Buying a car from the UK
Buying a car from the UK? You need to talk to your local Credit Union
Second-hand, imported cars from the UK continue to rise in popularity with the Irish consumer. In fact, the latest Consumer Market Monitor (CMM)* reports that second-hand cars imported from the UK will overtake the number of new cars sold in Ireland for the first time ever this year.
In 2007, imported second-hand sales were at just over 59,000. In the same year, new car sales in Ireland were at 180,000. However there has been a steady decline in the sale of new cars since then. In the first three months of this year, new sales had dropped to just over 50,800. By contrast, imported second-hand car sales had risen to over 25,900 in the same quarter.
Helen Courtney Power of Killarney Credit Union says they have also witnessed this trend locally, with a rise in borrowers taking out loans for second-hand, imported cars.
Helen said “While we are firm believers in the credit union, that shopping locally for a car is the best way to go with some terrific value to be had, we are seeing a surge in car loan queries from people considering buying from the UK. We would urge anyone considering going to the UK to talk to us in your local credit union in the first instance. Our car loan is straightforward, affordable and fair with a great value APR rate”.
Helen continued; “When you arrange finance with us here at the credit union, you are effectively going as a cash buyer to the car dealer, and may well be able to negotiate a better deal. There are also other advantages, including fast approval, flexible terms and there will never be any hidden charges or fees.”
Helen also says there are a number of factors to consider before making the decision to buy a UK imported second-hand car. He/she says the following points are the most important;
• Buy from a recognised car dealership in the UK and avoid buying privately if possible. Shop around online and ensure you are getting the best value possible. Choose your car before you go.
• Inform the UK authorities that you are exporting a car by obtaining and filling out the V5C document.
• You will need to make an appointment for a Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) inspection once back in Ireland, and you will also need to make the VRT payment.
• You may also need to pay VAT if the car is less than six months old or has less than 6,000 kilometres clocked up.
• You will need to purchase new registration plates.
• Ensure you are fully up to date with all requirements and documents needed for importing a car by consulting the Citizens Information and the Revenue Commissioners websites.
• Ensure you have also checked out your local car dealership. There is often great value to be found right on your doorstep. Don’t forget you have to factor in the cost of VRT, possibly VAT, new registration plates and fuel to get you home from the UK when importing a car.
Helen concluded; “Credit unions are not-for-profit, so our main concern when we are lending is always the financial wellbeing of the borrower. You can be assured of an affordable and ethical car loan when you come to us.”
To make a quick car loan application here
* Published by the Marketing Institute of Ireland and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
