Advice
Imported vehicles: Are they worth buying in 2025?
Buying an imported car can be a great way to get a rare or unusual model for a good price, but there are a few legal, logistical and financial points to consider before you jump straight into buying.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 16 June 2025 | 0 min read
Imported cars on Autotrader
A vehicle will be considered imported if it's brought in from outside of the UK. This may include coming from the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man, Ireland, or Northern Ireland.
If a vehicle has been imported into the UK, we cannot provide information for the time that it was out of the country. A Vehicle Check report can show an import marker. If it does, think carefully before buying an imported vehicle. They can be more expensive to insure, and it can be hard to find replacement parts. Contact the seller to get as much information as you can about the vehicle's history. The vehicle's documents may also give you more information about its history outside of the UK.
If a vehicle has been imported into the UK, we cannot provide information for the time that it was out of the country. A Vehicle Check report can show an import marker. If it does, think carefully before buying an imported vehicle. They can be more expensive to insure, and it can be hard to find replacement parts. Contact the seller to get as much information as you can about the vehicle's history. The vehicle's documents may also give you more information about its history outside of the UK.
Types of imported cars
We get two types of imported cars in the UK: parallel imports and grey imports.
Parallel imports are vehicles brought in from EU countries. They’re generally built to European specifications, so they’re a bit easier to register and insure in the UK. Grey imports come from outside the EU, often Japan or the USA, so might not comply with UK standards. Grey imports will probably need modifications to meet our safety and emissions regulations.
Parallel imports are vehicles brought in from EU countries. They’re generally built to European specifications, so they’re a bit easier to register and insure in the UK. Grey imports come from outside the EU, often Japan or the USA, so might not comply with UK standards. Grey imports will probably need modifications to meet our safety and emissions regulations.
Pros and cons of imported cars
Imported cars can cost less than equivalent UK models, even after taxes and modifications. You could buy yourself a model that isn’t available in the UK or get a car with higher spec levels and features not commonly found in UK versions, especially you’re importing from Japan. You can learn about Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars here.
That said, imported cars typically have higher insurance premiums due to unfamiliar specifications and potential difficulties in sourcing replacement parts. Servicing can be more difficult, and the vehicle’s resale value may be lower. There can be increased risk of odometer tampering or missing history with imported stock. Verifying mileage and previous use can be particularly difficult for grey imports, where service records may be incomplete or written in a different language. If you are importing, remember that documentation may be incomplete or difficult to verify, so you’re at a higher risk of fraud. Without proper checks, you risk getting a vehicle with undisclosed wear and tear or mechanical issues. It's strongly recommended you use import services that provide full documentation and history verification, and to conduct a thorough inspection once the vehicle arrives in the UK.
That said, imported cars typically have higher insurance premiums due to unfamiliar specifications and potential difficulties in sourcing replacement parts. Servicing can be more difficult, and the vehicle’s resale value may be lower. There can be increased risk of odometer tampering or missing history with imported stock. Verifying mileage and previous use can be particularly difficult for grey imports, where service records may be incomplete or written in a different language. If you are importing, remember that documentation may be incomplete or difficult to verify, so you’re at a higher risk of fraud. Without proper checks, you risk getting a vehicle with undisclosed wear and tear or mechanical issues. It's strongly recommended you use import services that provide full documentation and history verification, and to conduct a thorough inspection once the vehicle arrives in the UK.
Legal and regulatory considerations
Before importing a car, dig into the relevant legal requirements and make sure a car you’re considering complies with local safety and environmental regulations.
If it’s an EU import, you’ll need a Certificate of Conformity to show your car’s compliant. For non-EU imports, you’ll need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. Imported vehicles must also be registered with the DVLA. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application along with supporting documents like your proof of identity, proof of address, the original foreign registration documents, a customs clearance form, and proof of compliance (either through a certificate or test result). The DVLA may request additional inspections, especially for grey imports or vehicles over ten years old. Registration can take several weeks, during which the vehicle must not be used on public roads unless under specific temporary permits.
