FAQ Special - What are the pitfalls of imports?

Should I buy an imported car? What's the difference between a grey and parallel import?

A: Cars that have been bought elsewhere in the European Union then imported into Britain are known as parallel imports. Differences in trim and specification may exist between these and cars sold by UK dealers, but they should be mechanically identical and will have been through the same EU 'type approval' tests as UK cars.

Those which have been ordered to match the UK specification hold on to their value best, but even so, some franchised dealers will turn their noses up if offered a parallel import in part-exchange. You may have to sell the car privately to find a fair price.

Some dealers may also try and scare you off by telling you that you won't be able to get repairs done under warranty. While a dealership may prove awkward when it comes to doing work on an import, it would be illegal for them to refuse to do it.

Subaru tried to claim warranty on imported cars weren't worth anything in 2005, but bowed to pressure from What Car? and subsequently confirmed they were protected just like UK cars.

Things aren't quite as clear-cut with grey imports which arrive from outside of the EU, the majority of them from Japan.

While they may have European equivalents, think of the Mazda MX-5 and the Eunos Roadster for instance, they've been built and tested for markets outside of Europe. That means heating system may be less effective, cold-start system might not be fitted and corrosion protection could be less comprehensive.

It's also a little harder and more expensive to check the history of the car, as the usual databases won't cover the car.

The British Independent Motor Trade Association offers history-check services on imports. A Certificate of Authenticity check from them costs £41 and, if issued, will pay the buyer back the market value of the car if it subsequently proves to be stolen. It also checks to see if there is any outstanding finance on the car, while a mileage check costs a further £23.50. Call BIMTA on 01892 515425 or visit www.bimta.org.

Servicing and repair can also be a little more tricky if specific parts are needed from Japan, while you won't be able to get work done under warranty. All of these potential pitfalls mean a grey import can be had for a real bargain.

If you want to avoid one, or suspect a car you're looking at is a secret grey import, take a note of the VIN or chassis number, call up the manufacturer concerned and read it out. They'll be able to tell you where the car has come from.