I was looking at an article on this site regarding a car importer and one or two difficulties they were having.
I then visited there webb site and looked at the prices available they are talking telephone numbers.I did not look or check every price only the ones I check andknow i.e. Mercedes,Chevrolet,Ford,Opeland Galloper,in every occassion I could buy cheaper including tax here in Germany and in some cases
the saving would give me a world cruise.Not such a good deal I think.
Regards Andy Bairsto
Dresden
Germania.
PS.I refer only to the LHD webb site and prices
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They're not doing what they do for nothing, of course. A business has to make a profit.
HJ
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Auto Express has a story based on research from www.carpricecheck.com. It concludes:
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Although there may still be a gap between European & UK sourced list prices, when it comes to actual transaction prices, the difference is small, raising a question mark over the benefits of buying from Europe.
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This is certainly borne out by my experience. Up until December 2000 the gap in transaction prices between UK dealers and importers was almost enough to justify buying an import. As imports are bought from dealers and then, in essence, sold on via a third party, both the EU dealer and the importer are justified in covering their overheads and profits. However, it was also possible to negotiate a discount with a UK dealer based on the import prices.
If you organise a private import then you are only contributing to the dealer's profit. A neighbour who works regularly in Belgium paid around £13000 for an Omega 2.2 DTi GLS estate, saving £7000.
The injustice is that the On the Road prices of EU cars remain lower than those available in the UK. Additionally, as we drive on the left we are excluded from the wider range of LHD cars available on the continent - in Germany it is possible to purchase a six-speed 150bhp Golf GT TDI PD 4-motion rather than the alloyed and sport-seated High Line model in the UK (for a similar price).
Does accepting EU prices mean we should accept the Euro, LHD cars, an EU common motoring tax policy, and driving on the right?
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there are many people out there trying to sell imports, don`t just take one example and taint the rest. I have found that to get the best prices check in the mags that speacialise in that make. I wanted to import a GS Freelander with full UK spec etc, and delivered to my door, £3000 less than the best price the dealer in the UK. This was after the dealer said it would match any import price, so much for dealer promises!! I got my ad from the Landrovers Owners.
Stephen
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Anyone thinking of importing should firstly look at the big discounts available from car supermarkets in this country.
The one close to me is Motorpoint at Derby where new cars are sold with several thousands off list price. All with full makers warranty of course.
They have received several mentions in HJs column in the Telegraph.
He also mentions another in Slough.
I understand that many of these cars are purchased in the Irish republic and transported over.
My friend bought a laguna which was one of a batch destined for Cyprus.
He save £5500 off the list price.
How it is done I don't know but perhaps HJ will tell us
regards
Alvin Booth
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When I last visited Motorpoint, virtually all the 'Vauxhalls' were Opel badged Irish imports. I'm sure this marks them out as imports and will probably detract from resale va;ue.
Regards
john
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I agree with John S. I am convinced when it becomes time to sell an Opel Vectra, etc many buyers will be put 'off' buying an Opel rather than a Vauxhall,
Dealers will of course know this and offer lower prices as a consequence.
Whenever I spot a 'W' 'X' UK registered Opel I assume Motorpoint or Trade Sales have supplied the car Usually on closer inspection of the logo of the number plate verifies this.
Of Course if you buy a Ford this problem does not apply, only a real Ford expert would know the difference between an Irish spec Focus or Fiesta and a UK spec model.
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Cars from Cyprus do not carry any of the 12 month manufacturer warranty which is obligatory for all cars first sold within the EU (the Cyprus sale to the supersite counts as the first sale). What you will get is an insured warranty supplied by the UK supersite. These cars all also have to undergo SVA tests because they do not carry an EU certificate of type approval conformity (C of C). The Supersites arrange for the appropriate testing to be carried out in a UK approved centre in Europe.
HJ
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Did anybody read my letter correctly I was only refering to LHD cars available through UK importers .On one model they want 10000 uk pounds more before tax than I can buy with tax in Germany.
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I read your letter correctly and perhaps if Britain joins the rest of Europe and starts driving on the right I'll look up those cheaper LHD cars in Germany.
For the time being, however, I think the greatest relevance for UK motorists remains the difference between UK and EU "On the Road" prices for RHD cars, and where they can find the best deals for driving in this country.
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A friend of mine buys 2nd hand diesel Mercs in Germany and sell them in Italy and makes a profit every time. What happened to the "common" market?
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That is the common market in action: there's nothing to stop an Italian going to Germany and buying Mercs for himself. Buying from your mate in Italy is just easier. Does he sell for more than Merc dealers in Italy? If so, he's an ace salesman and makes a profit because people don't check out the best deals. Nothing to do with the EU, and everything to do with people behaving stupidly. The Euro will help make price differences more transparent, and should even things out if people bother to check.
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Andrew,
Do you know if used cars from dealers in Germany have VAT ( MWST ) charged on them that we can claim back here in the UK ?
Ken
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Chris, no he buys from private adverts and sells in private adverts. Does not go anywhere near dealers at either end. Sells cheaper than dealers who have garage expences etc.
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