A Guide to Buying an Imported Car in 2026
Buying an imported car can be an exciting way to own a unique vehicle or save money. However, it's a bit more complex than just purchasing a typical used car. You'll need to think about a few important things, such as import taxes, registration, and compliance with UK regulations.
To meet safety standards, imported cars sometimes need to be modified, which can increase the price. Before you buy the car, you need to make sure it's legal to drive in the UK.
Imported cars are often more expensive to insure due to their unfamiliar specifications. If you are buying an imported car from a dealer, make sure the vehicle has been properly imported and registered, with the correct paperwork in place.
Use our car reg checker and other tools like it to look into the car's history and make sure you're getting a good deal. The process can go much more smoothly if you are ready for the extra steps and costs.
What's the Difference Between Parallel Imports and Grey Imports?
What Is A Parallel Import?
A parallel import is a car that comes into the UK from the EU through legal channels. Most of the time, these cars are the same as models sold in the UK, but they are cheaper in other European countries.
Because these cars were built to EU type-approval standards, they usually meet UK safety and emissions requirements with minimal changes. This makes it easier to register and insure them in the UK.
Be aware that warranties may be different, and check to see if service and parts are available at UK dealerships. This makes maintenance easy and convenient.
What Is A Grey Import?
A grey import is a car that was brought into the UK from a country that is not in the EU. Usually, it comes from the USA or Japan. Most of these cars are models that aren't sold in the UK, which makes them more special.
However, grey imports often need big changes to be legal in the UK. This can mean making changes to the speedometer or making sure the car meets safety and pollution standards.
Sometimes it's harder to find spare parts for these cars, and insurance can be more expensive. Before you buy an imported car in the UK, make sure you know about these extra problems.
Are Imported Cars Worth It? Pros and Cons to Consider
Here are some pros and cons of buying an imported car:
Pros And Cons Of Parallel Import
When considering a parallel import, there are several pros and cons to weigh. Here are some of the key points:
Pros:
- Most parallel imports are like UK models, which makes it easy for them to meet UK standards.
- Because of differences in international markets, they are often cheaper.
- It's easier to get insurance and register them in the UK because they follow European rules.
- You'll also find that parts and service are easy to find, which makes maintenance easier.
Cons:
- It's important to check the warranty terms because they may be different from those for cars bought in the UK.
- Cars bought outside of the UK only get limited manufacturer support.
- One of the disadvantages of buying an imported car is that it may be more difficult to sell later because buyers might want UK-registered models instead.
Pros And Cons Of Grey Import
Pros:
- When you buy grey imports, you can get unique models that aren't sold in the UK.
- They can often be cheaper, especially if sourced from countries like Japan.
- These cars may be especially appealing to car fans who want unique styles or features.
- A lot of grey imports are in great shape and have low mileage since countries with strict vehicle regulations usually demand high standards.
Cons:
- When you import a car to the UK, you may need to make changes to it to meet local regulations, such as adjusting the emissions and speedometer.
- Because the model is new to the insurance company, premiums are often higher.
- It can be hard to find spare parts and specialised service in the UK.
- The registration process might be harder, and the resale value might be lower.
What to Watch Out for When Purchasing an Imported Vehicle
If you're thinking about importing a car to UK, there are several important things to watch out for before making your purchase. First, find out if the car follows UK laws, especially when it comes to safety and pollution. Some cars may need changes, like changing the speedometer or the lights, to meet UK standards.
Next, think about the long-term costs. Is it easy to get parts and service for the model? Some imported cars require more maintenance, which can accumulate over time. Before you make a purchase, conduct a vehicle check or car value check to ensure that everything appears to be in order.
Next, ask yourself why you're buying an imported car. Do you want a unique model or just a good deal? Don't forget to account for additional costs such as import taxes, possible modifications, and higher insurance premiums. Be prepared for the fact that imported cars can sometimes be more expensive to insure.
Finally, grasp the legal aspect of things. Depending on where the car is from, you may be required to pay VAT, import duties, or registration fees. To avoid registration delays, ensure that the car has all of the required paperwork, such as a Certificate of Conformity.
