It is against European Community Law for any manufacturer to place any impediment between any EU citizen buying any car at the pre-tax price in any other European country.
EC Regulation No. 1475/95 states: 'The consumer's freedom to buy anywhere in the Common Market is one of the fundamental achievements of the European Community and the Regulation reinforces this right.'
But it goes on to state: 'The consumer's right is not accompanied by an obligation imposed on dealers to sell since it is normally in a dealer's interest to maximise its profits.'
Where a model of car is in short supply, a continental dealer may take the view that he will generate more profit from selling the car to a local who will probably insure, finance and service the car through the dealer and even part-exchange it in a few years time.
But where the model is freely available and the dealer simply wants to maximise turnover, he will usually be happy to play ball.
Specification levels can differ from country to country, even on seemingly identical cars. Get the brochure from your local dealer and compare specifications in minute detail, getting everything in writing. Always stress that you want to order a UK (or Ireland) specification car, i.e. with headlights, steering wheel, mirrors, etc. that meet UK (or Ireland) standards. Find out which items are fitted as standard, for example, air-conditioning may come as standard in one country but not another. Be sure to specify a RHD vehicle unless you want to end up with a LHD car with European options.
Make sure that the car comes with an EU Type Approval 'Certificate of Conformity' (C-of-C) or you won't be able to register it in the UK. Then simply drive to the nearest ferry and follow the rest of the 'step-by-step' guide.
American cars will be required to pass the SVA test - Single Vehicle Approval regulations for American vehicles.
If you order a car from an overseas dealer, the biggest worry you are likely to face is that he may demand a substantial deposit - up to 30%. If his franchise is pulled or he goes bust before you take delivery of your car, the situation is the same as in the UK. Your deposit becomes one of the assets of the company and you will be way down the list of creditors and therefore unlikely to get it back.
It is wise to pay by credit card so that you have payment insurance cover. Get all quotations, stated delivery dates etc in writing. Never pay cash or part with large sums of money up front (unless it's your deposit, which should be payable directly to the supplying dealer in Europe).
You will need to arrange shipping. There are a vast amount of haulage, shipping and freight companies you can approach. For a quick quote contact:
Alternatively you can fly out to the source country and drive your new car back. You will need 'transit or temporary plates for your drive home and should, as part of the deal, negotiate for your dealer to include them with the car. They should cost about GBP 150 but check the details before you leave the UK. The plates should be valid for one month. You should also be insured!
A vehicle that is permanently imported for use in Great Britain (GB) must be registered and taxed as soon as possible after it arrives in the country. The vehicle should not be used or kept on public roads until the registration and vehicle tax formalities have been completed.
However, if the vehicle needs to have a single vehicle approval (SVA) or MOT test in order to be registered, the vehicle may be driven to and from the pre-arranged test appointment.
For more information on registering an imported vehicle see one of the government advice websites. For example:
- www.dvla.gov.uk
- www.dft.gov.uk
- www.direct.gov.uk (see the motoring section)
When the vehicle is registered you will need insurance which is where we come in!
