Importing Cars
- Thread starter Quickdraw
- Start date
You do realise that they drive on the right over there? So the cars will be left hand drive? :|
Upvote
0
Not second hand, you won't. Well, apart from the very few people that have taken their cars from the UK to Europe. Why would anyone in Germany or Holland have a right hand drive car?
Upvote
0
You will not get right hand drive cars in any volume that are second hand. You can buy new ones, but have to be aware of specification differences between markets - they can be huge. You also have to understand the inpact on residuals of 'grey' imports.
This market was fairly large some time ago, but I would strongly recommend you do a lot of research on how you will source cars before you go too far with the project.
This market was fairly large some time ago, but I would strongly recommend you do a lot of research on how you will source cars before you go too far with the project.
Upvote
0
E
Esk247
You do know you can't just pay for a cheap car and get it shipped across to Ireland, drive it off the ferry and flog it on Ebay? right?
Upvote
0
Well forget Europe.
South Africa drives on the left, so you could look there. Though there's a pretty good second hand market in South Africa, so I can't see that being an option. Similarly for India. You need a relatively rich country that drives on the left. Australia and Japan tend to go for Asian cars.
I think you should look for a different business.
South Africa drives on the left, so you could look there. Though there's a pretty good second hand market in South Africa, so I can't see that being an option. Similarly for India. You need a relatively rich country that drives on the left. Australia and Japan tend to go for Asian cars.
I think you should look for a different business.
Upvote
0
S
sla3
Scotland's probably OK too 
But look, how can this be a business? If there are no "barriers" to overcome (e.g. buying elsewhere in the same country even if it means a ferry-ride), then anyone can do it for themselves, at less cost than your costs plus your mark up. If there are barriers (type approval being one) then you need to do the research.
The 'old trick' of ordering a UK spec car from an EU source for delivery in the EU to be brought back as a 'personal import' has been scuppered by movement in exchange rates.
This is a highly capital-intensive business (unless it's cash deals with a scallywag) and seems a non-starter.
Now, exporting bashed up / written off old Mercs and Peugeots to Africa .... that's another story, and only one that needs reading if you can do something with the non-convertible African currency!
Move on, the numbers don't make sense.
But look, how can this be a business? If there are no "barriers" to overcome (e.g. buying elsewhere in the same country even if it means a ferry-ride), then anyone can do it for themselves, at less cost than your costs plus your mark up. If there are barriers (type approval being one) then you need to do the research.The 'old trick' of ordering a UK spec car from an EU source for delivery in the EU to be brought back as a 'personal import' has been scuppered by movement in exchange rates.
This is a highly capital-intensive business (unless it's cash deals with a scallywag) and seems a non-starter.
Now, exporting bashed up / written off old Mercs and Peugeots to Africa .... that's another story, and only one that needs reading if you can do something with the non-convertible African currency!
Move on, the numbers don't make sense.
Upvote
0
- Original Poster
- #17
Scotland's probably OK too
The 'old trick' of ordering a UK spec car from an EU source for delivery in the EU to be brought back as a 'personal import' has been scuppered by movement in exchange rates.
This is a highly capital-intensive business (unless it's cash deals with a scallywag) and seems a non-starter.
Now, exporting bashed up / written off old Mercs and Peugeots to Africa .... that's another story, and only one that needs reading if you can do something with the non-convertible African currency!
Move on, the numbers don't make sense.
Basically I'm researching for my Dad, I would be helping him market the cars. Short jist of things here goes- My Dad is retiring from his current job of 38 years, he's getting a nice pay off, pension of 22k a year, family home and 2 other houses have nothing owing on them, so hes looking to import a few cars a month and turn over for profit. Not wanting to grow a massive business or have massive ties as he likes his holidays. Just buying and selling a few cars a month.
Now hit me with your advice / help
Upvote
0
S
sla3
Now hit me with your advice / help
Emmm .... move on, the numbers don't make sense ...... that's my best advice. Honest, guv: you can trust me, I'm a 2nd-hand car-dealer.
Oh, if you REALLY want to try it out: auctions. Buy some clapped out old banger, shove sawdust in the engine to stop it smoking, get a dodgy MOT, swap out the good tyres for barely-legals and make a quick £50. It really isn't worth it.
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote
0
S
sla3
And ... are they are MORE or LESS expensive than the same car ordered new in the UK?
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote
0
Latest Articles
-
70 years of director bans in six months: Companies House has stopped asking nicelyCompanies House published a release on August 6th 2026 that every company director should read...- Ozzy
- Updated:
- 7 min read
-
MTD for Income Tax: your first quarterly update is due 7 August.If you are a sole trader or landlord and your gross income from self-employment and property was...- maka
- Updated:
- 4 min read
-
Andy Burnham's Manifesto for Small Business, and How It Stacks Up Against Count BinfaceIf all goes to plan (or rather, to Labour's timetable), Andy Burnham will be sworn in as Prime...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
- 5 min read
-
SEO in the Age of AI: What UK Small Businesses Actually Need to KnowTL;DR Search has shifted from "ten blue links" to answer engines, and the click is dying...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
- 11 min read
-
What Carphone Warehouse, Microsoft and Uber Have in Common: They Started in a DownturnThere's a comforting myth that you need a booming economy to start something. Cheap money...
- Ozzy
- Updated:
- 3 min read