buying a car in Germany

[jr2015]

hi all,
I`m considering buying a 964 in Germany, and lots of German dealers quote two prices one with and one without VAT, does this mean that the VAT-free price is for export to a country outside the EU?
I`d also appreciate any advice on the practicalities of importing a car from within the EU into the UK.I realise the headlamps have to be changed, but what else needs to be addressed?
any advice would be appreciated
cheers,
jr

 

[majorporsche]

Vat free could apply to a company who purchased the car for their business.

 

[jr2015]

yeah, i wondered whether that might be the case, in which case it would be better to pay the VAT in Germany as it`s 19% over there.

 

[mcgc0]

Yup, each EU country has its own VAT rate. At least your not buying from Turkey where it's 27%! If you are importing you would have to declare or show that this is paid or simply pay the import country rate on entry.

 

[jr2015]

I don`t know about importing from Turkey, I`d think twice about buying a used car in France, as I`ve seen how they treat them, high-end motors with dented wings left to rust ,cavalier attitudes to servicing, controle technique after 4 years and then every two years thereafter. Perhaps I`m being naiive, but the Germans seem to look after their motors ,and the TUV is very stringent, people who can afford it tend to change their cars before it needs annual testing.
Has anyone out there actually imported a car who could offer advice?

 

[colin129]

I am sure the French look after their cherished 964s every bit as well as the the British, or anyone else for that matter. We're not talking about a 15 year old Renault 19 here.

 

[polar964]

ORIGINAL: jr

I don`t know about importing from Turkey, I`d think twice about buying a used car in France, as I`ve seen how they treat them, high-end motors with dented wings left to rust ,cavalier attitudes to servicing, controle technique after 4 years and then every two years thereafter. Perhaps I`m being naiive, but the Germans seem to look after their motors ,and the TUV is very stringent, people who can afford it tend to change their cars before it needs annual testing.
Has anyone out there actually imported a car who could offer advice?

Jr, unfortunately I can't advise about importing as I have only sold to export (Italy as it happened). However, when I sold to export I checked with the DVLA. So my advice would be to contact them first and foremost. I'm sure they will provide you with the correct procedure.

Oh and I would concur with your comment regarding French ownership, although I suspect some must cherish their cars albeit a minority!

 

[Laurence Gibbs]

Things have changed I think, since i imported my RS back in Feb 2002. Back then The law was that you could "import" from the EU a car over 10 years old without VAT . You had to prove the car was brought over by you personally (reciepts, tunnel /ferry ticket etc) and fill in a customs declaration. Then go through registration proceedure when back in the UK. You would need a certificate of conformity (available from Porsche UK for Porsche and about £50 in 2002) which proves the car to conform to european build spec and lists the differences from UK spec (headlights , pedal box, Speedo etc). On a 964 headlights and possibly speedo are the main things needing changing to conform to Road Traffic Act. DVLA used to provide a pack with all the relevant info to "import" a car. As I say i am not sure if this is the case now. If you look at the DVLA website it says to call them. Which is a strange state of affairs. So maybe best to do that.
I have also heard recently conflicting internet reports regarding VAT on car "imports". My understanding EU only, was that if you paid the VAT in the country you bought the vehicle in you were not then subject to british VAT. Technically you are not "importing" within the EU as i understand it, meerly moving goods from one country to another. But i have seen internet sites that say this is not the case and British Customs are saying VAT is claimable? I would like a definative answer on that myself.

 

[jr2015]

Thanks Laurence,
That`s given me a much clearer idea of what`s involved. I was under the impression that bringing in a 10 year -old car, providing local taxes have been paid,and all that was backed up by paperwork only needed new headlamps, a speedo that was merely marked with imperial equivalent speeds (30,50,70 mph etc), an mot and re-registering with the DVLA. I`ll check out their website.
As far as moving goods round the EU, if it was for personal use (like wine for eg) it would only be a formality, you`d suppose but I`ll check.
thanks
jr