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Prices in the UK any cheaper than IRE right now

  • 26-01-2010 10:42pm
    #1
    Beagle Boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32 ✭


    Hi,

    Im looking to buy either an '06 or '07 3 series BMW and started looking to see if it would be worth my while to go to the UK. From my initial investigations it seems if there is almost no price differential. Are the big savings that it seems were to be had by going to the UK no longer to be got (did the exchange rate or prices either in Ire or over in the UK change over the past couple of years?)

    Thanks,
    BB


Comments

  • #2
    frank gooding
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 259 ✭✭frank gooding


    The slip back in sterling is not helping.

    Probably worth just seeing what is in Ireland first. Print out a few ad from NI or UK and beat the local dealers down with them.

    If they don't want to play ball walk away.


  • #3
    Cmar-Ireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,340 ✭✭✭Cmar-Ireland


    The savings might be slipping back a bit, but another big benefit of buying in the UK is the sheer level of choice. Equipment levels will be much higher in most cases and the cars are generally much better maintained.

    Still worth it IMO.


  • #4
    PauloMN
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional North East Moderators Posts: 10,878 Mod ✭✭✭✭PauloMN


    Definitely take a look in Ireland first. Some of the dealers on here seem to think people go out of their way to shop elsewhere - not so. You might find a car priced similar to what you would pay in the UK and taking VRT, exchange rates and travel costs into account.

    However, I do agree with the above - the sheer choice can often mean it's a no-brainer to shop in the UK. I got depressed looking at the ****e that was being offered to me by dealers when I was looking for my wife's A4 - the only decent ones were on Audi forecourts and were therefore much more expensive. Got a stunning car up north early last year (admittedly the exchange rate was better) in SE trim (hard/impossible to get here) and even with cash discounts taken into account, I reckon I saved somewhere between €1500-2000.

    My own car (A4 also) took me ages to find, I bought it here but paid over the odds for it.


  • #5
    E39MSport
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,721 ✭✭✭E39MSport


    The exchange rate had shifted by about 20% in favour of the Euro which made the UK very attractive. But prices here are becoming competitive and Sterling is picking up a bit making is less worth while in monetary terms. However, UK spec is generally higher (not having to sacrifice spec for vrt) and servicing is cheaper so the motors are probably better maintained.

    I'm getting one in the UK next week. That will be my second. UK Dealers are much more professional and friendly (no offence) in my experience also.


    Beagle Boy wrote: »
    Hi,

    Im looking to buy either an '06 or '07 3 series BMW and started looking to see if it would be worth my while to go to the UK. From my initial investigations it seems if there is almost no price differential. Are the big savings that it seems were to be had by going to the UK no longer to be got (did the exchange rate or prices either in Ire or over in the UK change over the past couple of years?)

    Thanks,
    BB


  • #6
    budhabob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,906 ✭✭✭budhabob


    I presume its only worthwhile looking to the uk/NI with a minimum budget of 10k or something? I'm looking at changing car but only have a budget of 6k so i didnt even look north.


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  • #7
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    budhabob wrote: »
    I presume its only worthwhile looking to the uk/NI with a minimum budget of 10k or something? I'm looking at changing car but only have a budget of 6k so i didnt even look north.
    It's true that some of the costs of importing are fixed, but i'd still shop around.


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