Buying an imported car

[Blue62]

I’m in the market for a lightly used sports car and one has popped up with 1600 miles on the clock and a very nice spec. The owner brought it back from Hong Kong and I’m just wondering what the pitfalls could be. The car doesn’t appear to be discounted but it isn’t shifting (what is), I’m guessing warranty could be an issue and possible resale when the time comes, would I be wise to avoid?

[Unreal]

First thing is does it have a V5.

DVLA won't issue one until all taxes are paid.

If you buy the car they'll become your responsibility. They won't go after the importer/previous owner.

[blue_haddock]

There are insurance issues as imports will be charged more.

My nigh on 30 year old Toyota starlet was a parallel import from Germany when new, when I clicked on"is this vehicle imported" button to get an insurance quote it jumped by about 10%

Now this isn't too much of an issue for me but if it's the sort of car that will be pricey to insurer it could create a problem.

Plus if the car is fairly new many will be worried about spending decent money on a car that could possibly have warranty issues and maybe a different spec to a UK vehicle.

Basically it needs to be cheaper than an equivalent UK car to sell.

[Blue62]

blue_haddock said:

There are insurance issues as imports will be charged more.

My nigh on 30 year old Toyota starlet was a parallel import from Germany when new, when I clicked on"is this vehicle imported" button to get an insurance quote it jumped by about 10%

Now this isn't too much of an issue for me but if it's the sort of car that will be pricey to insurer it could create a problem.

Plus if the car is fairly new many will be worried about spending decent money on a car that could possibly have warranty issues and maybe a different spec to a UK vehicle.

Basically it needs to be cheaper than an equivalent UK car to sell.

Hadn’t thought about insurance, all taxes are paid according to the dealer, but I’ll pass on this one, too much grief.

[Unreal]

Blue62 said:

blue_haddock said:

There are insurance issues as imports will be charged more.

My nigh on 30 year old Toyota starlet was a parallel import from Germany when new, when I clicked on"is this vehicle imported" button to get an insurance quote it jumped by about 10%

Now this isn't too much of an issue for me but if it's the sort of car that will be pricey to insurer it could create a problem.

Plus if the car is fairly new many will be worried about spending decent money on a car that could possibly have warranty issues and maybe a different spec to a UK vehicle.

Basically it needs to be cheaper than an equivalent UK car to sell.

Hadn t thought about insurance, all taxes are paid according to the dealer, but I ll pass on this one, too much grief.

As I'm sure you know, a dealer's word is best not taken at face value.

As for insurance, I doubt you'd have a problem.

I own a number of Japanese imports, my premium is reasonable and the insurer doesn't appear to be bothered.

Having said all that, my cars are older, so I have no interest in things like a warranty and I can see you might.