Probably a silly question but...

[oat]

I am just about to view a C4S and the dealer has informed me that the previous (and only owner) personally imported it into the UK from Sweden and that it is an official C16 car. Can this be true?

Many thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

He probably bought it via a Swedish dealer to take advantage of the cheaper prices in mainland Europe. It is possible to order a car in UK specification from a European OPC, and bring it into the UK as a personal import. When you import such a car in the UK you have to pay the UK VAT. The VAT office issue you with a certificate, which must be passed on to any new owner. Make sure you get the certificate as it is proof that the VAT was paid, otherwise you may be responsible for it if it hasn't. Also, make sure that the VIL actually shows C16, and check with the OPC about the warranty situation. I did a PI on a Subaru WRX in 2001, and it had a 1 year pan-European warranty, whereas the UK warranty was two years.

 

[Rotorhead]

Yes. It is possible to order a UK spec car (C16) through an overseas dealership for delivery in that territory.

It would then, presumably, have been unofficially imported into the UK by the previous owner. Official imports are cars that have been sold through the official UK OPC network via Porsche Cars GB.

There might not be any technical difference between an 'official' or 'unofficial' import and they should have the same initial warranty, but they tend to be worth less in the used market. You would, for example, not have the same rights of redress through the UK network in the event of 'sale of goods' or later 'sympathetic warranty' claims issues arising. You might have to go back through the original sales channels. It's an unlikely eventuality, but it has caught some people out.

 

[oat]

Appreciate the wise words of wisdom, I went to view the car today and the details are as follows:

02 C4S - Arctic silver
16k
C16 model
1 owner
FPSH
Litronics
Bose
Black leather
Heated seats
Sport seats
Parking sensors
£41,995

Can also be seen here:http://www.charlesivey.com/Porsche-Sales/details.php?id=194

She has lived her life in London and most definitely parked on the street. She is not the most cherished of examples (a few minor door dings/stone chips etc) but these could easily be rectified with some TLC. The dealer is fully happy for it to undergo the pre-warranty check and repair anything which may arise.
What do you think regarding the price? I am in no rush and could easily wait until the new year when the market should hopefully be dead as a dodo and maybe buy a UK car instead.

P.S Does anyone have any experience of Charles Ivey?

Many thanks once again

 

[Black80XSA]

The price looks consideraly cheaper than an OPC, but presumably you'll have to get a Porsche Inspection before they allow a Porsche warranty - thsats the thivk end of £1k, even with CI paying to correct anything they find. But as you say a bit of tlc from a valletting company and the touch of dent devils and chips away would sort it out externally.

 

[NXI20]

IME, low-milage London cars often feel more tired than a well-used example which has had nice long runs & munched a lot of motorway. Lots of short journeys, accelerating & braking combined with speed humps etc. doesn't do any car any good, let alone a sports car.

 

[oat]

ORIGINAL: NXI20

IME, low-milage London cars often feel more tired than a well-used example which has had nice long runs & munched a lot of motorway. Lots of short journeys, accelerating & braking combined with speed humps etc. doesn't do any car any good, let alone a sports car.

[FONT=tms rmn"]
Very good point and one which I certainly agree with. I have pretty much decided to wait and buy a true UK car (there's no rush) and one that has been cherished.

Thanks for helping me make an informed decission []