If it’s an EU import, you’ll need a Certificate of Conformity to show your car’s compliant. For non-EU imports, you’ll need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. Imported vehicles must also be registered with the DVLA. To do this, you’ll need to submit an application along with supporting documents like your proof of identity, proof of address, the original foreign registration documents, a customs clearance form, and proof of compliance (either through a certificate or test result). The DVLA may request additional inspections, especially for grey imports or vehicles over ten years old. Registration can take several weeks, during which the vehicle must not be used on public roads unless under specific temporary permits.
MOTs for imported vehicles
Imported cars must have an MOT test to ensure they meet UK standards for roadworthiness and emissions. They also need any necessary modifications before they can be registered, especially if the car does not come with an EU Certificate of Conformity.
Make sure any required modifications like lighting adjustments or emissions system upgrades are done before the MOT test. The DVLA may recommend approved testing centres for non-standard vehicles. After that, imported vehicles, like all others, must pass an annual MOT test once they are three years old.
Make sure any required modifications like lighting adjustments or emissions system upgrades are done before the MOT test. The DVLA may recommend approved testing centres for non-standard vehicles. After that, imported vehicles, like all others, must pass an annual MOT test once they are three years old.
Insuring an imported car
Insuring an imported car can be tricky and some insurers will not provide coverage, especially for grey imports. Those that do may charge higher premiums due to the added risk associated with imports, a lack of manufacturer data, and difficulty in sourcing parts.
To improve your chances of getting cover at a reasonable rate, try contacting specialist insurers with experience in imports. To make the process easier, make sure you have full documentation, proof of any modifications, and a clean service history ready to go.
To improve your chances of getting cover at a reasonable rate, try contacting specialist insurers with experience in imports. To make the process easier, make sure you have full documentation, proof of any modifications, and a clean service history ready to go.
Maintenance and servicing for imported cars
Servicing an imported vehicle can be more challenging, particularly with grey imports.
UK mechanics may be unfamiliar with specific models, and some parts may need to be ordered from overseas, which will increase your wait times and repair costs. It’s also worth checking that diagnostic tools for the car are available in the UK. Keep an eye out for enthusiast communities, as they can advise and point you in the direction of any aftermarkets for parts.
UK mechanics may be unfamiliar with specific models, and some parts may need to be ordered from overseas, which will increase your wait times and repair costs. It’s also worth checking that diagnostic tools for the car are available in the UK. Keep an eye out for enthusiast communities, as they can advise and point you in the direction of any aftermarkets for parts.
Selling your imported car
Imported cars can be harder to sell, especially grey imports.
You might attract a smaller audience, and potential buyers may worry about maintenance issues and insurance costs. As a result, resale values can be lower. Providing full-service records, import documents, and any evidence of compliance work can help reassure future buyers. Generally, parallel imports hold their value better as they’re aligned with European standards and easier to insure.
You might attract a smaller audience, and potential buyers may worry about maintenance issues and insurance costs. As a result, resale values can be lower. Providing full-service records, import documents, and any evidence of compliance work can help reassure future buyers. Generally, parallel imports hold their value better as they’re aligned with European standards and easier to insure.
Imported electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) imported from other countries generally operate on similar voltage systems, particularly those from Japan, Europe, or the United States.
Most electric vehicles use standard battery voltages (typically 350 to 400 volts), and charging compatibility can usually be resolved through adaptors or by installing compatible charging units. However, charging connectors may differ, especially with Japanese models using CHAdeMO rather than the more common CCS standard in the UK.
Most electric vehicles use standard battery voltages (typically 350 to 400 volts), and charging compatibility can usually be resolved through adaptors or by installing compatible charging units. However, charging connectors may differ, especially with Japanese models using CHAdeMO rather than the more common CCS standard in the UK.
Buying an imported car offers access to models with unique appeal and can sometimes save money. But you need to do some thorough research, know your relevant regulations and understand of the extra costs involved. With proper planning and reputable sources, you could make a sound purchase and find a car that’s right for you.
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Find your next car on Autotrader.