Citroen BX 1.9 VAN - Mayo, Ireland

[vulgalour]

It's that silver one and it's up for offers.
https://www.donedeal.co.uk/vintagecars- ... n/21123764

[rutter123]

I want and have been after one for 20 years.

[rutter123]

Anyone know the score bringing it over from Ireland?
Info on web for driving cars over but nothing on bringing old non runners, scrappers, barn finds etc on a trailer
Is there duty, paperwork? Or any other official stuff needed?

[xantia_v6]

If it comes with EU registration papers (even if expired), it should be pretty much a matter of filling out some forms and paying the road tax. There is no duty or VAT to be paid if it has previously had VAT paid in any EU country (which normally happens at first registration). If it has no papers, it becomes more difficult, but not impossible. On a vehicle of that age any import duties would be peppercorn anyway.

Make sure you get a receipt for purchase, just in case.

[rutter123]

Can I pay the road tax if for example the car doesn't have a current mot or the Ireland equivalent?

[jamescarruthers]

If it is on Irish plates with a current NCT (I think that is the Eire equivalent to our MOT) you should be able to insure it in the UK using the chassis number. Try one of the more sensible classic car companies-- I quite like Footman James as you can have a conversation with someone.

Tax wise, I'd have thought that a foreign vehicle isn't liable for UK road tax at all. You are probably supposed to be fully legal in the car's home country and maybe the seller can help you with that little detail.

If it's any help, I recently had conversations with the DVLA about changing my car back to its original plates. They were surprisingly helpful on the phone with my questions and everything was sorted with a few letters. This is a different situation to what you have but yours is probably more straightforward.

Good luck to you and I hope you get to bring this over here. It sounds like you really want this van BX!

[xantia_v6]

If you are a UK resident, you can't (strictly speaking) legally drive it at all in the UK while it is on foreign plates, regardless of tax, insurance or whatever. The policing of this is not consistent, but there have historically been cases of cars confiscated and crushed. The chances of getting caught and prosecuted on a delivery trip are low.

If you are not a UK resident, you can drive a vehicle on foreign plates for up to 6 months, so long as it would be completely legal to do so in its home country.

[rutter123]

I'm weighing up the costs and its spiralling out of control, the ferry crossing alone with a van and trailer is quite a lot more than I thought plus fuel and I'm sure other expenses will be involved somewhere along the line. As much as I want it I don't think its a viable option sadly. I'm looking at other options maybe Shipleys?

[jamescarruthers]

Foot passenger rate with your other BX plates in your bag is much cheaper!

[vulgalour]

I recall when my housemate bought a car a few years ago from Ireland (which he still has) the buyer actually drove it over and caught a plane back home, with my housemate paying the costs. Bit risky, since it was a total stranger, but it all worked out okay in the end and was *lots* cheaper than if he'd attempted to collect it himself.

Shipley can be good for long distance as can hiring a flatbed truck when it comes to cost saving. We hired a local flatbed to collect my BX and even with flat suspension got it on, though I'd recommend a couple of bits of wood are taken with you to help if need be.

Good luck finding a solution, it sounds like you've the enthusiasm it needs.

[rutter123]

Foot passenger rate with your other BX plates in your bag is much cheaper!

A risky strategy but an option.

[rutter123]

So if I for example drive over with a trailer, and accidentally slip some UK bx plates on it, wots the chances?
Or consequences?

[vulgalour]

If you get caught, it's driving without insurance, and that's 6 points on your license. They might stick you with a lack of MoT and Tax too.

Day insurance can be quite affordable, though I'm not sure how it applies to imports. It's certainly been useful for me when I've wanted to drive a car one way home that's been otherwise legal but which I didn't want to have to put on my policy or take out a whole policy for. Usually about £25 a go.

[jamescarruthers]

Remember that you cannot tax a car with day insurance. Not applicable to an Irish car which can't get UK road tax

[xantia_v6]

Softening, a little what I said earlier, if the car has NCT (or perhaps a booked MOT) and insurance and proof that it is a purchase delivery trip, you should be able to talk your way out of trouble.