Do you think it is good to get a car imported from america to england.?

Question

Ive just been looking on ebay(american) for a bmw 5 series and i traformed the dollars into british pounds and it was quite cheap.
Help please just need advice.
Konka

Answer 1

it might be cheaper but did you consider shipping costs. The BMW's in england are less expensive there and are not the same cars we have in the U.S.

Answer 2

I'd expect the UK government would slap a hefty tax and duty bill on you for importing it (import tax is probably the main reason why it's cheaper in the US, If the UK BMW dealerships can't avoid it, you won't either) The car would also likely need to be converted to right hand drive, which will cost thousands, it will likely need emissions mods, and other such things as well. I doubt it would be worthwhile. In addition with the prices that you guys pay for gas in England it would cost a fortune.

Sorry, but

Answer 3

It's pretty straight forward. American GIs stationed in England do it every day. Ignore the twats that say it can't be done.

East coast shipping is around £500 or so. Obviously it'll be LHD but that's not an MOT test item so it's no big deal. You will have to pay VAT and car tax of course -- that could offset a lot of your savings so be careful. Insurance will be a bit more dear since it's LHD.

Any Yank spec motor in good nick will pass the emissions portion of the MOT with no problems. You will need to swop, adjust or mask the headlamps of course. And some of the Yank spec Euro-boxes don't have the rear fog lamp enabled - a niggle but it's testable so be aware.

The DVLC has loads of info on importing non-conforming vehicles on their site. Poke around and get educated first. And enjoy your shopping trip to the States -- you probaly WILL have to take delivery in person here and then ship it yourself. (Nasty little DVLC rule but good security practice as well.)

Answer 4

Just remember there will be all kinds of import taxes which if added up might not be worth it. To skip import taxes you would have to be returning after residing in America for some years. Then you might be exempt because you are bringing back goods in your possession which have been used. Also all American cars have the steering on the left and in England its on the right. You would have to pay to change over once you get the car to England.

Answer 5

They are as cheap in England. Shop around and save yourself a lot of hassle. For instance how would any guarantee on a car imported from America be executed?.

Answer 6

with an exchange rate of around $1.96 ish its a great time to buy anything from usa, shipping costs are anywhere between £750 and £1000 so your car just got a little more expensive. lhd is ok but you will have a few teething problems, ie. overtaking, pulling out from behind other veicles (parking)

Answer 7

Konka get a copy of Classic American magazine and ring some of the importers of American cars

Answer 8

The steering wheel will be on the wrong side for British roads. BTW, everything in America is cheaper. You English are taxed to death. But we are catching up.

Answer 9

I think it would be very costly to do so. There are different standards in Europe than the USA and emissions tests are tougher. You'd also have to convert the steering wheel or drive opposite to everyone else. Unless you're rich or have a very rare vehicle you're importing I'd buy something locally.

Answer 10

Even if the car is cheap i don't think its worth it b/c the importing it alone is probably gonna cost you quite a bit of money. Wouldn't it just be easier and a lot less of a hassle if you bought one in your own country.