How do you check if a car's an import or UK car?

[adycav]

Is there a quick, easy way to check if a car registration belongs to a UK car or import?

Thanks

[AndrewW-G]

Some chassis numbers include a market code which should tell you which country / area it was originaly delivered to

[FraserLFA]

AFAIK, not unless you have more than just the licence plate, as that only signifies the year it was registered in the UK and not when it was made (Obviously an import will be made and then shipped to the UK at a later date) But i guess phoning DVLA might be worth a try.

Sorry i couldn't be much help.

[Jonny671]

Usually check the chassis number.

Or atleast I know thats true for Mazdas;

UK - JMZ then model code etc.
Import - NA6E etc so no JMZ bit.

[markcjd]

HPI will normally show up an import. Glass check book is good for chassis codes and country specific spec. If HPI has a lot of info missing, e.g. model, engine, colour it is probably an import.

[adycav]

I got the chassis number from the vendor and will double check with the manufacturer, I have been assured that it is a UK car.

Thanks for your comments.

[fatwomble]

It says in the Reg document when it was first registered in the UK and the date of manufacture. If they are different it was registered elsewhere first.

[adycav]

fatwomble said:

It says in the Reg document when it was first registered in the UK and the date of manufacture. If they are different it was registered elsewhere first.

Yeah got a scan of the V5 emailed through to me, it's a UK car alright. Thanks.

[qureshia]

Check the service book to see where and by whom the PDI was done
If it was outside the UK or non franchised dealer (e.g. Motor point etc)
Then chances are it was imported.

I have an imported golf, no way you can tell from the V5 ??

Only sure way of knowing is to ask a franchised dear in the UK who can check on the manufactures database.


Lastly spec is sometimes a giveaway ?