Honda VRT Calculator
Calculate VRT for your Honda - known for reliability, efficient i-VTEC engines, and competitive VRT rates.
Honda Import Value
Honda enjoys a strong reputation in Ireland for reliability, build quality, and engineering excellence. The i-VTEC petrol engines are renowned for their longevity and smooth power delivery, while the newer e:HEV hybrid system brings impressive fuel efficiency that translates into lower CO2 figures and lower VRT. Honda's relatively smaller Irish market share compared to Toyota or Ford can mean slightly less predictable OMSP valuations, but the brand's strong resale value and loyal following make it a solid choice for importers.
Honda VRT Sweet Spots
- Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC: Compact, efficient, low CO2
- Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo: Modern petrol efficiency
- Jazz e:HEV Hybrid: Ultra-low CO2 and 14% band
- Honda e:Ny1: Electric with full VRT relief
Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo (2021)
€25,000 OMSP | 125g CO₂
VRT: €4,000 (16% rate)
Honda Jazz e:HEV (2022)
€24,000 OMSP | 102g CO₂
VRT: €3,024 (14% rate, age relief applied)
Honda Models and VRT Profiles
Honda imports to Ireland tend to focus on the petrol i-VTEC and VTEC Turbo engines, along with the increasingly popular e:HEV hybrids. The brand withdrew diesel engines from most of its European lineup after 2018, shifting fully to petrol and hybrid powertrains. That decision works in favour of VRT because petrol and hybrid Honda models typically produce lower CO2 figures than comparable diesels from other brands.
VRT by Honda Model
- Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC (110g CO2): The 14% band applies. A 2021 Jazz at 18,000 OMSP costs about 2,520 in VRT, making it one of the most affordable Japanese imports.
- Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo (125g CO2): Sits in the 16% band. A 2021 Civic at 25,000 works out at roughly 4,000 in VRT.
- HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC (140g CO2): Moves into the 16% band. A 2021 HR-V at 28,000 OMSP gives roughly 4,480 in VRT.
- CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo (165g CO2): Hits the 24% band. A 2021 CR-V at 38,000 OMSP works out at around 9,120 in VRT.
- Civic Type R (220g+ CO2): The top 37% rate. A Type R at 45,000 OMSP means roughly 16,650 in VRT, but the driving experience is legendary.
- Honda e:Ny1 (0g CO2): Electric relief drops the effective rate to around 5%. A 45,000 e:Ny1 costs about 2,250 in VRT.
The Diesel Phase-Out
Honda stopped selling diesel cars in Europe after 2018, so any Honda i-DTEC you find is at least several years old. The older 1.6 i-DTEC diesel found in the Civic and HR-V was a decent engine, but the NOx levy and higher CO2 bands mean these imports rarely make financial sense compared to the petrol or hybrid alternatives. A 2017 Civic 1.6 i-DTEC at 130g/km CO2 sits in the 16 percent band and attracts a NOx levy of 600 to 1,200, whereas the 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol has no NOx levy and similar VRT. The diesel only makes sense for high-mileage drivers doing over 25,000 kilometres a year.
Honda Models and Their VRT Costs in Ireland
Not every Honda costs the same to import. The VRT bill depends on engine size, fuel type, and CO2 output. Some Honda models land in low VRT bands and cost very little to register. Others, particularly the Civic Type R or older diesel CR-Vs, carry a higher tax burden. Here is what you are actually looking at with the most common Honda imports.
Civic
The Civic is the most imported Honda in Ireland and it is easy to see why. The 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol versions sit in the 16 percent VRT band with CO2 around 125g/km. A 2021 Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo at 25,000 OMSP will cost roughly 4,000 in VRT. The 1.5 VTEC Turbo in the Sport trim produces around 145g/km CO2, which moves it to the 20 percent band and pushes the VRT up to about 5,000 on the same-value car. The Civic e:HEV hybrid at 108g/km CO2 drops into the 14 percent band, making it the most VRT-efficient Civic you can import.
Jazz
The Jazz has always been a sensible import choice for Irish buyers. The 1.3 i-VTEC petrol produces around 110g/km CO2, comfortably in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Jazz at 18,000 OMSP costs roughly 2,520 in VRT. The Jazz e:HEV hybrid drops CO2 to about 102g/km, also in the 14 percent band, with a VRT of around 2,376 on the same-value car. The Jazz is cheap to insure, fuel-efficient, and holds its value well in Ireland. The practicality of the Magic Seats system makes it surprisingly useful for a small car. For anyone looking to import a budget-friendly Honda, the Jazz is the obvious starting point.
