What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is it sensible to buy an imported car?

Should I stay clear from buying an imported car, like the Honda Fit (Jazz equivalent). What are the pros and cons? Is servicing and parts different, for example?

Asked on 31 May 2024 by rifuddinC250

Answered by David Ross
Depending on the exact make and model of car you are looking at, an imported car may be more expensive to ensure, may contain non-EU components and is likely to come without a service history for the period before it arrived in the UK. Unless you are considering a car that is particularly rare in UK specification, we would suggest buying a UK car to avoid these issues.
Similar questions
My daughter and her husband are thinking of buying a Toyota Alphard as an alternative to a Mazda Bongo. What are the service intervals? Does it have a cam belt or cam chain? A cursory check online shows...
I am looking at a Japanese import and I wonder what difference it might make to an insurance policy. Does the country it's imported from make a difference? As far as i can see it conforms just as though...
I am currently looking for a MINI Countryman and have one for sale that has been imported. It has low mileage and is a fair price. Should I steer clear?
Related models
Neatly styled. Increased room and better performance than original Jazz. better to drive. Very versatile. CVT-7 returned in February 2011 replacing i-SHIFT. More reliable than first generation Jazz.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer