First, obtain the official paperwork from HM Customs, the Local Vehicle Licensing Office and your
local Vehicle Registration Office (VRO). Most of this will require considerable patience!

Choose your country

Holland and Portugal are normally the cheapest for most popular cars, but there can be language barriers. North European countries nearly all speak fluent English. More locally you have Southern Ireland offering good savings, but not for all makes & models.

Get a list of dealers

Easily obtained from the headquarters of the UK based manufacturers. Also in the handbook supplied with all UK cars.

Phone or, better still, visit

Use only fully authorised dealerships. Be clear that the car is to be to UK, right-hand-drive specification, supplied for export. You will need a passport and probably a letter of credit.

Make sure it is a UK spec car

Check specification against the UK brochure for the car.
Should be RHD with Right Hand Drive headlamps and MPH speedometer.
Adjust spec of car using brochure and confirm all telephone conversations by e-mail.

Get it in writing

Confirm the spec and delivery date in writing. Ensure any right hand drive supplements are included now. Do not pay local taxes, they are not due. German dealers sometimes ask for VAT payments upfront then reclaim this element once car is UK registered. You are not legally required to do this. Refuse or negotiate.

Arrange the money

If you order a foreign currency draft now, you can fix your rate. Otherwise you are exposed to fluctuations in Sterling. Alternatively, buy foreign currency and place on deposit until car arrives. A bankers draft will cost you around £50.

Pay the deposit

You will need to pay around 20%. Use a credit card as this offers some protection if goods are not delivered.

Keep Calm

Car delivery is no different to any delivery! Unless your car is already built, it will take a few months (6 to 9 on average). Do not accept last minute price rises. Look out for shifting delivery times.

Get transit plates

You need transit plates and a Certificate of Conformity. The certificate proves the car meets European standards. It cannot be registered without this. There will be a small charge for these items.

Arrange insurance

Shop around. UK insurers normally need a registration number, but you will only have a chassis number.

Go get your car!

Fuel car up and keep all receipts to show you have driven car abroad.

Pay the VAT

You need to declare car to HM Customs and Excise Vehicle Appraisal Unit within 7 days (or at the port). They need your invoice, temporary registration document, travel tickets and Appendix D of form 728 available at local customs advice centre.
Customs will then work out your VAT bill at 17.5% of the invoice price and send you a bill plus Form C&E 386 or 388, allowing you to register the car. You have 30 days to pay.

Get number plates and a tax disc

Take all (do not underestimate the word all) customs, sales & registration paperwork to Vehicle Registration Office.
Fill in Form V55/5 to first register the car and pay the £25 fee.

Get the tax disc, buy some plates and ……………that’s it