Does anybody know whether buying a car from Europe is cheaper than the same make and model in the UK?

Question

As there is no additional tax to pay on import in the UK, if the cars are cheaper, then I'd better buy from say Germany, instead.

Answer 1

It will depend on the country of manufacture as well as the incentive programs the manufacturer has in place. For instance, Volvo offers pretty sweet deals for cars purchased directly from their factory. Check out their website to research this further.

Answer 2

It depends on the car, the discounts available from the dealers, whether there is a factory premium for right-hand-drive (there is on Porsches, for example, as the development costs are amotised over fewer production units).

Also ensure that the car in Europe has the same equipment as in the UK. A mid-range Ford Mondeo appears cheaper in Germany, but once you add the equipment that is standard in the UK, the German car becomes more expensive. You might be able to make the saving by not bothering with the UK-standard equipment, but this will make the car very difficult to sell on at a later date.

You can get most cars cheaper through a UK broker than you can by importing - the price differences are not as large as they were 10 years ago.

Answer 3

Difficult to say from a safety point of view. It is an official police statistic that 52% of crimes are committed by black men in the UK. But if they weren't around then it would just be white men doing it. From an economical point of view it would be better. You mention Australia and New Zealand but these two countries actually have very strict immigration policies (they wouldn't even let a wealthy white middle class Brit in if they thought they couldn't benefit the economy somehow). As a result these two countries are not in recession, and have actually been experiencing growth for the past 20 years, their student have no loans and still get grants to go to university. They're a lot more racist of course, but immigration (and Muslims) are kept to a minimum and it appears beneficial. However, the reason they succeed economically is because of their attitude towards money. Apart from a mortgage they won't take out loans (even car loans) instead they save up or make do. This is just the attitude they have, and the reason why they have done so well economically, so nothing to do with immigration really (although it probably pays a part). I wish the UK shared their attitudes.

Answer 4

Deduct from the British price VAT at the standard rate and the selling price in Europe would certainly be cheaper. Add to the European price the cost of converting the car to right-hand drive, shipping it over here and the restrictions on sale with three years (if you do you have to pay VAT) and the distinct possibility that the car may not be to British build standards you may not have such a bargain as you might think.

Answer 5

This is just a guess but years ago (I live in USA) my husband got a BMW directly from Germany, and even after the shipping it ws still cheaper than buying it (same car) in the states...I know that isn't your best answer but I would certainly look into it if I were you...

Answer 6

A hell of a lot cheaper, but you need to shop around for the best deal as some makes are cheaper in certain countries.

Belgium is normally a pretty good place to try though

Answer 7

Try the internet, some established companies specialise in bringing them to the UK. A friend has just saved £4000 on an Audi A2.

Answer 8

It depends from what country you want to buy a car! in some countries it would be cheaper, but not in all!

Answer 9

they are cheaper in Germany,but don't forget you will have to pay to re-register the car in the uk

Answer 10

I believe it is cheaper to buy cars abroad. It's like everything else really....Cigs, booze, food...all cheaper elsewhere.