Importing FTO?

[power]

I remember reading something on the site, before the new road tax system came in, that a newly imported fto automatically goes into the higher tax bracket.

Is this still true?

And is the VRT still calculated the same way as before?
Overall i'm looking to get opinions if its still worth importing an fto?

[Mustang]

FTO defaults into the highest VRT band, so you'd be paying 36% of the open market selling price -which is probably quite low at this stage.
Cost of car +plus freight, with 10% import duty and 21% vat, plus VRT.
You'd also need to consider the other costs -customs clearance (money for jam but still a few hundred bob) transport from the port, stereo, plates, service, NCT.
The new incoming requirement for E or is it CE (european) marked tyres may necessitate, buying (or borrowing ) a complete set of 4 tyres for the NCT even if the ones on the car are ok.

All in all not the attractive proposition it once was. Especially given the exchange rate. From it's recent peak in mid '08, the euro has fallen ~25% against the yen to it's current level -making jap imports more expensive. Probably not expensive in absolute terms, but probably not cheap compared to an "Irish" car.
If you are going down this route, buy the newest, best example you can find. Expect to keep teh car for a decent amount of time, and be prepared to take a hit come resale time.

[power]

wow, now thats a reply!

I was hoping to find a 2000 or newer Mivec in top condition and low mileage! Not many for sale on the irish market!
I suppose I could browse the auction sites for a while and add everything you said into account before iI bid!

Would it be an easier route to try source one from the uk?

Reason I'm thinking this is after looking at Amy from UK's car on pistonheads, she imported a 95 in 05 with top grade and only 25k on the clock!

[StewyD32]

I was hoping to find a 2000 or newer

hope you don't mean newer than a 2000 fto.

[power]

well a 99 or upwards model, I know production ended in 1999!
I have a 99 gx and really hope not to go down in the years if I'm gonna go through all the hassle! But the mileage and bodywork would be major factors!

[Mitsumaniac]

well a 99 or upwards model, I know production ended in 1999!

Well Bernard and I could feel offended

BTW: I`ll be probably sellin my FTO which is pretty much what you looking for
Genuine Ralliart `00 GPX. First registration ever in september 2001

[power]

Cool, let me know details when your thinking of selling!
I'd have to shift my one first, but would definitely be interested