Import Cars Query

[pulmicort1415]

My daughter lives in N. Ireland.

Was at a car dealer yesterday to look at a used car.

Saw a car she liked. The dealer told her all his cars are Japanese imports.

All were like new with low mileage.

He told her that if she was interested to buy (Peugeot 308)

It would take six weeks for the paper work to come through for registration etc and then to get an MOT.

He was quite up front about what needs to be done and has a large range of cars for sale.The

Is this save enough to go ahead with the purchase

 

 

[davebro3]

I would think so.

[ToraToraTora]

Yes common practice in Ireland. Japan has very strict MOT laws so most of their cars get exported after 2 or 3 years to places like Ireland. Interesting that it's actually a French car I can only assume it was originally exported to Japan.

[davebro3]

mmhjapanesecars website has useful links...

[pulmicort1415]

Thanks all

 

[Hymie]

Things might not be as simple as TTT suggests, such vehicles are known a grey imports which can result in a host of issues.

 

Importantly the vehicle will require an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval), I wouldn’t touch it with a barge-pole if this has not been done.

Other issues that you may encounter are that it might not be as the UK/EU spec’d vehicle, which could cause problems when buying spare parts.  Normally by supplying the vehicle registration, the precise build and therefore spares can be identified – but this is unlikely for a grey import.

 

It’s possible that as a non-standard UK/EU vehicle, you might find yourself paying increased insurance premiums.

Scroll down through this link to grey imports for more info.

 

https://www.carwow.co.uk/editorial/buying-a-car/buying-used-cars/buying-an-imported-car

[ToraToraTora]

The specialist firms like the OP refers to do that all day every day hymie. It's normal practice in Ireland and the UK generally.

[DDIL]

You need to make sure the vehicle import duty has been paid and that it is registered with the dvla before signing on the dotted line

[DDIL]

The Ops daughter is in NI not Ireland please don't confuse the two.

A NOVA declaration will be needed.

If you google NOVA declaration and ensure you go onto the government site.

[THECORBYLOON]

Would the dealer not have created a NOVA declaration as he is the one importing to the UK?

[DDIL]

He should but they have a nasty habit of not doing it 

[Old_Geezer]

The way car design is going with all it's distracting, annoying, complex new tech, displays, alarms, and Noddy spare wheels, importing something decent may be the only opportunity left in the future to get one with a decent design. Particularly if wanting to get away from the madness of battery fuelled cars.