We are about to move to France and I will be looking to buy a couple of local cars to replace our UK ones. However, it occured to me that it might be worthwhile to buy a used left-hand drive car in the UK as I understand they tend to be much cheaper. We could then import them into France.
I have a feeling there must be thousands of people who, moving from the continent, end up having to sell their cars cheaply over here. But where do I find them? Also what are the import conditions into France?
We will be looking for two cars. 1. A large diesel estate like a Volvo 850, Peugeot 406, or perhaps a Discovery for up to £12,000. 2. A small runabout - anything really, probably French up to £3000.
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I currently live in Belgium and although I have my right hand drive car over here I have looked at the buying locally and there is a great deal of choice and the prices are very low.
As I am sure you are aware the new car prices on the continent are cheaper so it only follows that they second hand cars will be. Also I seem to see that second hand cars are proportionally cheaper here than the UK.
There are also a lot of X-pats returning to the UK and selling there left hand drive vehicles for very little which gives even more savings.
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Trouble is I'm moving to South-West France where there aren't many ex-pats returning to the UK.
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May I suggest you contact the Left Hand Drive Place in Basingstoke on 01256 461173. A list of used of LHD cars for sale are displayed on their website at
www.lhdplace.co.uk
With regard to import conditions for France, a second hand car may be imported free of customs duty/VAT on condition the owner can produce a photocopy of a document proving tax has been paid, e.g a purchase certificate stamped by Revenue authorities (UK Customs) in the case of vehicles from EU countries. The document must be produced when the vehicle is registered, which must be done within 2 months.
Trust this is of help
Paul Gowen
RAC Senior Travel Research Advisor
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Thanks, that's excellent. If anyone else has similar information about companies who specialise or deal with left-jand drive cars, I'd be very grateful.
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I am a 2 home owner spending approx 30% of time (and increasing) in S of France. If you find yourself driving in tight villages with gulleys steps and various dangerous overhangs a RH drive car is advantageous! You get much tighter to the right without risk. Do not under estimate the built in LHS awareness that you have aquired from many years of UK and continental driving in a RH drive car!. I find that even driving a LH drive car for 4 weeks you are never quite as confident about where the far RHS corner is.
Assumming that you are going to reregister for French Tax and Insurance needs A RH drive car is a practical prposition, but pick one that you can easily and cheaply convert lights (and possibly speedo to Kmh) to satisfy the local CT.
I believe there are some restrictions on resale to the French of RH drive cars. I have been told that only original importer owner is allowed to register.
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