Importing Japanese and European Vehicles

Importing a car from the EU often means big discounts 10-20 percent ... or more compared with UK-sourced cars, okay delivery times will be longer if you or a car importer needs to go abroad to buy an imported car - but your choice of imported vehicle may already be in a UK car importers showroom.

When we think of imported cars, the usual marques come to mind such as; Mazda RX-7 turbo, Mitsubishi Pajero/shogun 2.8 Tdi swb manual, Mitsubishi Shogun 3.5 GLS, Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 Tdi, Exceed, Subaru Impreza 2.0 WRX, Subaru Impreza Type R, Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2TD VX, Toyota Hilux double cab pickup, Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon 4.2TD VX , Mercedes-benz SL 600, Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 RHD, BMW etc.

Picture Courtesy of
Autoroute UK

What is the criteria for importing a car to Britain?

All vehicles entering the UK from outside the EEC that are less than 10 years old, require British National Type Approval (SVA). To ensure that they meet all UK build and safety requirments. You cannot register a vehicle in the UK without an SVA certificate. Examples are;

Rear Fog lamps (vehicles drivers generally do not require foglamps in Japan)
Speedos are KMH and are converted to read in MPH (a certificate of conversion is issued)
Fuel neck restricters to stop leaded fuel nozzles entering fuel tank (In Japan there has not been any Leaded fuel since the 80,s)
Tyres, Speed ratings in Japan are Lower, speed limits are lower.

What are the problems of owning an imported car in the UK?

There are a lot of urban myths and mis-understood rules relating to European car imports. You will be pleased to know that it is illegal under European law for a dealer to refuse to carry out warranty work on your imported vehicle.

Insurance costs should be just the same as those of a UK purchased car, search around because but some insurance companies may give inflated quotes for imported cars

If you have an imported, there is no reason why it should be worth any less when you resell it.

Choosing a European or Japanese car importer may not be too difficult. Two essential elements - although very basic and obvious are; a fixed line telehone and commercial premises. Not an accommodation address or secretarial service. Their website can provide much useful information. Take Autoroute UK for example, Their managing director personally travels to countries of origin, and hand picks vehicles himself. His motto is " If I were looking for this model vehicle, would I buy and own this one". All vehicles come with a unique Autoroute Package that provides you with customer support and assurance.

The Autoroute Package comprises; Full In-house Warranty 6-12 Months, up to 3 Years for new vehicles. They have their own fully eqiupped workshops with professional technicians, Full UK Type Approval (SVA) with all relevant modifications, Full Vehicle security check at home and abroad with BIMTA Certificate, New Mot (where applicable), 6 Months Road Fund Licence, Alarm or Immobiliser Thatcham approved (by arrangment), All cosmetics repaired, Fully Valeted, Mileage conversion certificate, Part Exchange Possible and Finance Arranged (Subject to status).

What about importing a car from outside the EU?

A "parallel import" refers to right-hand drive vehicles which are purchased abroad, but built to EU Type Approval and therefore are compatible with UK specification

Clearly different rules apply when importing from outside the European Union. In terms of taxes,you will have to pay the 17.5 per cent VAT, 10 per cent import duty, plus shipping costs. Tip - buy from a reputable car importer. You will not feel the pinch and all the paper work is done.

You'll also need a Single Vehicle Approval test (SVA) to register the car here. In real terms it is like a more extensive MoT to ensure that the imported car conforms to the European road standards. - Again a professional UK car importer will take care of this for you, so you will buy a fully certified and tested imported vehicle.

The SVA is not only worth the peace of mind, the usual modifications required to pass the test include; realigning the headlamps,upgrading the brakes, changing the odometer/speedometer from KPH to read in MPH, it also includes adding a rear foglight, cars in Japan don't need them and also restricting the fuel-filler for unleaded petrol pumps. As mentioned earlier you can source a car yourself, but it's a lot easier to go through an established agent or car importer. Often you can or buy a car that is already in the UK. Autoroute do keep a stock and will also source a car to import for you.

It is no secret that we pay more for cars in Britain than in Europe, so much that the OFT Office of Fair Trading has asked the former Monopolies and Mergers Commission - now called the Competition Commission to look at why we pay more for our cars in the UK. According to a European Commission survey Britain has the highest car prices in Europe due to the strength of the pound. The RAC said "Despite efforts made to limit price variations for identical models between EU countries, a saving could be made by purchasing a vehicle in mainland Europe and importing it into the UK - However, if you do decide to purchase your vehicle abroad be aware of the potential obstacles prior to the purchase, particularly, in obtaining the correct paperwork before you even plan your trip. "

You can save yourself from all the pitfalls by contacting a professional car importer such as Autoroute UK.

News Release By
www.puremarketing.co.uk

Peter Yexley
Hertfordshire Internet
The Granary
Redwell Wood Farm
Ridge
Hertfordshire
EN6 3NA

Tel: 01707 646457

Peter@ukhq.com