Buying an imported US Mustang (from UK dealer/private)
Discussion
Hello gang
It's time to do something silly.
I NEED to buy a big US V8 beast. Well, no, I don't, but I want to, and will, you can't stop me*
(*please don't stop me).
I've ummed and ahhed about a Mustang for years and test drove a few 2004-2007 models last year and figured I'd probably get one, although I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped. I feel like I must own a Mustang at some point in my life though - I've had around 35 cars or so but never a US car; my only V8 has been a 2002 XKR which was lovely but the supercharger whine/the Jaguar refinement meant there was no 'V8 rumble' which I so so seek.
There's not many about though. I'm looking in the 10-15k price range (12k ideal) and I'm a bit wary of a particular dealer in Accrington that seems to have several low priced options.
However, I'm still a bit concerned about the more expensive options - there's a company called Empire Cars in Bedford (not toooo far from me - Nottingham) but all of theirs state "PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE IS IMPORTED FROM USA AS SALVAGE TITLED VEHICLE". From what I can tell, Salvage is like a Cat D/Cat C and it seems the US insurers are 'over sensitive' in writing off cars but I'm still a tad put off.
One particular car caught my eye on Car & Classic; a "2009 MUSTANG 45TH ANNIVERSARY GT COUPE" for sale by Fast Lane Classics in Hertfordshire. When I asked for more details I got the following response:
"Unfortunately there is no service history with the car ? So although we
were told it was serviced last year and the fluids etc appear fairly
recent an oil change would probably not hurt?
Also as to service etc? The car came from Dubai (where it was sold new)
in 2019 from our experience mileage correction? Is unheard of ! So I
believe the mileage is correct but we cannot 'prove it'"
Anybody had any experience buying cars that are from Dubai? When I did a bit of research it seemed to suggest that a lot of Dubai cars were actually written off US cars... so again, put me off a tad!
I think the crux of the matter though is that when you buy a imported car it's history is going to be vague; I imagine there's a few examples around with good history but they are rare?
I'm the most impatient ba**ard ever though so waiting for the perfect one isn't ideal for me
Failing a Mustang, I'm tempted to throw common sense out of the window and buy a Corvette (C5)
Actually, they're not that daft... I've been looking at them on and off for a while and my current work/life situation doesn't demand a sensible car (always got my 'sensible' 1992 MX-5 BBR turbo as a back up!!) and there's some really good examples around; lovely one (private sale, low mileage, UK from new) pretty local tomorrow so no harm in having a look, right?!
Some of you (who have read this far and not got bored yet of my drivel) and probably asking, so what's my actual f****** question?
Erm... I guess the question is: "Should I buy a US or Dubai imported car that has bugger all history and has probably been written off by insurers in the US??!"
Actually, I might be able to answer that one myself
All jokes aside, I've used a pre-purchase mechanical inspection from ClickMechanic (RAC do one too but more expensive) previously (when I bought the XKR) and was very impressed; might be a good idea with the 'tang, especially if I buy privately and there's no dealer warranty.
Thoughts, prayers, incorrect answers on a postcard please.
Cheers
Mr Rossi
P.S. Really shouldn't post these questions on a Friday evening after 3 hours of drinking wine
It's time to do something silly.
I NEED to buy a big US V8 beast. Well, no, I don't, but I want to, and will, you can't stop me*
(*please don't stop me).
I've ummed and ahhed about a Mustang for years and test drove a few 2004-2007 models last year and figured I'd probably get one, although I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped. I feel like I must own a Mustang at some point in my life though - I've had around 35 cars or so but never a US car; my only V8 has been a 2002 XKR which was lovely but the supercharger whine/the Jaguar refinement meant there was no 'V8 rumble' which I so so seek.
There's not many about though. I'm looking in the 10-15k price range (12k ideal) and I'm a bit wary of a particular dealer in Accrington that seems to have several low priced options.
However, I'm still a bit concerned about the more expensive options - there's a company called Empire Cars in Bedford (not toooo far from me - Nottingham) but all of theirs state "PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE IS IMPORTED FROM USA AS SALVAGE TITLED VEHICLE". From what I can tell, Salvage is like a Cat D/Cat C and it seems the US insurers are 'over sensitive' in writing off cars but I'm still a tad put off.
