Why buy imported cars

It also checks to see if there is any outstanding finance on the car, while a mileage check costs a further Servicing and repair can also be more problematic if specific parts are needed from Japan, and you won't be able to get work done under warranty.

All of these potential pitfalls mean a grey import can be had for very little money. If you want to avoid one, or suspect a car you're looking at is a secret grey import, take a note of the VIN or chassis number and call up the manufacturer concerned. They'll be able to tell you where the car has come from.

For more on importing a car, download our checklist - you can get it by clicking here. Plug-in hybrids can reduce fuel consumption to an absolute minimum, but which models are the best all-rounders and which should you avoid?

Both of these cars show that large SUVs don't have to be expensive to run. What Car? Algys Autos Imports Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Blog Latest Industry News. Personal Imports This category of imported cars is often overlooked by prospective customers because of the headache it can involve.

Accident History — provide an extensive history of just about everything your car has been through, including title information, accident and repair history, odometer rollback, manufacturer recall, and even nuclear contamination risk.

Grey Imports Grey imports are imported cars that come from outside of Europe. Most come from Japan. Well, sort of. Advantages Often come with unique features at a reasonable price May not have rust if bought from a country with a warmer climate Rare models from Japan and others fall into this category, making these cars desirable for enthusiasts Japan has no import taxes , making Japanese grey imports even cheaper Japanese culture values taking good care of their belongings, meaning the used cars you buy from Japan will often come in mint condition Just like everything else on the market, grey imports also come with some disadvantages.

Disadvantages The feel of the car may be different. It is also important that you understand the differences in specifications when it comes to Grey Imports and U. There are various differences in the type of equipment found on the inside of the vehicles and some noticeable differences underneath the hood of both types of cars as well. Some of the necessary replacement parts that you may require could be hard to find. This could mean that you car would be in the repair shop for several days or weeks until the new parts arrive.

The designs of the cars are also significantly different. Many of the Japanese imports that you find will not have an under-seal attached. This is an issue that will need to be fixed before you will be able to drive your new import on the roads in the U. If you do decide to buy an import, be sure to find out all that you can about the vehicle prior to your purchase and also make sure that the car meets all of the standards so that it can be legally driven in the U.

This process is similar to buying a car from another individual. You should always gather as much information as possible about the car and try to get a vehicle or accident report so that you will know all about the accident history and overall condition of the car. Usually whenever a personal import is purchased it will already be registered with the DVLA and be given a full inspection to ensure that it is legal to drive on all roads in the U.

Grey imports are those that have been transported to the United Kingdom from overseas. These cars are typically sold through a company that specializes in import sales instead of being brought over by an official car manufacturing company or a professional car dealership. Many of these vehicles are those that are often purchased by car collectors such as luxury sports cars that are popular all over the world.

However you can also find grey imports that are classified as family vehicles or hatchbacks which are much more functional and affordable for everyday driving.

There are some reasons why purchasing a grey imported car may not be a good idea. Since they are imported from overseas, including from the U. All cars that have been imported in outside of Europe will require further inspection and other tests to see if they can be legally driven in the country.

Many times a respectable importing company or individual will already double check to ensure that this has been taken care of. But you can never been too sure! It is a good idea, if possible, to ask for this information beforehand so that you do not end up purchasing an unworthy car.

Finding replacement parts for a grey imported car may take longer than finding parts for a car manufactured in the U. Imported Cars often look great on the inside and outside: Imported cars are very popular, are often modified before they come into NZ, have hidden extras and are often quite souped up models. They look fast and very often are really fast too. This is why they are popular to buy here.

Imported vehicles can be modified inside and out: With body kits available online and instruction manuals for these vehicles, as long as you are not breaking the law, it is very easy to modify an imported car every which way. You can modify the engines and the interior. This also makes imported vehicles popular.