FAQ's
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. Are there any disadvantages from buying an imported
car?
No, other than sometimes you will get a slightly shorter warranty.
However, from January 2002 all cars imported from Europe must
be supplied with a two-year manufacturer warranty. The so-called
3-year warranty on cars sold in the UK is usually a one-year
warranty with an additional two years insurance policy based
warranty added on.
2. What if the £ weakens before delivery of my car?
Most agencies will offer you the facility to secure the purchase
price in sterling by arranging a 'forward contract' on your
behalf. This normally results in a price increase of around
1-%, as forward currency exchange rates are always less than
current spot rates.
3. Will UK prices ever come down to EU levels?
It would be very unlikely even if Britain eventually joined
the Euro due to other factors such as pre-tax prices of vehicles
sold in the continent.
4. Will my money be safe?
Your money will be safe if you've purchased through a reputable
agency. Always check the credibility of the agency. Ask how
many cars they have delivered.
5. What happens if the agency / broker goes bankrupt before
the car is delivered?
The contract you have entered into will be with the dealership
and not the agency. Provided you have a receipt of deposit
payment, at the very worst you will be left with the hassle
of completing the import tasks on your own. Alternatively,
you could contact another agency to check on your purchase
and complete the formalities for you. The risk is probably
no different to that involved with any other supplier.
6. Why are cars more expensive in the UK than on the continent?
It would be true to say that we pay more for most items in
the U.K. Take a look at food, tobacco, alcohol and clothing
for example. Although everybody blames the car manufacturers
for price differences, the answer also lies in currency exchange
rates, pre-tax prices of cars in European countries, V.A.T
and many other factors.
7. How much can I expect to save?
Depends upon model but generally between 10-30% on UK list
price. Please have a look at the Examples of Savings page
of this site for some examples.
8. What about resale values?
All vehicles supplied to U.K. specification are built in the
same factory on the same production line as U.K. supplied
vehicles so there should be no discrepancies between residual
values when you come to change again in two to three years
time.
9. How long can I expect to wait for delivery?
This will vary according to your chosen make and model. Often
delivery times can be no different, sometimes shorter than
if you had ordered from your local dealer. Many importers
have vehicles available for shipping immediately and lots
now carry vehicles in stock.
10. Will the car be to UK specification?
Always request full UK dealer specification using UK brochures
as your reference. Right Hand Drive (RHD) does not necessairly
mean UK specification.
11. Will I be able to finance the car?
Yes. Many of the car import agencies on the site can also
arrange car finance.
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