Cars ‘imported’ from Northern Ireland

[eltax91]

Hi guys

I’m potentially viewing a car tomorrow that was first registered in NI. It’s a 2011 car and the seller has sent me pictures of the history stamps for a dealer in Belfast. The car still has it’s NI plates.

It did have an MoT here in March this year (only 1 MoT on record with dvla) so I assume it was brought over before March and run here until it’s MoT needing renewing.

I’ve not bought from NI before, so I’m not 100% sure on what process was/ is to be carried out. Suffice to say if the car has a DVLA Swansea issued v5 then it’s a UK car? Previous owners details won’t be there now due to gdpr.

I would intend to put my own private plate on the car. Can I stick the NI one on retention as normal and keep it for a potential future car? That appeals given its dateless.

Anything else I need to consider when buying what was an NI car?

[FA57REN]

Only one MOT showing probably indicates that the first four were done in NI as their records aren't put online. Remember us Nordies do the first test at four years instead of three, so 2015 to 2018 in NI. The current owner should have the certs I'd hope.

Yes the NI reg can be put on retention through the Swansea office.

The tax form would have been a V5C(NI) until the first retax after July 2014 when it became a V5C even for NI resident cars.

Edited by FA57REN on Tuesday 26th November 19:13

[eltax91]

FA57REN said:

Only one MOT showing probably indicates that the first four were done in NI as their records aren't put online. Remember us Nordies do the first test at four years instead of three, so 2015 to 2018 in NI. The current owner should have the certs I'd hope.

Yes the NI reg can be put on retention through the Swansea office.

The tax form would have been a V5C(NI) until the first retax after July 2014 when it became a V5C even for NI resident cars.

Edited by FA57REN on Tuesday 26th November 19:13

Thanks! This makes life a little easier. The car is actually with a small time trader who took it in part ex so no idea what papers he has. It’s cheap enough not to have to worry about a warranty so I’m treating it as if it’s a private sale and buyer beware.

Good to know that one MoT in the UK probably means they have done the paperwork already. If not I guess I can go through the hassle.

He gave me the VIN already, Is there anything to prevent the usual checks like HPi?

I guess doing the usual checks that the VIN matches the paperwork and engine number etc is all the same as any car.

Wish me luck.

[FA57REN]

HPI should work fine for insurance etc though DVLNI were never particularly thorough at submitting data about the vehicle itself so there may be some gaps in registration history

[kieranblenk]

Our Clio was originally an ex Motability Belfast car, we bought it at 3 years old over here so it was MOT'd at point of sale and has fully stamped Renault service history from the dealer in NI. In our experience it's been no different to any other car we've owned and we like the dateless plate (although I often forget how old it is if I'm asked).