Frequently asked questions

We help Irish buyers purchase cars from UK dealers. Carbuyerbuddy Ltd buys the car from the UK dealer. We recover the UK VAT where the car qualifies, lodge the customs declaration, transport the car to Ireland and hand it to our Irish partner UK Car Imports for VRT and registration. We also check the history and have a qualified mechanic inspect the car first. We hold no stock.

Since Brexit a used car bought in Great Britain carries UK VAT that a private buyer in Ireland cannot get back, and the car needs a customs declaration and a duty decision before it crosses. A UK VAT-registered business can recover the VAT, whether the car is VAT-qualifying or a margin-scheme car, and can deal with the dealer as a UK customer. That is the job we do.

Cars on ukcarimports.ie show one landed price: the car, transport, customs duty where it applies, VAT, VRT and our handling. The optional inspection and warranty are shown separately. If you have found a car elsewhere, send us the link and we will price it the same way. UK Car Imports's 2026 import guide sets out the rules behind each line.

From deposit to handover on Irish plates, about two weeks. The inspection is usually within a few days of the deposit, customs is lodged before the car moves, and the VRT appointment is booked for the car's arrival.

No. The car leaves Great Britain on our transporter; that is what makes the VAT and customs work. You collect in Dublin or we deliver to your door in Ireland.

A UK-built car can enter Ireland duty free when its origin is shown, and some cars qualify for returned-goods relief. The rest pay duty on the customs value. We check the position for every car and the answer is in the landed price before you pay.

For most brands the unexpired balance of a European manufacturer warranty follows the car and is honoured by the brand's Irish dealers; UK-only extras do not travel. The binding answer is the one the manufacturer gives against your car's VIN, and we ask for it in writing on high-value cars.

Nothing, except that the original V5C goes with the car. You invoice Carbuyerbuddy Ltd, a UK company at a UK address, you are paid in full by bank transfer before collection, our transporter collects, and we handle the export. The answers to the usual handover questions are on the dealers page.

Yes. The history check, the mechanic's inspection and collection and delivery are available for cars staying in the UK too. Send us the link and your postcode for a quote.