going to germany to buy a car any tips

amit_1

Hi

I am going to germany to buy a car. does any 1 no any websites that tell me the prices for cars i will like to buy a german car mercedes, bmw etc. Is it worth buying left and car will it have much value if i choose to sell it later in the uk?

blue_haddock

Can i just ask why you are looking to buy a car in Germany? They will obviously be LHD and whilst possibly cheaper to buy initially you will have great difficulty selling a LHD vehicle in britain and it will be worth significantly less too.

If you are considering buying a RHD drive car through a german dealership it's probably best you organise it from the UK rather than walking into a random dealer in Germany and asking them to order you a RHD car - not all dealers will want the hassle of doing this. Also do to the conversion rate between the pound and the euro it is no longer as attractive financial as it used to be.

nemo183

You will get stuffed selling a left hooker of a standard German car in the UK - whatever you save, will be lost in 2 ways - nobody wants a left hooker and people expect to pay less for an import. You will have to buy something really exclusive (and not imported into the UK as RHD) to even think of this.

In theory, current EU law requires car manufacturers to supply a RHD at a reasonable price. Problem is, if you are set on a German car, the discounts can be quite small, and the whole business not worth doing. If you go into WHSmiths there are a couple of magazines that give up to date and specialised info on Car Importing.

You will find many agents willing to act for you - my advice would be to avoid them. Not only will they cost you money, but you can end up in a legal contract with them, and they can go bust taking your money with you. Better to deal direct with a dealer.

If you are looking for a deal on a German car, I reckon you'd get a better deal with a low mileage ex-demo car from a UK dealer who just happens to need to get rid of it. Nothing to stop you having a few business cards printed up, and posing as a "trader" - for top discount. And a way with words on the phone.

Alternatively, (and I doubt you'll like this!), look at more popular models from other manufacturers in Belgium. It's close, if you're flexible on model you can get a great deal, they all speak English.

If you want to be more adventurous, consider a Japanese import. There's a fantastic range, they are all RHD, you can bid and import direct from Japan. On arrival in the UK there are a small number of mods that will need doing - normally done at the dockside by your importer - things like KPH changed to MPH, and fuel filler nozel sizes altered. You do, however, have a 6-8 week wait whilst your car is shipped by sea from Japan. By the way, the Japanese change their cars often, are forced to drive slowly, and seem to do little mileage.

Anyway, if I were you, and could talk myself out of something German, and wanted a brand new car on the cheap, I'd check out dealers in Belgium who may have stock they need to shift for max discount.

Finally, don't forget that you'll need to pay for registration when the car arrives in the UK, and to check the current rate of UK car import tax which will also so be due, and probably not quote by the Belgium dealer.

Good luck!!