HR-V
The HR-V is a compact crossover that shares its platform with the Jazz but offers more ground clearance and a more commanding driving position. The 1.5 i-VTEC petrol produces around 140g/km CO2, sitting in the 16 percent band. A 2021 HR-V at 28,000 OMSP works out at roughly 4,480 in VRT. The newer HR-V e:HEV hybrid, introduced in 2022, drops CO2 to around 122g/km, potentially dropping into the 14 percent band depending on the exact spec. That could save you about 640 on a 28,000 car compared to the petrol version. The HR-V is a solid choice for anyone who wants SUV practicality without the VRT penalty of a larger vehicle.
CR-V
The CR-V is Honda's family SUV and it is larger and heavier than the HR-V, which means higher CO2 and higher VRT. The 1.5 VTEC Turbo petrol produces around 165g/km CO2, landing in the 24 percent band. A 2021 CR-V at 38,000 OMSP gives roughly 9,120 in VRT. The CR-V Hybrid e:HEV is better, with CO2 around 130g/km putting it in the 16 percent band, and a VRT of about 5,472 on the same-value car. That is a saving of 3,648 over the petrol version. The CR-V is a practical family car with excellent boot space and a high-quality interior, but the VRT on the petrol version is substantial. If you are set on a CR-V import, the hybrid is the model to target.
Accord
The Accord was discontinued in Europe in 2015, so any Accord import is at least 10 years old. The 2.0 i-VTEC petrol produces around 170g/km CO2, putting it in the 24 percent band. A 2014 Accord 2.0 i-VTEC at 12,000 OMSP would cost roughly 2,880 in VRT. The 2.2 i-DTEC diesel produces about 145g/km CO2 and lands in the 20 percent band, with a VRT of around 2,400 on the same-value car, plus a NOx levy. The Accord is a good car but the age and VRT mean you should only consider it if you specifically want a large Honda saloon.
Honda e:Technology — Hybrid and Electric
Honda's e:Technology branding covers both the e:HEV hybrid system and the fully electric e:Ny1. The e:HEV system is a clever two-motor hybrid that can operate in EV, hybrid, and engine-drive modes depending on conditions. It is fundamentally different from Toyota's system in that it uses the petrol engine as a generator at low speeds and only connects it to the wheels directly at higher cruising speeds. For VRT purposes, the important figure is the CO2 output, and the e:HEV system delivers impressively low numbers.
Jazz e:HEV
The Jazz e:HEV is the most efficient Honda hybrid available. With CO2 emissions around 102g/km, it sits comfortably in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2022 Jazz e:HEV at 24,000 OMSP costs about 3,024 in VRT. The e:HEV system returns about 60 miles per gallon in real-world driving and the car is surprisingly refined for its size. The hybrid system adds a small weight penalty but the low-speed EV mode makes city driving smooth and quiet. From a VRT perspective, the Jazz e:HEV is one of the best-value small cars you can import to Ireland.
Civic e:HEV
The Civic e:HEV is the more powerful version of the hybrid system, producing 184 horsepower from the combination of the 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor. CO2 emissions are around 108g/km, putting the Civic e:HEV in the 14 percent band. A 2023 Civic e:HEV at 32,000 OMSP costs roughly 4,032 in VRT. The Civic e:HEV is an impressive package because it combines the driving dynamics that made the Civic famous with genuinely low running costs. It is faster than the equivalent diesel Volkswagen Golf while producing less CO2. For Irish buyers, the Civic e:HEV is the best balance of performance, practicality, and VRT efficiency in the Honda range.
Honda e:Ny1
The e:Ny1 is Honda's fully electric compact SUV and it qualifies for the full 50 percent EV VRT relief, bringing the effective rate down to around 5 percent. A 2023 e:Ny1 at 45,000 OMSP costs about 2,250 in VRT. That is remarkably low for a car of that value. The e:Ny1 has a 68.8kWh battery and a range of about 260 miles WLTP. Charging at 100kW DC takes about 45 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. The main consideration is that the e:Ny1 is expensive to buy, so while the VRT is low, the initial purchase price is high. The VRT saving compared to a petrol HR-V of similar value is about 2,230.
