In the UK you can choose from a vast range of high spec cars which are extremely high quality and very well maintained. You can save 20% off the advertised price if you find a VAT qualifying car to export. You can buy dealer approved used cars for complete peace of mind. You no longer need to buy your car with your savings. In Kenya, the introduction of asset finance loans for imported cars from NCBA Bank and I&M Bank means you can buy your car with a 20% deposit and repay your loan with your local bank. So, no need to dip into your savings and no need to risk sending your hard earned money abroad.

The UK has several official systems and checks which allow you to verify the dealer, the car’s history, mileage, roadworthiness and ownership of any car before you commit to buying it.

Selecting A Reputable Dealer:

Beyond talking to friends about who they would recommend, you can use the internet to help you choose a legitimate professional importer.

• Independent reviews: Look for genuine consumer reviews with such as Trustpilot. Independent review companies only accept reviews from verified customers, so all reviews are genuine and have not been bought.
• Experience Exporter: Any dealer can claim to be able to ‘ship your car’ for you. We regularly hear stories of a car taking a long time to reach the port.
• VAT Free Sales: Local UK dealers are not focused on processing VAT reclaim. Many will refuse, but some will entertain the idea, but then drag their heels for months processing your money. Are your stress levels up to that?

Top Tips When Selecting Your Car:

Feel confident your dealer is doing his best by you, by checking he is taking care of all of these areas on your behalf.

• V5 Log book: Every car in the UK has a V5 log book. It confirms the who is the registered owner of the vehicle. You should ask to see the photos of the logbook and the service story booklet before you buy. These prove original ownership and care history. The logbook also confirms that the chassis numbers belong to the car you are buying.
• MOT Certificate: It is law in the UK that all cars over 3 years old pass an annual MOT check which certifies the car as being roadworthy. To pass the QISJ inspection (pre-export inspection) a UK car must have 3 months remaining on the current MOT certificate.
• Quality Photos: A picture is worth a thousand words. A video is even better. You should make sure you have seen your car from all angles inside and out, in a good light, when the car is dry. Do not accept photos of a wet car.
• Mileage: The average annual mileage in the UK is 12,000 miles. So you can use this as a general gauge for acceptable mileage levels. Of course there will be fluctuations between cars, but if you find a deal that looks too good to be true, then beware and be sure to run an HPI check.
• HPI checks; Mileage is verified via an HPI check. Cars have their mileage uploaded by garages when they are serviced. An HPI check highlights any strange mileage entries to help buyers avoid odometer tampering. HPI also allows you to check the service history of your car to confirm it has been cared for responsibly.
• Category Write Off: Major car websites no longer highlight if a car has been written off in an accident. It’s better to use a reputable dealer who will not be selling such risky cars.
• Service History: Service history booklets will give you the evidence that the car has been responsibly cared for throughout its life.
• Chassis number: Ensure your dealer confirms that all three chassis numbers match. He will not share the images with you, but he should also advise you not to buy a car which does not have matching chassis number as it is likely not to be safe.

Key Points When Agreeing Your Purchase

Take the time to agree the details up front with your vendor and you will avoid nasty surprises later. Importers offer varying service levels, so be clear what is included in your final price to be sure you’re buying the service level you want.

• What does my car come with? Some dealers still take the view that they will rid themselves of poor stock quality stock by exporting it. Make sure you have asked your importer about all of the following:
  • • How many keys,
    • Car owner’s manual,
    • A full set of matts,
    • Locking wheel nut,
    • Spare wheel included,
    • How much tread is there on each tyre including the spare wheel.
• What service level am I paying for? Buying from a UK dealer who is not a professional importer usually means your quote includes just the purchase price for your car.
  • • For CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) you need to know your final price has included; collection and delivery to the port, preparation and inspection, shipping and insurance.
    • If you are buying a freight forwarding service be sure to ask about transportation costs to port, shipping, insurance, QISJ inspections and possibly postage of your loose items.
• Insure your car from door to door. Professional importers will insure your car from the moment they collect your car to the moment you receive it at the port. Be sure you have comprehensive insurance for the roads and that your marine insurance covers the full value of your car not just its weight.
• Payment terms: UK dealers do not take letters of credit as a general rule. Payment is always up front and balances are expected within a week of the deposit. Since covid, the market is moving much faster, and dealers can demand balance payment and collection in a matter of days.

Once You Have Paid For Your Car

Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a beautiful car. Just be sure all the paperwork and the gadgets arrive safely separate to your car.

• Original paperwork: Make sure you receive the original paperwork for your car once it is on the water. When you have paid the full amount for your car, you are entitled to receive the bill of lading, original V5 log book, the original service history, QISJ certificate (or relevant roadworthiness certificate) and the MOT certificate.
• Be sure all your loose items will be removed from the car and posted securely to you. To avoid any losses in transit it is sensible to agree vulnerable items in the car such as head phones, remote controls and paperwork are posted to you via a tracked courier service such as DHL.

The face of car importing has changed a great deal recently. Covid has caused a spike in global demand and worldwide supply and component issues. Many more people are moving to buying their cars online than previously. Whilst criminal gangs still operate, there are an increasing number of professional importers who have set out to make importing a simple, effortless experience. They provide highly qualified staff to take care of your car every step of the way. From finding your car, through to delivering it to you. So relax and let them find your dream car. You could be driving your new car sooner than you think.