Buying an Import

[custardtart]

Anyone got any experience of buying an imported Alfa. I'm looking at a 3.2 GT from Germany saving about 8K on UK list and wondered if there were any pitfalls. I'm told the car is a UK spec car, has 2 years Alfa warranty and the local dealer is happy to service it and sell a 3rd year warranty so it seems a good deal?

[wombat rick]

Just check the spec is exactly the same as the UK.
You may need to spec some options to bring it up to equivalent UK spec. Other than that you should be fine.

Oh - make sure the steering wheel is on the right too.

[pdV6]

As Rick says, check, check and triple check every aspect of the spec. If its right, then there's no real downside.
I'm still happily running my "Danish" GTV 5 years on...

[viper_larry]

Interesting to know where you are getting it from?

My Alfa GTA I got from a UK trader which was apparently stock from Germany (it has a german handbook) that was surplus. I too got £8k off the list price and it has been faultless.

Might try and get a 3rd year warranty when the 2 years runs out this year.

Mine has every extra except Sat Nav.

[custardtart]

Motorpoint are the only ones I could find with an immediate delivery at the right spec. There were a few that seemed eager to sell me one but were less certain when they could supply.
I've checked it out and it's a car meant for the Uk and the standard spec is as per the Dealer car and it has the options I wanted ie. Winter pack, 18" wheels, CD changer and Xenons.
I've heard good and bad about them so I guess you pays yer money and takes yer chances.

[wombat rick]

custardtart said:

Motorpoint are the only ones I could find with an immediate delivery at the right spec.

Bottom of their home page small print:
"Vehicles may not be to UK spec."

It wouldn't worry me, but I know some people get a bit agitated about things like this.

[pwig]

Custard drop me a mail via my profile I could get you a UK car at a good price