Originally Posted by rfitz
Importing cars into Ireland is a bit messy because of the tax laws. Basically, you can buy a car much cheaper in the UK or Europe, but then when you bring it into the country you get hit for a huge tax bill. So after you have paid the tax it ends up being no cheaper, but a lot more hassle.
Not really. I recently imported my GT and other than some silly errors on my part that ending up costing me around €500, it was no real trouble. I will have ended up paying around the same money for a car in better condition and with less miles than was on offer in Ireland (This includes all my costs-travel, transport, AA inspection etc). Doesn't hold true in every case, but is certainly worth looking into-especially in the case of a GT of which there is limited stock in Ireland.
As Tom says, it certainly would make sense considering it now with the Eur/GBP in our favour.
Re. the Q2 diff, I will probably wait until my next service is due, and see if Gerry Campbell can do it for me. I have talked to a guy who has driven a JTD with a Q2 diff fitted and can't speak highly enough of the experience.