importing a car..

[satans worm]

Looking at the possibility of buying a car from Germany, its secondhand (over 20 years old), and ultimately i want to bring it back to the UK (it originated from here but was taken to Germany 4 years ago).
Slight twist though, I am currently in Bratislava with work, and will be here for another 11months. Ideally id like to take it from Germany to Bratislava for the remaining time I going to be spending here, then take a nice long drive back home
So, whats the deal? Can i leave it on German plates for the remaining time then take it back to the UK for its (I assume) MOT before it gets UK plates?
I really have no idea how this works, also what the costs involved are.
Its not a definite that im going to buy the car but before I make a final decision I want to work out all the pros and cons involved.
Any help appreciated

[LuS1fer]

An expert in Bratislavan law will be along shortly...er, or maybe not.

[joreco]

Normally the German plates are retained by the seller and transit plates, with documentation in your name are sorted at the time of sale. The plates (and insurance) are purchased/issued on a weekly/Monthly basis depending on what you need, the expiry date is shown on the plate. The idea is they are a tempory measure to get you from Germany to your main residence, where you re-register the car asap. Depending on if when it left the UK, DVLA were informed or not of its export, you may be able to get a V5 sorted without any bother and just get the plates made up and away you go?