Honda has committed to selling only electric cars in Europe by 2040, which means the e:HEV hybrids and the e:Ny1 are the first steps in a broader electric transition. For Irish importers, the trajectory is clear. The models with the lowest CO2, whether hybrid or electric, will attract the lowest VRT, and Honda's engineering focus on efficiency puts the brand in a strong position for the changing VRT landscape.
Importing a Honda from the UK
Plenty of Irish buyers look to the UK for Honda imports, particularly for the Civic and Jazz models which were popular in the UK market and are available in high-spec trims at competitive prices. The UK market has a strong supply of Honda models because the brand has a loyal following there, and UK Honda service history tends to be well-documented.
The Process
First, you buy the car from a UK dealer or private seller. You will need to arrange shipping or collection. Several companies operate ferry services from Holyhead to Dublin or Rosslare, and you can also get the car trucked over. Shipping typically costs between 300 and 800 euro depending on where the car is in the UK and how you get it here.
Once the car arrives in Ireland you have 30 days to register it with Revenue. You need to complete the VRT registration process at a motor tax office or through the Revenue online system. Bring the UK registration document (V5C), your proof of purchase, ID, and proof of insurance. Revenue will assess the car's OMSP based on the make, model, engine, year, and mileage. They use their own database, not the price you paid, so do not assume a lower purchase price means lower VRT.
Customs and VAT
Since Brexit, importing from the UK means paying customs duty at 10 percent on top of the vehicle price, plus VAT at 23 percent on the combined value of the car plus customs duty. On a 20,000 car that works out at roughly 2,000 in customs duty and about 5,260 in VAT. Some vehicles may qualify for a reduced customs rate depending on the rules of origin under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, but this is complicated and you should check with a customs broker.
The total extra cost on top of the purchase price is usually between 8,000 and 12,000 euro when you add customs duty, VAT, shipping, and insurance. For a Honda Civic at 18,000 in the UK, the all-in cost including VRT, customs, VAT, and shipping could easily hit 28,000 or more. You need to compare that against what a similar car costs in the Irish market before you commit.
What to Watch For
Check the car's service history carefully. Honda engines are reliable but they need regular oil changes, particularly the VTEC Turbo engines which can develop carbon buildup if oil change intervals are stretched. The Jazz and Civic 1.3 i-VTEC engines are famously robust and will run for hundreds of thousands of kilometres with basic maintenance. For hybrid models, check the hybrid battery health and service history. Honda hybrid batteries have proven to be durable, but a battery replacement on an older Jazz e:HEV will cost around 2,000 to 3,000. Also run an HPI check to make sure the car has no outstanding finance and has not been written off.
Honda VRT Cost Examples
Here are three worked examples showing how VRT adds up on common Honda imports. These use the current CO2 bands and assume standard age depreciation rules. Your actual VRT may differ slightly based on Revenue's valuation of your specific car.
Example 1 - Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo (2021)
You find a 2021 Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo in the UK priced at 18,000. The car has 125g/km CO2, which puts it in the 16 percent VRT band. The OMSP as assessed by Revenue comes in at 25,000 (Honda OMSP figures tend to track UK market values closely). The car is two years old at the time of import, so a 10 percent age depreciation is applied to the OMSP. That brings the adjusted value to 22,500. The VRT at 16 percent is 3,600. Add in customs duty of 1,800, VAT of about 4,788, shipping of 500, and you are looking at roughly 10,688 in total costs on top of the 18,000 purchase price. The all-in cost is around 28,688 for a car that would sell for about 27,000 in the Irish market. The saving is modest, but the UK car may have a higher specification or lower mileage that makes the difference.
Example 2 - CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo (2021)
A 2021 CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo AWD in the Executive trim at 30,000 from a UK dealer. The CO2 is 165g/km, which lands in the 24 percent band. Revenue's OMSP assessment comes in at 38,000. The car is two years old, so a 10 percent age reduction applies, bringing the adjusted value to 34,200. The VRT at 24 percent is 8,208. Customs duty is 3,000, VAT is about 7,820, and shipping is 600. Total additional costs come to roughly 19,628. All-in cost is about 49,628. Compare that to a similar CR-V in the Irish market at around 46,000 and you are paying a premium for the import. The CR-V hybrid e:HEV would significantly improve the VRT position.
