Importing a car that never available in the UK

[Gericho]

If I import a vehicle that was never sold in the UK, how will the DVSA/DVLA know what to register it as? I understand I have to go through some process of a DVSA test to ensure it is legal in the UK and then register it with the DVLA to get a V5C. But what details do they use to register it... is it what is on the application forms or do they contact the manufacturer from the VIN or is there some other way?

[samoht]

It's basically whatever you fill in on the form, or at least it was when I did it in 2008. I guess they might check if you put in something ridiculous (although hard to think what could be more obviously ridiculous than an Daihatsu Naked).

[Gericho]

samoht said:

It's basically whatever you fill in on the form, or at least it was when I did it in 2008. I guess they might check if you put in something ridiculous (although hard to think what could be more obviously ridiculous than an Daihatsu Naked).

So theoretically someone could register a 1.6 diesel as a 5.0 V8 or vice-versa?

[Ritchie335is]

You need to submit the original title so the details come from this, however you do still fill in the form but it would have to match the title more or less.

[Axeboy]

As above. You'll need the original and translated docs from the other country for it to be registered here (export cert or registration doc). You'll also need at least a MOT with the chassis number matching those.

When you complete the V55/5 you insert the correct details there and they will cross check the documents.

It may come back without a model name if its not on the DVLA list, so it might just be a "Nissan" or "Ford" with a blank in the model details.

Cars over 10 years old are easier

Edited by Axeboy on Monday 19th February 15:53

[The Selfish Gene]

they may also come out and inspect - which I had when importing from SA.

Then had a huge amount of hassle persuading them it wasn't a cut and shut, wasn't stolen and did indeed exist.

Eventually got it through!

[garypotter]

Also before handing over your hard earned taxed cash check the insurance quotes for a non specific UK model as a few insurers who did these risks are no longer trading. last thing you need is a cheap import car that costs you £3k a year to insure.

[aka_kerrly]

How easy to register the car can depend on its age, for older cars there are usually less checks as you dont need to worry about it being Ulez or any Co2 emissions related calculations.

Providing as much information on the v5 application helps but don't expect the average DVLA employee to understand the significance hence for example my Toyota Alteza RS200 Z edition ended up being registered simply as a Toyota Alteza with a 2000cc engine capacity and pre 2002 fixed rate tax.

[Gericho]

aka_kerrly said:

How easy to register the car can depend on its age, for older cars there are usually less checks as you dont need to worry about it being Ulez or any Co2 emissions related calculations.

Providing as much information on the v5 application helps but don't expect the average DVLA employee to understand the significance hence for example my Toyota Alteza RS200 Z edition ended up being registered simply as a Toyota Alteza with a 2000cc engine capacity and pre 2002 fixed rate tax.

What happens if you need to make an insurance claim? The insurer is expecting to fix or pay out on a standard Alteza but you have a different version. They may not pay for the better brakes etc. Worse still, they may void the insurance completely. Is this anything to be concerned about?