son looking for Audi S3 quattro, found a German dealer, Autohaus Bartels, who can supply at Euros29750. He goes there to collect (8 weeks delivery) - even after paying 1.5% UK tax on arrival here, total saving £4000. Comes with 2 year Europe warranty and firm even drives him from airport - they have many UK customers. 15% deposit required, then balance 2 weeks before delivery.
Anyone see any probs, pse?
many thanks
Andrew
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In the 1.5% UK tax a typo? If it is VAT it will be more than that?
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If this is an Audi main dealer, then there shouldn't be any problems but :
1. Using the UK brochure, make a (long) list of items to check e.g. some features may be standard in the UK but not in Germany. Check bodywork very carefully.
2. Check handbook/service book/radio handbook are in English and that PDI has been stamped.
3. Check VIN matches the Certificate of Conformity and that the COC data describes the car correctly e.g. engine size. petrol not diesel, CO2 rating
4. Along with the COC, collect the invoice and check it carefully as VAT will be charged on the amount shown. The invoice should not include services provided locally e.g. any PDI or 'Admin' charges or dealer fitted options, as VAT is not payable on these. (this point saved me £100 VAT)
5. Getting insurance for the continental leg of the journey home could prove difficult or impossible as UK insurance cos. are not allowed to provide cover on vehicles not registered in the UK. Any dealer's insurance is likely to be Third Party only.
6. Have a look at newsgroup uk.rec.cars.imports where you can ask questions and receive advice from seasoned importers. It's worth repeating your question there.
Good luck to your son. Feel free to e-mail me if you wish.
Keith
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many thanks to all - very helpful (as usual on this great site)
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a further thought: 2002 should bring cheaper cars in more transparent market, BBC reported 15/01, ahead of anticipated moves by EC to change "for ever" the way cars are bought and sold.
Another pie in the sky or should one wait?
thanks again
Andrew
PS your correct e-m address, pse Keith?
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e-mail is keithb@clara.co.uk (should be accessible by clicking by 'author' on my replies, depending on your e-mail software)
Pie in the sky, I think. Motor manufacturers will not give up the huge profits they make in what they call 'Treasure Island' i.e. the UK. In any event, by the time the likes of Tesco (and whoever they get to do the importing) have taken their cut, any savings will be much reduced. Time will tell.
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One further point : won't the dealer accept a Euro bankers draft ? Much safer to pay on collection rather than 2 weeks in advance and it puts your son in a stronger position in the unlikely event that something is wrong.
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Why not pay the cheque into his credit card and use that. It will allow for extra protection against any problems with the car.
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very few dealers will accept payment by credit card. Also the exchange rate is less favourable this way.
Andrew
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N*rwich *nion used to provide transit insurance. The problem, as I recall was that the car would have a temporary trade plate, not recognised by the insurance people's computers. The above mentioned company would issue insurance on a VIN number. This may not still be the case but it could be worth asking.
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All companies will issue a cover note on the VIN but this will not provide cover abroad, only when the car arrives on UK soil. The danger is that some call centre staff don't understand the rules and falsely give the impression that continental cover is given. All of this has been discussed in newsgroup uk.rec.cars.imports which I would recommend to anyone interested in importing a car.
The insurance problem arose about 18 months ago. Prior to that, full continental cover was available on the VIN. It's all to do with an obscure EEC rule which prohibits insurers providing cover in another country unless the car is registered in the home country. The rule was not intended to affect importers but that's what it's done and no-one (e.g. EEC, MEPs, Insurers) seems able or willing to resolve it.
Keith
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Just another thought:
Last time I was at Motorpoint (in Derby) they had quite a few S3's lined up (all brand new) - looked very nice! I cant remember the price but I was surprised how cheap they were - might be worth checking...
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