Example 3 - Jazz e:HEV Hybrid (2022)
A 2022 Jazz e:HEV at 20,000 from a UK dealer. The CO2 is 102g/km, putting it in the 14 percent band. Revenue's OMSP is assessed at 24,000. At one year old the age depreciation is 10 percent, so the adjusted value is 21,600. The VRT is 3,024. Customs duty is 2,000, VAT is about 5,290, and shipping is 500. Total additional costs are around 10,814. The all-in price is 30,814. A similar Jazz e:HEV from an Irish dealer costs about 29,000 to 31,000. The import makes sense if you find a well-specced UK car at the right price, but the margins are tight.
These examples are estimates. Revenue's OMSP database is updated regularly and your specific car may be valued differently. Use our calculator above to get a more precise figure for your exact model and year.
Honda Diesel vs Petrol VRT Comparison
Honda's decision to phase out diesel engines in Europe after 2018 means the comparison between diesel and petrol is mostly academic for newer imports. However, there are still Honda i-DTEC diesel models on the road and some buyers consider importing them. The comparison is instructive for understanding how VRT costs differ between the two fuel types.
A Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol produces around 125g/km CO2, which puts it in the 16 percent VRT band. The Civic 1.6 i-DTEC diesel produces about 130g/km, also in the 16 percent band. On a car valued at 25,000 OMSP, both have a VRT of roughly 4,000 before age relief. However, the diesel Civic attracts a NOx levy of 600 to 1,200 depending on the year and emissions standard, while the petrol Civic has no NOx levy. That means the petrol Civic saves you 600 to 1,200 on the total tax bill. The petrol also has lower annual road tax at 200 euros compared to the diesel's 270 euros.
The gap is smaller on the CR-V. The CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo petrol produces around 165g/km CO2, sitting in the 24 percent band. The CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC diesel produces about 150g/km, which is in the 20 percent band. On a car at 38,000 OMSP, the petrol CR-V has a VRT of 9,120, while the diesel costs 7,600. However, the NOx levy on the diesel CR-V adds 800 to 1,500, so the difference narrows to about 500 to 1,000. The annual road tax on the petrol CR-V is about 390 euros versus 420 euros for the diesel. Over five years, the petrol CR-V saves you around 300 in road tax alone. The diesel only makes sense if you do over 25,000 kilometres a year and can use the fuel economy advantage to offset the higher tax costs.
Best Honda Models for VRT Value in 2026
Honda's range offers some excellent VRT-efficient models, particularly the Jazz e:HEV and Civic e:HEV hybrids. The brand's focus on advanced VTEC petrol engines and the newer e:HEV hybrid system means that most Honda models sit in the lower VRT bands. Here are the Honda models that currently offer the best balance of purchase price, VRT cost, and long-term value.
The Honda Jazz e:HEV is the king of VRT value in the Honda range. With CO2 emissions as low as 102g/km, it sits comfortably in the 14 percent VRT band. A 2022 Jazz e:HEV at an OMSP of 24,000 would cost roughly 3,024 in VRT before age relief. The Jazz is cheap to insure, fuel-efficient, and benefits from Honda's legendary reliability. The Magic Seats system makes it surprisingly practical for a small car, and the e:HEV hybrid system returns about 60 miles per gallon in real-world driving. For a first-time import or a budget-conscious buyer, the Jazz e:HEV offers the lowest total cost of any Honda import.
The Honda Civic e:HEV is the best family car option for VRT efficiency. With CO2 around 108g/km, it sits in the 14 percent band. A 2023 Civic e:HEV at an OMSP of 32,000 would cost roughly 4,032 in VRT before age relief. The Civic e:HEV offers more space than the Jazz while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The e:HEV system produces 184 horsepower, making the Civic one of the most powerful cars in the 14 percent VRT band. The hatchback boot is generous for the class and the rear seats fold flat for larger loads. For a family car that does not punish you on VRT, the Civic e:HEV is hard to beat.
