What to be looking for? To Import from Germany Forums

jams101

I been hanging around here for a few weeks. My first post is looking for your help and knowledge.

I am heading a to Germany at the end of the month, hope to bring back a camper/motorhome.

I have two lines of thought, The first based on what I want the other based on what I am going to get as dictated by the crazy Irish tax system.

Originally I wanted a smaller small ish say a Hymer 494 or Knaus 510. The problem is they weigh under 3000kgs so I got to pay vrt (Vehicle Registration Tax) this is based on a percentage of what the government say it worth regardless of what you pay for it. It will work out in the 1000's, I think the tax man gets more than enough already.

But if I go over 3000kgs the VRT is only €50, bizarre but true. So I want to know what the options are as little over 3000kg as possible and as short as possible. There is only two of us and we don't want it any bigger than it needs be.

We are looking to spend around €20-22k.

Let hear what you think.

Snelly · Eastern Rally Co-ordinator

Hi

I can't advise you on the irish tax system, but as regards importing from Germany, you should be able to source yourself a nice bargain for the kind of money you have to spend. The weight is individual to the vehicle, as you know, so its a case of looking round at different types of motorhome with different layouts. Most over 20ft are over 3000kg. Dealers in Germany are normally very helpful and will point you in the direction of some mh's that fit your criterior.

Before you go over to Germany, have you tried looking on the German version of the autotrader,

artona · Moderator

HI Jams101

Thats crazy isn't it. Do the Irish Insurance companies accept these valuations if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident. As Shane says you will be able to source yourself a very good motorhome in Germany for that sort of money. Knaus are a very good make, we used to have one and we were very pleased with it.

It might be worth looking at motorhomes from £10,000 upwards, no point in spending more money than you have to. We currently have a Euromobil which was imported from Europe by the dealer we bought from. Again a very good motorhome.

One thing to check for is whether the vehicle was initially used as a hire vehicle as lots start their life like that in Germany

stew

DubPaul

jams101,

if you search back you will see that I did what you did. I got a Knaus 608K with a load of extras and it weighed 3250kg.

There is alot of money at stake here... and if you are going for a smaller style van then I think you will easily fall under the 3000kg limit.

I think you should come to terms with the fact that even if you pay VRT then the van will still be cheaper than buying in Ireland.... and if you don't pay VRT then it's a bonus!!.

You should check with "Nora+Neil" here (Galway) as they did the same as you on a low profile Hymer and I think didn't pay VRT.

aido

Jams101.
You will save a lot buying in Germany,You might get more revelant help from the Irish Motorhome site,