Importing vehicles from abroad is a great way to save money, especially when new cars are expensive in the UK. Importing a car can be a great way to save money if you’re willing to do the work. However, there are a few things you should know before you start. The Law
The European Law prohibits any vehicle manufacturer from stopping an EU citizen to purchase a car at the pre-taxes price in another EU country. This means that you can buy a vehicle from any country in the European Union.
You can import a car directly from America. You will be charged an additional 10% in import duties on top of the 17.5% VAT if you bring a car from the States.
When importing a car to the UK, you should be very careful about the specifications and standard of the vehicle. Even vehicles that appear identical can differ slightly from one country to another. Headlights, steering wheel, mirrors, etc. are all examples of items that can differ from country to country. If you plan to drive your car in the UK, it must comply with UK standards. You should also ask your dealer which features are standard, as they can vary depending on the country. Also, make sure to get written confirmation of all specifications and details. Remember to also specify that you would like a vehicle with a right-hand drive.
Imports from America must pass the Single Vehicle Approval regulations (SVA). Imports of vehicles from America are subject to the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) regulations. Payment and Hidden Costs
It is important to be as safe as possible with your money when importing a vehicle. Dealers will often ask for large deposits up front. If the dealer fails, you won’t get your money back. It is best to use a credit card for payment so that you are covered by the payment protection.
You should also consider any costs associated with transporting and purchasing the vehicle to the UK. Can you really save as much as you thought?
You will have to pay a standard 17.5% VAT on all imported cars, plus an additional 10% import tax if you are buying them from America. You must also consider the shipping costs and insurance for your vehicle while it is in transit. Imported Car Insurance may be more expensive. Shipment & Registration
Shipping your car can be costly, but there are many companies that offer this service. Shop around to find the best deal. If you want to save some money, you could drive your car to the dealer yourself. For the return trip, you will need temporary or transit plates. These will last for a month and will not cost much. It is important to have travel insurance when returning home.