The Honda e:Ny1 is the smart VRT play in the compact electric SUV segment. With zero CO2 emissions, it qualifies for the full 50 percent EV relief and attracts an effective rate of around 5 percent. A 2023 e:Ny1 at 45,000 OMSP costs about 2,250 in VRT. That is remarkably low for a car of that value and makes the e:Ny1 the most VRT-efficient SUV in the entire Honda range. The e:Ny1 is a well-built electric car with a comfortable interior and a 260-mile WLTP range. While the purchase price is higher than the petrol HR-V, the VRT and fuel savings can narrow the gap significantly over a few years of ownership.
Honda VRT FAQs
How is VRT calculated on a Honda import?
VRT on a Honda is calculated using the standard Irish system based on CO2 emissions and the Open Market Selling Price as assessed by Revenue. Honda models are less common on Irish roads than Ford or Toyota, which means Revenue's OMSP database may be less precise for some Honda models. This can work in your favour if you have evidence that your specific car is worth less than Revenue's valuation.
Revenue starts by setting the OMSP based on the car's make, model, engine, year, mileage, and condition. For Honda models, the OMSP can sometimes be unpredictable because there are fewer comparable cars in the Irish market. After setting the OMSP, Revenue applies age-related depreciation. The standard scale applies: under 1 year gets 0 percent, 1 to 2 years gets 10 percent, 2 to 3 years gets 20 percent, 3 to 4 years gets 30 percent, 4 to 5 years gets 40 percent, and over 5 years gets 50 percent. The adjusted value is then multiplied by the VRT rate based on CO2 emissions.
The VRT rate bands for Honda imports are:
- 0 to 120g/km: 14 percent (Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC, Jazz e:HEV, Civic e:HEV, e:Ny1 with relief)
- 121 to 140g/km: 16 percent (Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo, HR-V 1.5 i-VTEC)
- 141 to 155g/km: 20 percent (Civic 1.5 VTEC Turbo Sport, Accord 2.0 i-VTEC)
- 156 to 170g/km: 24 percent (CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo, Accord 2.2 i-DTEC)
- 171 to 190g/km: 28 percent (CR-V Hybrid in some specs, Accord 2.4 i-VTEC)
- 191 to 225g/km: 32 percent (Civic Type R pre-2022)
- Over 225g/km: 37 percent (Civic Type R FL5, older CR-V 2.4)
Electric Honda models like the e:Ny1 qualify for the 50 percent EV relief, bringing the effective rate down to around 5 percent. This is the single biggest VRT-saving option in the Honda range.
Which Honda model has the lowest VRT?
The Honda model with the lowest VRT is the e:Ny1, which qualifies for the 50 percent EV relief and attracts an effective rate of around 5 percent. A 2023 e:Ny1 at 45,000 OMSP would cost roughly 2,250 in VRT. Among petrol and hybrid models, the Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC and Jazz e:HEV have the lowest VRT, with CO2 around 102 to 110g/km putting them in the 14 percent band. A 2021 Jazz at 18,000 OMSP would cost about 2,520 in VRT before age relief, and a Jazz e:HEV at 24,000 OMSP costs about 3,024 before age relief.
The Jazz is the most VRT-efficient combustion Honda and one of the cheapest Japanese cars to import to Ireland overall. The combination of low OMSP, low CO2 emissions, and the 14 percent VRT rate means your total tax bill is minimal. The Jazz also has the lowest annual road tax in the Honda range at about 180 euros per year. The running costs are correspondingly low, with the 1.3 i-VTEC engine returning about 50 miles per gallon in real-world driving.
The Civic e:HEV is another strong contender. With CO2 around 108g/km, it qualifies for the 14 percent band. A 2023 Civic e:HEV at 32,000 OMSP would cost about 4,032 in VRT. The e:HEV hybrid system provides strong performance with low emissions, making the Civic e:HEV a compelling choice for buyers who want a fun-to-drive car without the VRT penalty. It is more expensive than the Jazz, but the extra space and power make it worth considering if your budget allows.
Is the Honda Civic Type R expensive for VRT?
The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most expensive Hondas to import from a VRT perspective. The FL5 generation Type R produces around 220g/km CO2, which puts it firmly in the top 37 percent VRT band. On a car valued at 55,000 OMSP, the VRT before age relief is 20,350. That is a substantial tax bill, and it is the main reason why relatively few Type Rs are imported to Ireland compared to their popularity in the UK.
