Petem95

Im thinking of getting a small convertible for the summer (Merc SLK, Elise, Z3) and I wouldnt really mind LHD if the saving was significant over a RHD.

Anyone got any idea how to go about importing say an SLK from Germany for example? Is it worthwhile, or are the savings not that good?

DarkForce

Have a look at http://www.mobile.de/ and select "pkw suchen". This is basically Germany's version of AutoTrader so would give you an idea of prices. If the car is over 6 months old you don't have to pay any VAT when you bring it back here, just road tax/registration fee. If its over 3 years old you'll need a MoT too.

When I looked a while back there seemed to be a reasonable saving on Porsche Boxsters.

With regards to how to do it, its pretty easy. Just buy the car over there, get it back then hand all the relevant documentation into the DVLA. Since its LHD, you'll need a letter from the VCA saying it conforms to RHD spec (RHD headlights etc.). This is pretty easy to get as well.

Chris

Petem95

Cheers for the info, I'll have a look on that site

Wishing I'd put more effort into those German lessons back at school now, maybe I was wrong about it never going to be useful language!

Wurzel

iTrader: (1)

You buy it and I will drive it back for you



PS you could also try http://www.autoscout24.de

Petem95

It looks like the savings arent really worthwhile, eg early BMW Z3 seems about 1k-2k less, but then factor in the currency changing, going to get it, and it being a LHD then I dont think its worth it.

Im only looking at spending upto 10k. I think if you were spending more, like getting a newish 911 the saving might be worthwhile, but not for a cheapish sportscar

GC8

£1000- £2000? Is that all? When I was heavily involved in Porsches, cars and parts were significantly cheaper in Germany. Off the top of my head, a 968 in a franchised delaers with a marble floor (!) full TUV service book and low mileage was up for just over £10,000. At the time UK cars were still selling for well over £15k and they werent in a comparable condition.

Editied to add: Older cars which were still holding their value here were especially cheap; 944's and heavily used old 911's could be bought cheap enough to dismantle for parts.

Simon