'Ideal for exporting' – but where?

[MrT8064]

I keep seeing the phrase 'Ideal for exporting' on eBay listings for beaten up Mercedes, and, having one myself, I was just wondering if anyone knows which countries are favoured export destinations?

I've spent a few minutes googling around and see lots of cars get sent to China and India, but I am much more interested in knowing where sub £1000 bangers get sent!

[Blakewater]

Various African countries I believe.

[Northernchimp]

I always read this as 'no longer fit for British roads'

[Lugy]

I always thought Eastern Europe was the number one destination for export, certainly I used to see lots of Polish/Lithuanian registered lorries carrying damaged or shoddy looking cars in that direction, maybe not so much now though.

[Sway]

We just sold my stepdad's Merc C Class Estate that he used as an airport taxi - complete with stripped cam gears and knackered head.

Went in ten minutes on eBay buy it now (at a decent price - £500 over the local breaker offers) to a Polish chap from 200 miles away, who came and picked it up, letting us know by that evening it'd be in Poland.

My understanding is that few were sold new there, so there's a lack on the secondhand market.

[Triumph Man]

That's what happened to my old Passat, it ended up in Lithuania.

[MrT8064]

Interesting. They must go for seriously strong money in eastern europe and africa then.

Ive got a couple of knackered old vehicles lying around the garden, so perhaps I should try and investigate this further!!

[Stevoox]

Africa is one guess. At my previous company i would handle the JLR's going into Africa but would also do a few personal used cars. Alot of the time were old merc's, BMW X5's and the odd supercar (Lambo / Ferrari)

Edited by Stevoox on Friday 30th January 14:07

[W00DY]

I think some are scrappage scheme cars and cat A/B write-offs which can't legally be returned to UK roads?

[Stevoox]

W00DY said:

I think some are scrappage scheme cars and cat A/B write-offs which can't legally be returned to UK roads?

Not sure, because i know for certain destinations you need to have inspections carried out to confirm the vehicles are road worthy. Otherwise customs will reject upon import (but saying that, a little brown envelope slipped to a customs officer would get it through in some cases...)