When you are searching for a new vehicle, it’s important to find one you like. You may come across making the decision between buying an import vehicle or purchasing one locally from a dealership. Both choices have their advantages, but how do you know which is best for you and which decision to make? This will all come down to personal preferences, budget, and your own personal requirements.
Read on below, as we discuss whether you should look to purchase an import car or one from the UK.
Why Should You Import a Vehicle?
Distinctive Models
If you have your heart set on finding a car from a particular manufacturer, or perhaps a certain model that wasn’t originally made available for the UK market, importing a car is a great option. This will allow you access to a much wider range of choices in terms of trim levels, models, and options extras, and you may find the right vehicle with the additional extras of various import-only features and specifications.
Save Yourself Money
Sometimes, you may find that buying an imported car is more cost-effective, especially if you’re looking for a more luxurious or high-end model. Lower taxes and favourable exchange rates can help you to save money on your purchase.
What’s more, some countries are known for their stand-out care and attentiveness when it comes to looking after their cars. In the first place, Japanese manufacturers are known for producing incredibly reliable cars, tending to suffer from fewer mechanical issues compared to some other brands. However, Japanese culture highlights the importance of cleanliness, order, and precision. They keep their vehicles very clean and well-maintained, as a point of pride. They see regular car care as a reflection of their responsibilities and respect for personal possessions.
However, it is important to factor in insurance costs. An import car will need a specialist import car insurance policy, simply due to the research that may be needed for spare parts and when carrying out repairs. However, if you have your heart set on an import vehicle, having the right insurance policy is just part of the process, and is worthwhile in the long run.
A Great Selection of Classic Cars
If you’re on the search for a classic car, many enthusiasts will opt for an imported model. This makes it a little easier to find a particular model and will give you the peace of mind that it is authentic, instead of being a replica. What’s more, as mentioned above, typically Japanese cars are better preserved compared to those in the UK. Car owners in Japan are widely known for investing in regular maintenance and ensuring that their vehicles fulfil their best and remain in good condition.
Why You Should Buy in the UK
Convenience and Availability
Buying a car from the UK is often a lot more convenient. You won’t need to fill out paperwork, and you’ll be able to tour dealerships and showrooms, take test drives, and use this information to make your final decision. Whilst you might not have a wide variety of choices, nor will you have unconventional models to choose from, you won’t have to face the complexities of importing a car.
Financing Options
A local dealership or showroom will be more likely to offer a financing or leasing option to a UK market. This will help you to budget and pay for your new vehicle, along with securing some favourable financing terms.
Warranty and Servicing
Unless you choose to purchase your imported car from a dealer who has already gone through the process of importing a car, purchasing a car in the UK will make it much more likely that you get a full warranty and servicing access. This will provide you with the peace of mind that your car has been looked after to UK standards, and should you have any problems, you’ll likely have the peace of mind of your warranty, where any problems will be sorted by the professionals.
Deciding whether importing a car is the best option for you, or if you should buy one in the UK can seem like a significant choice. Any car purchase should take careful consideration of your personal circumstances, such as the timeframe you’re working with and what particular models and manufacturers you’re looking for. If you’re after a rare, unique car, importing might be the perfect route for you, yet if you’d rather value convenience and warranty, buying locally may be a more practical choice.
Ultimately, it is a choice of finding the right one that meets your requirements and suits your lifestyle.
