Importing older cars not worth it?

Flashdan

So I was thinking of importing a car from the UK. But I was looking at a 2011 Insignia Diesel with under 100000 and good spec.

From a Dealer.

So there seems to be good ones for around 3000

A similar car in Ireland is 7000 (the cheapest I could fine was 7500 on carzone)

So if I have this correct.

3,347.00 EUR for car
60 for AA check
300 to import it with NVD
1700 VRT

So that's 5400. So I would save 2000 on buying from the UK.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Dan.

homer90

They are cheap for a reason

https://www.google.ie/search?q=insignia+problems+site:www.boards.ie&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIE749IE749&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj5ytaYnfzcAhVEBMAKHSo9DGkQrQIoBDAFegQIBhAL&biw=1366&bih=631

Flashdan

Ya can do the same with a Mini or Qashqai I think they Nissan is good at least.

Mickiemcfist

Yea they're honestly a grim grim car. Had one as a rental immediately after driving a Mazda 3 rental, Mazda 3 was like a Bentley in comparison.

Flashdan

Ok scrap the Vauxhall.

What about a Mini? about the same money difference if not a bit better saving.

bazz26

Do some research on prices here versus over there including VRT and travel costs. Remember that Irish dealer prices will have fat built into them for negotiating a straight discount whereas UK dealer prices are very close to what they want.

Flashdan

Thanks Bazz,

I will look into it.

Heres Johnny

A 2000 saving is about 30% on a 7000 car. That is a significant saving.
It's not a massive sum but it would pay most people's insurance bill and most of fuel for a year anyway.
I think it's a good saving. But like others I wouldn't buy an insignia but if you can save 2 grand on something else then jump at the chance

selectamatic

2 grand is about the price of a good replacement 2.0cdti engine with a 6 month warranty...

Op if you want an insignia get a post 2013 model they're supposedly more reliable. That said if I was you I wouldn't bother getting one at all.

Also worth noting that they depreciate at an alarming rate.

cpoh1

I bought my latest car in the uk - and cost wasnt the main reason i did it. In fact i didnt save much at all really.
My priority was spec and service history/condition. Something that was a huge problem with Irish cars over 3-4 years old. When you are buying a 2011-2012 car in teh uk you are doing it because you are getting a much better looked after car in general.

Flashdan

Thanks for the input.

I only thought of the Insignia as it was the top of some "Pass 1st time NCT" Report" I looked at on the TV.

I will try it with a nice sensible like an Arius or something....or maybe a TVR I am due my midlife crisis car!

kirving

Just a point on the Auris, I've been in the back of a ( 2010?) one on country roads and it's one of the few cars I felt sick in. Looked up the particular model and it didn't have independent rear suspension. Worth noting if you have kids or travel on longer journies often.

As far as I know, the 1.6 has independent suspension, but check it out before you buy.