It is clear from many threads here that there are a number of features (or rather, combinations of  features, such as  the availability of electrically-adjustable memory seats on 4x4 Ocatavis) which are unavailable in the UK but which are readily available in other countries.

This suggests that in many cases this is an arbitary (and sometimes rather irrational) restriction imposed entirely by Skoda UK, and not a restriction due to any technical complications.

Does anyone have any knowledge. please, of buyers who have decided (quite understandably, in view of this) to wave two fingers at Skoda UK and to order & import new RHD Mk3 Octavias directly from another country?  And if so, with what degree of success and with what problems?

Edited 4 November, 201312 yr by Stuarted

Way to much hassle, with all of the paper work that the DVLA want and other crap that the HMRC put you through.

 

Then there's the hassle with the insurance company as you have to declare it an import, which will almost undoubtedly increase your premiums as well, then add on more hassle of finding finance and a dealer who will be willing to service and/or repair it. 

In many cases the car will actually cost you more money, obviously depending on where you bought it. It's not like 15 years ago when there were big savings to be had from crossing the channel and picking up a motor in Europe.

I have imported two cars in the past, both Subaru's. The first a stock UK Turbo which I purchased from a dealer in Belgium. The process was pretty much the same as ordering a UK car, albeit I placed my order/deposit over the phone, they sent me paperwork to sign and return, I waited 6 months, then went to collect my car and drive it back. The total cost for me was £14,500 (including ferry back and adding UK spec alarm and tax) at a time when the same UK car was selling for £21,000. The second car was an STI IV imported directly from Japan. This also saved me a lot of money (versus unofficial importers) but was a royal pain in the a***, mostly because the car was damaged in transit and the freight insurers were playing difficult.

 

The problem nowadays is that the price difference between UK and Euro cars is nowhere near so big. Any foreign dealer should (in theory) be able to order a UK spec car, but Skoda themselves may only allow certain spec combination for RHD cars, and the prices are likely to be very similar. It's probably not worth the hassle, and much easier to just buy a completely different car with the options you need.

 

edit: If you want to attempt this I suggest calling Skoda Dealers within the Netherlands. They (almost always) speak perfect English and will let you know a) whether it is possible to order from them, b ) whether different options are available, and c) what the price will be.

Edited 4 November, 201312 yr by Orville

I don't think the OP's intention is trying to save money, more so to get around the ridiculous restrictions Skoda UK place on us. If it was easy I guess a lot of people would be doing it though. :(

Also, if you personally import a car from abroad you won't be entitled to the full UK support when buying from a franchised UK dealer, only any goodwill they are inclined to give.

Also, if you personally import a car from abroad you won't be entitled to the full UK support when buying from a franchised UK dealer, only any goodwill they are inclined to give.

 

Their must be a Minimum Warranty Europe wide ( 2 years I believe )  This must be honoured  surly.  

This must be honoured  surly.  

 

Most likely.

I don't think the OP's intention is trying to save money, more so to get around the ridiculous restrictions Skoda UK place on us.

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Exactly so.

Dont know if you still can, but try a dealer in Germany where the British army are based. Other option is to purchase in a country with a high VAT rate where the actual before tax prices tend to be lower, you then claim back your tax in that country and pay the UK tax, myself I really could not be bothered with all the mess about and the risk of dealers who should support you telling you to take a hike. I dont know if this is still allowed.

Weren't Gibraltar and Cyprus(?) the popular places to get them from - I thought this was how some of the car supermarkets managed to get new cars into the UK as imports at lower prices than a main dealer could do?

Dont know if you still can, but try a dealer in Germany where the British army are based. Other option is to purchase in a country with a high VAT rate where the actual before tax prices tend to be lower, you then claim back your tax in that country and pay the UK tax, myself I really could not be bothered with all the mess about and the risk of dealers who should support you telling you to take a hike. I dont know if this is still allowed.

German cars are expensive, especially due to lack of discounts and poor exchange rate.

Most forces personnel order cars from uk suppliers, to a uk spec, with a uk log book and collect from uk due to the fact that grey imports are more difficult to trade in and usually don't fetch such a high price. There used to be some manufacturers that supplied cars via Venlo in Netherlands in order to negate some European taxes but I think that these were usually Japanese cars made outside of Europe.