Is it still cheaper to Import Cars from the UK

BnB

I have brought in a few cars from the UK over the years and always felt I saved myself a few pounds. However, I am currently looking out for something and I'm finding the prices here in Ireland are currently cheaper than the UK (when VRT etc are added on)

The cars I am looking at are Alfa 159, BMW 5 Series (04 05), Mercedes C220 (04) - All Diesel

For example, this is the cheapest 159 Diesel on Carzone. €11k
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Alfa-Romeo/159/1.9JTD-T/201019197966430/advert?channel=CARS

This is the cheapest on the Autotrader £ 7k (€ 8.5k) + VRT € 2.7k - €11.2k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201032365409734/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/model/159/make/alfa_romeo/radius/1500/page/1/postcode/ab252xr?logcode=p

I know both above are pretty much the same, but by the time you have added in cost of ferries etc, time off, the UK one will end up costing you more. Also, I have seen a few on Carzone and Donedeal over the last month or two for under €10k.

Has anyone else found this ? Or am I just not looking in the right places in the UK ?

homer90

The weak € is not helping matters.. Over the last few years, I have only bought in the uk, IMO cars
are much better spec'd and better looked after. If two cars worked out the same price wise I would still go to the uk..

Just my 2c

corktina

i looked at the figures lately and the price came out roughly the same. Of course you may well get a better spec and a better looked after car.

Owen

I imported 3 weeks ago. No saving at all, but the car was in much better condition than similar vehicles here, and had a lot more optional equipment.