The potential pitfalls of importing a car

HELPDESK: Answering all your motoring queries

From AK, Dublin: I’m considering a used Mercedes E-Class diesel I spotted online in a garage in Wales. I regularly travel to the UK and I’m planning on calling in later this month. Is there anything I need to consider? I’ve never done this before but friends speak about the money you save.

Importing is an option and was particularly popular three or four years ago. However, used prices in Ireland have largely fallen into line with the UK market. I’d be surprised if the deal is significantly better than what might be on offer back here. Dealers regularly contact us about how they will price match UK offerings. Nonetheless, 31,954 used cars and 923 new cars have been imported into Ireland so far this year, so someone must reckon there is value out there.

My first advice would be to find out the reputation of the dealership. Then I would call in and check the mileage and service history. I would also get a background check done on the car. Websites such as motorcheck.ie are invaluable when buying a used car. Then go to revenue.ie and, in the VRT section, there is a calculator that will give you an estimate of the sort of charge you will pay on the car when it arrives back here.

Once you’ve worked out the exchange rate differences and come up with a final price, make a few enquiries to dealerships here and see what they can offer. I’d have no qualms saying you have your eyes on a car in the UK and see if they will match it.

You should remember that used cars from Irish dealers come with a warranty, and it’s easier to get it fixed locally – and preferably under warranty – than have to deal with a garage in Wales. That peace of mind has value as well during ownership. Best of luck.

From ES: There’s a terrible smell of damp in my car. It’s been there about six months and I’ve lifted the carpets and washed the interior but it’s still there. A friend suggested there may be a leak in the car but nowhere is wet. Any tips?

I suspect your friend is right and there is a leak somewhere. There are short-term solutions such as dehumidifiers and fabric sprays that remove the smell and any dampness, but these are temporary measures and if there is a leak, the smell will almost certainly return. Sometimes leaks can occur between body panels or the floorpan. It might be time to call in a mechanic. Some cars have plugholes in various spots of the bodywork where water can gather and removing these can reveal the problem. An old hand in the motoring world told me this was a constant problem with some English brands in the 1960s and the solution was to drill a small drain-hole in the floor. I’m not advising you to get out your drill but the key will be to find the water, and in doing so the source of the leak.