One particular car caught my eye on Car & Classic; a "2009 MUSTANG 45TH ANNIVERSARY GT COUPE" for sale by Fast Lane Classics in Hertfordshire. When I asked for more details I got the following response:
"Unfortunately there is no service history with the car ? So although we
were told it was serviced last year and the fluids etc appear fairly
recent an oil change would probably not hurt?
Also as to service etc? The car came from Dubai (where it was sold new)
in 2019 from our experience mileage correction? Is unheard of ! So I
believe the mileage is correct but we cannot 'prove it'"
Anybody had any experience buying cars that are from Dubai? When I did a bit of research it seemed to suggest that a lot of Dubai cars were actually written off US cars... so again, put me off a tad!
I think the crux of the matter though is that when you buy a imported car it's history is going to be vague; I imagine there's a few examples around with good history but they are rare?
I'm the most impatient ba**ard ever though so waiting for the perfect one isn't ideal for me
Failing a Mustang, I'm tempted to throw common sense out of the window and buy a Corvette (C5)
Actually, they're not that daft... I've been looking at them on and off for a while and my current work/life situation doesn't demand a sensible car (always got my 'sensible' 1992 MX-5 BBR turbo as a back up!!) and there's some really good examples around; lovely one (private sale, low mileage, UK from new) pretty local tomorrow so no harm in having a look, right?!
Some of you (who have read this far and not got bored yet of my drivel) and probably asking, so what's my actual f****** question?
Erm... I guess the question is: "Should I buy a US or Dubai imported car that has bugger all history and has probably been written off by insurers in the US??!"
Actually, I might be able to answer that one myself
All jokes aside, I've used a pre-purchase mechanical inspection from ClickMechanic (RAC do one too but more expensive) previously (when I bought the XKR) and was very impressed; might be a good idea with the 'tang, especially if I buy privately and there's no dealer warranty.
Thoughts, prayers, incorrect answers on a postcard please.
Cheers
Mr Rossi
P.S. Really shouldn't post these questions on a Friday evening after 3 hours of drinking wine
You need to be extra careful when looking at imported cars - very easy to hide the true history. You can use a service called Carfax for US cars and it should tell you what you need to need to know (it's similar to HPI).
A lot of dodgy LHD cars do go through Europe or the Middle East, have their history erased then end up in the UK. For your budget, buy on condition and ideally from a private seller who has had the car a long time. It would make sense for the car to have a thorough inspection, and run away from anyone who isn't happy for that. The older Mustangs are fairly robust cars but the interior quality is poor compared to European brands.
If you are brave, you could import your own from the US. It's not hard as such, and plenty of specialists out there to help you import. Your choice will be a lot wider however the exchange rate is not kind to us at the moment.
I just bought a nearly new Camaro SS and I love it, so I get the V8 bug!
Edit to add - avoid salvage title cars from the US - loads get flood and storm damage! A Carfax report using the VIN will show if a US car is salvage or not. Also, some states don't have an MOT equivalent (Florida for example, I think) so there can be hidden horrors!
A lot of dodgy LHD cars do go through Europe or the Middle East, have their history erased then end up in the UK. For your budget, buy on condition and ideally from a private seller who has had the car a long time. It would make sense for the car to have a thorough inspection, and run away from anyone who isn't happy for that. The older Mustangs are fairly robust cars but the interior quality is poor compared to European brands.
If you are brave, you could import your own from the US. It's not hard as such, and plenty of specialists out there to help you import. Your choice will be a lot wider however the exchange rate is not kind to us at the moment.
I just bought a nearly new Camaro SS and I love it, so I get the V8 bug!
Edit to add - avoid salvage title cars from the US - loads get flood and storm damage! A Carfax report using the VIN will show if a US car is salvage or not. Also, some states don't have an MOT equivalent (Florida for example, I think) so there can be hidden horrors!
Edited by Camelot1971 on Friday 19th June 20:09
If it is a '05-09' Mustang V8 you are looking for, the safest option is to buy one already here with known history, there are a few owners clubs with a few cars for sale where you can search the history. The dealer in Accrington..avoid! they are cheap for a reason and have all been imported from the UAE, someone bought a Mustang from them a couple years ago it turned out to be 3 different cars!!!!
If you list your budget,colour choice,auto or man etc then help finding one is easier
If you list your budget,colour choice,auto or man etc then help finding one is easier
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