The previous FK8 generation Type R produces about 210g/km CO2, which puts it in the 32 percent band. On a 45,000 OMSP, the VRT is roughly 14,400. Still expensive, but noticeably less than the FL5. The FK8 is a capable performance car with 320 horsepower and a chassis that journalists consistently rank among the best hot hatches ever made. The 32 percent band is bad enough, but the 37 percent band on the FL5 makes the newer model particularly punishing from a VRT perspective.
If you are dead set on a Type R, the import maths rarely works out in your favour. The all-in cost including VRT, customs duty, VAT, and shipping means you will almost certainly pay more than buying a car already registered in Ireland. The Type R is a car you import because you want a specific colour, specification, or lower-mileage example that you cannot find locally, not because it saves you money. For most buyers, the Civic e:HEV offers 90 percent of the fun with a fraction of the VRT cost.
What is the NOx levy on Honda diesel imports?
The NOx levy is an additional charge applied to diesel vehicles in Ireland, calculated based on the vehicle's nitrogen oxide emissions. It is separate from the CO2-based VRT and can add between 500 and 2,500 to your total bill depending on the age and emissions standard of your Honda i-DTEC diesel engine. This levy has become a significant factor in the decision to import diesel Hondas, particularly as most Honda diesels are now several years old.
Honda's i-DTEC diesel engines went through two main generations. The older 2.2 i-DTEC found in the Accord and CR-V from 2008 to 2014 typically met Euro 5 standards and produce relatively high NOx emissions. These cars can attract a NOx levy of 1,500 to 2,400 depending on the exact engine and year. The newer 1.6 i-DTEC introduced in 2013 improved significantly but still produces enough NOx to attract a levy of 600 to 1,200. The 1.6 i-DTEC in the Civic and HR-V was a well-regarded engine with good fuel economy, but the NOx levy eats into the running cost advantage.
The NOx levy is charged at the time of VRT payment and is non-negotiable. For a 2017 Civic 1.6 i-DTEC with a CO2-based VRT of 3,200 and a NOx levy of 1,000, your total tax payment is 4,200. That is an extra 31 percent on top of the standard VRT. Given that Honda stopped selling diesels in Europe after 2018, you should think carefully before importing an i-DTEC model unless you do very high mileage and can offset the NOx levy through fuel savings.
Can I challenge the OMSP on my Honda import?
Yes, you can challenge the OMSP that Revenue assigns to your Honda. In fact, Honda imports may offer better opportunities for a successful OMSP challenge than more common brands like Ford or Toyota, because Revenue's database has fewer data points for Honda models. If Revenue's valuation does not match the real market value of your specific Honda, you have a reasonable case to appeal.
The most promising scenarios for a successful OMSP challenge on a Honda involve high-mileage cars, models with unusual specifications, or cars with condition issues that affect value. Revenue's database uses average mileage assumptions, so a Civic with 120,000 kilometres at three years old should have a lower OMSP than the standard 60,000 kilometre valuation. Similarly, a Honda with a base trim level and no optional extras may have a lower market value than the standard database figure. You need evidence of comparable Hondas selling for less than Revenue's OMSP.
Collect Irish market listings from DoneDeal and Carzone showing similar Honda models at prices below Revenue's OMSP. Focus on cars with the same model, engine, year, and mileage range. At least five to eight listings give you a solid evidence base. Submit your evidence at the VRT appointment or through Revenue's online portal. For a Civic at 25,000 OMSP and 16 percent VRT rate, a successful challenge reducing the OMSP by 2,000 saves you 320. For a CR-V at 38,000 OMSP and 24 percent rate, a 2,000 reduction saves 480. The process is free and takes minimal effort, so it is always worth trying if you have evidence.
Is it cheaper to import a Honda or buy one in Ireland?
Importing a Honda from the UK used to offer significant savings compared to buying in Ireland, but the gap has narrowed since Brexit added customs duty and VAT to the equation. For most Honda models, the saving is now 1,000 to 3,000, which is noticeable but not as dramatic as it once was. The saving varies by model, with higher-value models like the CR-V and Civic Type R offering larger potential savings but also higher VRT costs that eat into the margin.
