DO's
Get written or printed quotations from dealerships before you sign anything.
Make sure delivery dates are guaranteed in writing, too.
Pay any deposits (typically 10-30%) by credit card so you can get a refund
if the agent or dealer disappears.
Make sure you know what paperwork needs doing. Get the Department of Transport's
leaflet on personal imports.
Arrange insurance for your car before you go (without UK registration
plates, you will need to quote a chassis number).
Shop around — between countries, between dealers, between agents.
Work out all the costs involved: registration fees, shipping charges or
ferry tickets, hotel bills etc.
Take into account anticipated depreciation/loss in value, which may outweigh
savings on purchase prices. Match up spec levels to UK cars.
Inspect the car thoroughly on delivery.
Know exactly what you want — not just make and model, but the specification
level and optional equipment.
Get on the Internet. It's the quickest way to get the most information.
DONT's
Trust dodgy brokers with only mobile phone contact numbers, especially
if they want cash deposits up front.
Expect to fly over and bring a car straight back — generally, you
will need to order first.
Assume you will achieve UK market values when you come to sell the car.
Try to cut corners with the paperwork.
