Thoughts?

[dergside]

.....The majority of the ones for sale here are UK imports. Given that there is so many for sale here at the moment versus for sale in the North and you'd expect us to be similar in terms of original registration numbers, is there some loophole that the dealers are able to exploit on the Plug-In, Hybrid, Electric imports?

There is an age dependent tapering VRT rebate on plug-ins that makes them attractive. The depreciation code being used (and low CO2 and NOx) for them at the moment means that VRT is pretty low, so it makes them attractive as an import. To compare, a 2016 330e M-Sport with a similar 320d/320i, the combined VRT and NOx levy comparison is ~€1200 vs. >€4000. As a result, despite the used 330e being more expensive than either the 320d/320i in the UK, the on-the-road price is roughly the same. I'd imagine that over the medium term the residual value of a 330e will exceed a 320d or 320i, especially the 320d.

[Curran]

The fact that the 330e would work out cheaper to import than say a 320i/d despite being more expensive in the UK, I can get my head around. But couldnt understand how Irish dealers are selling them at near UK dealers prices with VRT paid.
On a quick look earlier it seemed there was no saving, but on spending more time comparing like for like there is about 1 - 1.5k saving.

[nige]

The fact that the 330e would work out cheaper to import than say a 320i/d despite being more expensive in the UK, I can get my head around. But couldnt understand how Irish dealers are selling them at near UK dealers prices with VRT paid.
On a quick look earlier it seemed there was no saving, but on spending more time comparing like for like there is about 1 - 1.5k saving.

They're very cheap in the uk auctions- they've plenty of margin in them here.

[ecooney]

They're very cheap in the uk auctions- they've plenty of margin in them here.

Indeed, I’ve managed to find two 2017 530e’s working out between €25-27K cleared in Ireland.


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[James Bond Junior]

Fancy buying our 420D GC? It's literally been sitting up for months.

[Curran]

PM me a few details...will ask the auld man if he's interested.

[Mark]

What is it about the e60 that doesn't fulfill your requirements? I was in the same quandary - was about to put a deposit on a 530e but decided to buy back my 530i as life is too short. Also saved me the guts of €30k which was nice

[dergside]

What is it about the e60 that doesn't fulfill your requirements?

Honestly, I can't say that it fails in any way like that. It has power, comfort, etc. in abundance, and as I said at the start, it has been a good friend.

There are probably 2 or 3 main reasons driving me in considering this.

Firstly, its pretty clear that the government plan to use tax policy to encourage us to change our ways as regards pollution, climate change, etc. The NOx Levy is probably only the first step. Road tax may well be the next and then further scrutiny of CO2 outputs. Given the fines that will be levied on manufacturers for every car they make if their fleet average CO2 figure exceeds 95g/km I think its fair to expect that cars that were recently considered as decent CO2 performers will soon enough be social pariahs, and taxed accordingly. So, a 272bhp 3.0l that is pretty much a gas guzzler by current standards for simple commute and chores may be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I have other cars that fulfill the social pariah role so one that doesn't reach in to the wallet quite so skillfully mightn't be a bad thing either.

Secondly, I've had the 530i for more than 4 years and the mileage passed 130k recently. That doesn't mean its clapped out, quite the contrary, but both of those are fairly high figures by my standards and the itch is there.

Thirdly, climate change isn't just about being hit by tax policy changes. If I can do something that reduces the overall impact I create then maybe its just time to actually do it. Its a small step and won't save the planet, but its something that I can do, without having to wear sack cloth and ashes, and if I wait for everyone else to do something before I do, then we're probably doomed

[Ketron]

I've a feeling all three points could be summed up into you've got the itch and fancy a new workhorse! Could go the route of an F10 530d if you wanted something comfortable, modern toys, more economical and EU6 albeit a tad boring!

[dergside]

I've a feeling all three points could be summed up into you've got the itch and fancy a new workhorse! Could go the route of an F10 530d if you wanted something comfortable, modern toys, more economical and EU6 albeit a tad boring!

You could be right

The 530d or 535d would be a perfect fit as a like for like replacement for the e60 and there are some nice examples in the UK at the moment, but its time to take a slightly different approach, at least for a while. Half of the cars I have hardly turned a wheel last year, so it could be considered that there's a bit of a waste there and competing priorities suggest this year mightn't be a whole lot better. One of the possibilities I outlined at the start of this thread mightn't be the only adjustment in strategy in the fleet!