A 2021 Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo that costs 18,000 in the UK provides a realistic example. Revenue sets the OMSP at 25,000. The VRT at 16 percent with 10 percent age depreciation comes to 3,600. Customs duty at 10 percent is 1,800, and VAT at 23 percent on the duty-inclusive value is about 4,788. Shipping adds roughly 500. Your total additional costs are about 10,688, and the all-in price is 28,688. A similar Civic from an Irish dealer would cost around 27,000 to 29,000. The import is roughly break-even to slightly cheaper depending on the specific car and dealer pricing.
A 2022 Honda Jazz e:HEV at 20,000 in the UK gives an all-in cost of about 30,814 after VRT, duty, VAT, and shipping. An Irish dealer would sell the same car for about 29,000 to 31,000. The Jazz import is also roughly break-even. The key is to check Irish prices before you commit. The Honda market in Ireland is smaller than the UK market, so finding the exact specification you want locally can be harder. Importing gives you access to the much larger UK used car market. Use our calculator above to get a precise VRT estimate for your specific Honda model.
What documents do I need to import a Honda from the UK?
Importing a Honda from the UK requires the same standard set of documents as any other car import. Honda models are well-established in the UK market, so the process is straightforward. Having your documents in order will make the VRT appointment quick and avoid unnecessary delays.
The essential documents are:
- UK V5C registration certificate: The UK logbook. Ensure the seller completes the relevant sections to confirm the sale. This is the most important document and you cannot register the car without it.
- Proof of purchase: A receipt or invoice from the seller. Revenue does not use this to set the OMSP, but they need it for their records to verify the transaction.
- Certificate of Conformity: Honda provides these for all models sold in Europe. It confirms the car meets EU standards and includes the official CO2 and emissions data. If the car does not have a physical CoC, you can request a duplicate from any Honda dealer. The CoC is particularly important for Honda models because it confirms the official CO2 figure used for VRT calculation.
- Proof of identity: Your passport or Irish driving licence.
- Proof of address: A utility bill or bank statement showing your Irish address.
- Insurance certificate: Proof that the car is insured for the journey to Ireland and for the VRT appointment.
If the car is over four years old, you also need a valid NCT certificate. Honda-specific extras that are useful include the service history booklet and any receipts for major work. For VTEC Turbo engines, evidence of regular oil changes using fully synthetic 0W-20 oil is important because these engines can develop carbon buildup if oil changes are neglected. For hybrid models, any documentation about the hybrid battery health or service history is valuable. For diesel i-DTEC models, proof of DPF filter maintenance is essential because a clogged DPF is an expensive repair that can cost 1,000 to 2,000 to replace.
How does Honda e:Ny1 electric VRT relief work?
The Honda e:Ny1 qualifies for Ireland's 50 percent VRT relief for zero-emission vehicles. This is the same relief that applies to all fully electric cars and it dramatically reduces the VRT you pay. The relief works by reducing the applicable VRT rate by 50 percent, with a minimum floor of 5 percent. For the e:Ny1, the effective rate is almost always the 5 percent floor because the car produces zero CO2 emissions.
The calculation is straightforward. A Honda e:Ny1 with an OMSP of 45,000 would normally fall into the 14 percent VRT band based on zero CO2 emissions. The 50 percent relief reduces the 14 percent rate to 7 percent. Since the minimum floor is 5 percent, and 7 percent is above that floor, the effective rate is 7 percent. The VRT is 45,000 times 7 percent, which is 3,150. Without the relief, the same car would cost 6,300 in VRT. The relief saves you 3,150.
A practical comparison makes the benefit clear. A Honda e:Ny1 at 45,000 OMSP costs roughly 2,250 to 3,150 in VRT depending on the exact year and Revenue's OMSP assessment. A Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo at 38,000 OMSP costs about 9,120 in VRT at the 24 percent rate. The e:Ny1 saves you about 6,000 to 7,000 in VRT compared to the petrol CR-V. When you add in fuel savings of approximately 1,200 per year for electric versus petrol, the total saving over five years is around 12,000 to 13,000. The e:Ny1 has a higher purchase price than the CR-V, but the VRT and fuel savings narrow the gap significantly over the ownership period.
The e:Ny1 also qualifies for the lowest annual motor tax rate of 120 euros per year, compared to 390 euros for the petrol CR-V. Over five years that is an additional saving of 1,350. The total cost of ownership for the e:Ny1 is competitive with the petrol CR-V when you factor in all these savings, making it a compelling choice for buyers who can charge at home.