How to import a vehicle into the UK?
According to the UK government website, if you imported your vehicle from another EU country, you must:
- Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 14 days that the vehicle has arrived in the UK.
- Pay VAT and duty if HMRC tells you to.
- Get vehicle approval to show your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.
- Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA – they’ll give you a registration number so you can get number plates made up.
- Insure your vehicle before you drive it on UK roads.
If you imported your vehicle from outside the EU, you must also:
- Pay customs duty and VAT on your vehicle.
- Apply for a Mutual Recognition Certificate if your vehicle meets European standards.
- Use the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme if your vehicle does not meet European standards.
You can find more information and guidance on how to import a vehicle on the UK government website.
What do I need to do to sell my imported vehicle?
If you want to sell your imported vehicle, you can use the same methods as selling a UK vehicle, such as selling privately, to a dealership, to a car buying service, for parts, or scrapping your car. However, you should be aware that some buyers may not accept imported vehicles or offer a lower price, as they may have concerns about the vehicle’s history, condition, or compatibility, according to Sell My Import Car.
Therefore, you should provide as much information and documentation as possible to prove your vehicle’s history and status, and use online tools such as Motorscan or Investopedia to check the salvage history and value of your vehicle.
How can I find out if my car has been imported?
One way to find out if your car has been imported is to use an online tool that can check the vehicle’s import status based on its registration number. For example, you can use a website such as Car Analytics to get a free car import check.
These tools can tell you whether the vehicle has been imported from another EU country (parallel import), from outside the EU (grey import), or by an individual (personal import). Alternatively, you can contact the DVLA and request the vehicle’s history and origin information. However, this may take longer and require a fee.
Imported cars sold at a UK price?
Imported cars are cars that have been bought from another country and brought into the UK. There are two types of imported cars: parallel imports and grey imports. Parallel imports are cars that have been bought from another EU country and meet the same safety and environmental standards as UK cars.
Grey imports are cars that have been bought from outside the EU and may not meet the UK standards or be compatible with UK roads, says the AA. According to Car Analytics, grey imports may have higher specifications or unique models, but they may also have lower resale value, higher insurance premiums, or more legal and safety issues.
According to Sarah Cox Cars, the price of imported cars depends on various factors, such as the condition, specification, warranty, and history of the car, as well as the exchange rate, taxes, and fees involved in importing the car. Generally, imported cars may be cheaper than UK cars, especially if they are older or have lower specifications. However, they may also have lower resale value, higher insurance premiums, or more legal and safety issues than UK cars.
If you are interested in buying or selling an imported car, you should do your research and compare the prices and services offered by different sellers and buyers. You should also check the vehicle’s history and condition carefully, and make sure it has the necessary documents and certificates to prove its status and origin, says My Car Import.
Where can I sell my imported vehicle?
There are several ways to sell your imported vehicle, depending on its condition, category, and your preferences. Some of the common options are:
- Selling privately: You can list your imported vehicle online for private buyers to make an offer, but you should be honest about its history and status.
- Selling to a dealership: You may be able to sell or trade your imported vehicle at a local dealership, but some dealers may not accept them or offer a low price.
- Selling to a car buying service: You can sell your imported vehicle to a service like us, Jamjar.com as we will buy your vehicle regardless of its condition and offer free collection.
- Selling for parts: You can break down your imported vehicle and sell the parts that are still usable, especially if the vehicle is a Category B write-off or cannot be repaired, says Sell My Import Car.
- Scrapping your car: You can scrap your imported vehicle at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) or through a car buying service, but this is the only option for a Category A write-off.
If you want to sell your imported vehicle, you should do your research and compare the prices and services offered by different buyers. You should also have the necessary documents and certificates to prove the vehicle’s history and condition.