx won't be charged - once you provide your exemption letter at your VRT appointment.

Bring any documents from the garage from the sale of it as it will help at your vrt appointment. If you can get the Certificate of Conformity that would help massively. Obviously it's easier for you to get these documents now while you're in Australia.

It won't be registered on the date of your vrt apt, oz imports take much longer as the models are rarely on the system

Gael23

I would be more inclined to sell it and buy a new 2.5l Hybrid when you get back here. I’d imagine the cost of shipping it would be significant and the residuals of that car in Ireland would be quite low

road_high

Gael23 wrote: »

I would be more inclined to sell it and buy a new 2.5l Hybrid when you get back here. I’d imagine the cost of shipping it would be significant and the residuals of that car in Ireland would be quite low

My thoughts exactly. Much simpler and the model on sale here is a lovely car.

galwaytt

Start with insurance quotes first or the 9nly thing you'll be looking at here is Yaris......

And make sure you tell them your driving experience is in Oz.....

And, what about your licence?

HillFarmer

galwaytt wrote: »

Start with insurance quotes first or the 9nly thing you'll be looking at here is Yaris......

And make sure you tell them your driving experience is in Oz.....

And, what about your licence?

We both have full Australian and full Irish driving license.

Marcusm

HillFarmer wrote: »

We both have full Australian and full Irish driving license.

No need to exchange therefore although, technically, there is no such thing as an Australian driving licence.

Belfast

I saw this one in Ireland road tax is Annual road tax: €570 2.0 petrol.
2015 (152) Toyota Rav4 RAV4 2.0 LUNA M-D AWD
€18,995
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pTjbZANaCE

This is a older model.

You will need new tyres when you get it to Ireland as the rubber in the Australian cars is too hard for the cooler conditions in Ireland.
There was a problem in Ireland in the 1980s when grey market tyres were imported for south Africa. This compond in the rubber was hard for the hot climate in South Africa . in Ireland this resulted in poor grip and very bad breaking and brakes locking in cold wet condition in Ireland.

Do you have a no claims bonus in Australia?

based on the car below the
CO2 (g/km) 152
so that should be €390 road tax in ireland.
https://www.motors.co.uk/car-56478961/?i=0&m=srf

141 - 155 €390
156 - 170 €570
https://www.carzone.ie/news/motoringadvice/Motor-and-Road-Tax-Prices-Ireland-2017-1437.html

This web site give CO2 figures for the cars in Australia
https://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/Vehicle/QuickCompareVehicles

The figures seem higher than the cars in Ireland or UK.

zilog_jones

Belfast wrote: »

The figures seem higher than the cars in Ireland or UK.

The CO2 figures used in Australia are performed on a different test cycle, it's not a like-for-like comparison.

AMKC

zilog_jones wrote: »

No way it costs that much to ship a car from Australia, and they won't have to pay VRT either.

Actually it costs at least 5k to ship a car from Australia or vis versa. I remember my brother in law now I say now because at the time he was just the sisters Boyfriend had a lovely Renault Megane Coupe and thought about shipping it to Australia but it was going to cost at least that much. It is on the other side of the World after all and vis versa with us to them.

GarethN70

Did this in 2011, moved back from Sydney brought back an ML 320 Cdi, the model wasn’t listed as it was an edition 10 model wasn’t sold in Ireland

Had to give them the purchases invoice and some details from Mercedes Aus it was VRT exempt so not sure how the new regs effect you when you are applying for the VRT exemption

But you can get a car listed using manufacture specs

Hope this helps

On another note check your insurance as the jeep was damaged - YAW control ( think that’s what it was called) was damaged as the shippers didn’t disconnect the batteries properly

8k cost but it was under warranty for me at the time

mgbgt1978

AMKC wrote: »

Actually it costs at least 5k to ship a car from Australia or vis versa. I remember my brother in law now I say now because at the time he was just the sisters Boyfriend had a lovely Renault Megane Coupe and thought about shipping it to Australia but it was going to cost at least that much. It is on the other side of the World after all and vis versa with us to them.

But if you click on the link given above you can see that the RoRo cost is AUD4,400, which is €2,700 according the good folk at google