If you think about these things, you'll be ready for the problems that come up when you import a car and won't have to pay any extra costs later on.
How Do I Import a Car Into the UK? A Step-by-Step Process
Follow the right steps if you want to import a car into the UK. This is a simple step-by-step guide to help you.
Step 1: Research Vehicle Regulations
First, ensure that the car meets UK safety and emissions standards. To make sure the car meets UK rules, you might need to make some changes, like changing the speedometer or the lights.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
For EU imports, you'll need to get a Certificate of Conformity. For non-EU vehicles, you'll need to get an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). Get all the paperwork you need for registration, like bills and the car's history.
Step 3: Pay Taxes and Duties
Pay any applicable import duty (often around 10% for non-EU vehicles) and VAT at 20%, depending on the car and how it’s imported. Use the government's Customs Declaration Service to calculate how much you need to pay and then pay it.
Step 4: Get Insurance
It's important to get the right insurance before you can drive the car. Get ready for higher rates, because it can be harder to insure imported cars, because the insurance companies don't know much about them.
Step 5: Register Your Vehicle
Use the DVLA to get your car registered in the UK. Show proof of identity and paperwork for the car. It might take six weeks to finish this.
After you've done all of these things, you can drive your newly imported car on UK roads.
How to import a car to the UK (Infographic)
Why Imported Cars Come With Added Risks and Considerations
Imported cars can be great, but they often come with more unknowns than a car sold for the first time. When you are buying an imported car in UK, you need to be sure it meets UK safety and emissions rules; some models need changes before they are fully road legal.
In the UK, you may have to wait longer for parts, and not every garage will be familiar with the specific model. Insurance can be more expensive because insurers have less information on imports, and selling later can be difficult if the car's history is incomplete or difficult to verify.
Key Risks and Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Imported Cars
Skipping a proper history check
Many people jump in without checking the car’s full history. When you are buying a second-hand imported car, you should confirm where it has been registered, whether it was ever written off, and if the mileage looks consistent. A strong history check can also flag outstanding finance or legal issues that could become your problem later.
Missing UK compliance details
Some imported cars need changes before they are fully legal and safe on UK roads. The most common modifications include switching the speed display to miles per hour, setting the headlights for left-side driving, and checking that safety equipment meets UK standards. Do not take a seller’s word for it; request written proof (receipts) and confirm the work is correct during an inspection.
Underestimating insurance costs
Insurance cost is often higher for imported cars, especially if the exact model is rare in the UK. Get insurance quotes before you pay any deposit to the seller, and confirm the insurer will cover it as an imported car. This small step can save you from a nasty surprise when you try to insure it.
Accepting weak service records
Imported cars do not always come with a clear service trail you can verify. Some documents may be missing, in another language, or hard to match to the car. Ask for every invoice and stamp, and cross-check details like dates, mileage, and the garage names.
Forgetting long-term maintenance costs
Parts for imported cars are often more difficult to find, take longer to get, and cost more money, especially for rarer models or grey imports. Before you buy, check the price and availability of basic parts such as brakes, suspension and lights for your specific model. If you can, speak to a specialist garage before you buy so you know what you are signing up for.
Not confirming legal ownership
Make sure the seller can prove they own the car and that it is free from outstanding finance or any other claims against it. Imported cars can have a more complicated paper trail because their past owners are sometimes abroad. If the documents do not line up, pause and verify before handing over money.
Skipping a proper inspection and resale thinking
A proper inspection can uncover rust, rushed repairs, or unsafe modifications. Even if you are buying an imported car from a dealer, don’t assume everything has been checked; standards and preparation can vary from dealer to dealer.
Think about the resale as well. Some buyers avoid imports altogether, and others will only consider one if the history is clear and the paperwork is easy to verify. That can narrow your market when you sell, so make sure the price you pay now reflects that added risk.
How to Reduce Risk When Buying an Imported Vehicle in the UK
Check the car’s past before you view it.
Start with our car reg check so you know what you are dealing with. It can flag mileage gaps, previous damage, export records, or outstanding finance. If something does not add up, do not rush; ask questions, and if you are not satisfied, move on.
