What Does Imported Vehicle Mean?

Why imported vehicle matters to buyers

History verification

Imported vehicles may have limited or incomplete history records from their country of origin. It can be difficult to verify the vehicle's complete history, including accidents, repairs, or mileage, which may affect your ability to assess its true condition.

Specifications and parts

Imported vehicles may have different specifications, parts, or features compared to UK-market versions. This can affect maintenance costs, parts availability, and compatibility with UK systems or regulations.

Resale value

Imported vehicles may have different resale values compared to UK-market vehicles. Some buyers may be deterred by imported status, while others may prefer certain imported models, affecting future resale value.

Insurance and warranty

Some insurers may charge higher premiums for imported vehicles, and manufacturer warranties may not apply to imported vehicles. It is advisable to check insurance quotes and warranty coverage before purchasing.

What imported vehicle indicates

Imported vehicles are cars that have been brought into the UK from another country and registered for use on UK roads. They may come from various countries, including European Union countries, Japan, the United States, or other markets.

Legitimate imported vehicles must meet UK safety and emissions standards, be properly registered with the DVLA, and comply with UK vehicle regulations. The import process involves various checks and modifications to ensure the vehicle meets UK requirements.

Imported vehicle status is recorded in official UK databases and may appear on vehicle history checks. While importing vehicles is legal and common, buyers should be aware of the potential implications for history verification, specifications, and ongoing ownership costs.

What to check before buying an imported vehicle

Run a vehicle history check to verify the import status and UK registration
Verify the vehicle's identity matches the registration documents
Check that the vehicle meets UK safety and emissions standards
Review available history records from the country of origin if possible
Verify parts availability and compatibility for maintenance and repairs
Check insurance quotes before committing to purchase
Verify warranty coverage and manufacturer support for imported vehicles
Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly

How a vehicle history check helps

A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including import status and UK registration information. This helps buyers verify whether a vehicle is imported and assess its UK history since import.

Sellers may not always disclose import status, or may be unaware of it if they purchased the vehicle already imported. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers identify imported vehicles and understand their UK history.

What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show

Import status and vehicle origin information
Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
Keeper changes and number of previous owners
MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
Registration plate changes and vehicle identity verification

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to buy an imported vehicle?

Yes, it is legal to buy an imported vehicle if it has been properly imported and registered in the UK. Imported vehicles must meet UK safety and emissions standards and be registered with the DVLA before they can be legally driven on UK roads.

Does imported vehicle affect insurance?

Some insurers may charge higher premiums for imported vehicles, viewing them as higher risk or more difficult to value. It is advisable to obtain insurance quotes before purchasing an imported vehicle to understand the cost implications.

How can I check if a car is imported?

You can check if a car is imported by running a vehicle history check, which will show import status and vehicle origin information. You can also check the V5C registration document, which may indicate import status, and look for signs such as non-UK specifications or documentation.

Does imported vehicle affect value?

Imported vehicles may have different resale values compared to UK-market vehicles. Some buyers may be deterred by imported status, while others may prefer certain imported models. The impact on value depends on the specific vehicle and market preferences.

What is the difference between imported and grey import?

An imported vehicle is any car brought into the UK from another country. A grey import specifically refers to a vehicle imported through unofficial channels, often bypassing the manufacturer's official import network. Grey imports may have different specifications or limited manufacturer support.

What should I check on an imported vehicle?

You should verify the import status and UK registration, check that the vehicle meets UK standards, review available history records, verify parts availability, check insurance quotes, verify warranty coverage, and have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly.

What does imported vehicle mean?