A Japanese import can be significantly cheaper to buy than a UK car, but it is important to factor in some key points before buying one. The most important factor to bear in mind, particularly as your granddaughter is learning to drive, is that insurance can be more expensive on imported cars and some insurers may refuse to insure them completely. Insurance cost is going to be significant in any case as your granddaughter is an inexperienced driver.

Imported cars have to be converted to ensure they comply with UK regulations, which includes things like a speedometer that reads in MPH and a rear fog light, but if you are buying a car that has already been imported and has passed at least one MoT this suggests the work has been carried out to a sufficient standard, but it is always worth checking yourself. It may also be more difficult to establish the history of an imported car, particularly from Japan, as any servicing documentation will likely be in Japanese. Ultimately it is possible to get a bargain in terms of the purchase price, but you need to do your homework first and factor in running costs too.