Make sure it is ready for UK roads.
Ask the seller for written proof that the car meets UK safety and emissions rules. If the car needed changes, like lights or a speed display in miles per hour, get receipts and evidence that the work was done properly. You should also compare this with the MOT history and any inspection report you can access.
Consider the real costs, not just the purchase price.
Get insurance quotes for the exact model and specification before you pay a deposit. In the UK, rare imports can cost more to maintain if parts take longer to arrive or the car needs a specialist garage. Keep a bit of extra budget for early repairs, tyres, and servicing.
Use problems as bargaining points and have an expert look.
If the car history has gaps or the service book feels thin, use that as a reason to push for a better price. It is fair to say you are taking on more risk, so the deal should reflect that.
And if you can, bring in a mechanic who understands imports, because they can spot rust, rough repairs, or dodgy modifications that most people would miss. Spending a bit on a proper inspection now can save you a much bigger bill and a lot of hassle later.
Final Thoughts: Making a Smart Decision When Buying an Imported Car
Buying an imported car can be a brilliant choice, but only if you do the homework first. Check the car’s history, make sure it meets UK rules, and plan for the extra costs like insurance and any specialist work. In the UK, it is also worth considering how easy it will be to get parts and find a garage that understands the model.
Use our car reg check to understand the car’s past before you hand over any money. If the paperwork is clear and the numbers still make sense, you can buy with confidence. With a bit of caution and checking, an imported car can be easy to live with and a lot of fun to own.
FAQs: Buying An Imported Car
What Are The Risks Of Buying An Imported Car?
What are the pitfalls of buying an imported car? There are some risks that come with buying an imported car, such as having to pay more for insurance and having trouble finding parts or getting it serviced. You might also have to make changes to fit UK rules, which can add costs you didn't expect. Also, the value may be lower when compared to cars registered in the UK.
Are Imported Cars More Expensive To Insure?
Yes, it is more common for imported cars to cost more to insure. This is because their specs might be strange, which makes them harder for insurers to evaluate. Repairs can also be more expensive because parts are hard to come by and mechanics are hard to find, which can cause insurance rates to go up.
What Are The Registration Costs For An Imported Car In The UK?
There are different registration fees, but in general, you'll have to pay 20% VAT and 10% import duties for cars that aren't from the EU. There are also fees to register, and you might have to pay to make changes to your car to meet UK standards. It can cost a lot, so make sure you plan for this in your budget.
Are Imported Cars Worth Buying?
Should I buy an imported car? If you want to find something different or save money, imported cars can be a great choice. They may, however, come with extra costs, such as higher insurance rates, changes to meet UK standards, and possible problems with getting parts and servicing. Before making a choice, think about the pros and cons.
What To Do When Buying An Imported Car?
If you're thinking about buying an imported car, use a vehicle check to see what kind of history it has and make sure it meets UK safety and emissions standards. Prepare for changes that might need to be made, and make sure that parts and service are easy to get. Before you buy, you should also think about how much insurance and registration will cost.
Does An Imported Car Cost More To Insure?
It is true that imported cars usually cost more to insure. This is because insurers may not be familiar with the models, which can make it harder for them to figure out how risky they are. Also, not being able to find parts or repairs can make repairs more expensive, which means the car owner has to pay more for insurance.
Why are Japanese import cars so cheap UK?
Japanese imports can look cheap because many owners in Japan sell cars earlier than people do in the UK. That’s often because Japan’s inspection and ownership costs get more expensive as a car gets older. On top of that, favourable exchange rates and the high volume of cars coming out of Japan can make exported car’s prices look very competitive.
But the purchase price isn’t the full story. When buying a Japanese import car in UK, factor in shipping, import taxes and fees, any changes needed to make it UK-road legal, and usually higher insurance. Once you add those costs, the “cheap” deal can end up much closer to a UK-supplied car.
What does imported vehicle mean?
What is the imported vehicle meaning? An imported vehicle is a car that was originally sold and registered outside the UK, then later brought into the UK. It may have different features, paperwork, and service records compared with a UK-supplied model.
