What Car? Q&A - How can I tell if a car is an import?

Q: I am thinking of purchasing a 55-plate Fiat Punto from a car supermarket with delivery mileage. How can I tell if the car is a UK car or an import? Is there anything in the log book that would help me to ascertain the car's origin? The car salesman assures me it is a UK-trim car, but I am not too sure.
Laurence Keeley

A: The car could still be an import even if it is to full UK specification. Dealers in Europe can order a UK-specification car and then ship it to the UK.

There are a several ways to tell if a car is an import. The V5C document might give you an indication, depending on who first registered the car and where. A better bet would be to consult the car's service record – the dealer's stamp should tell you its country of origin. Imported cars are usually serviced and inspected in their home country before boarding a ship.

You could also take a copy of the car's VIN number and contact Fiat UK. Fiat will be able to tell you if the car is from the UK or not.

Any car imported to the UK should have a 'certificate of conformity' proving that it complies with EU regulations. This is needed to register the car in the UK, so there should be a copy easily available – just ask your dealer, or the Vehicle Certification Agency (tel 0117 952 4235, website www.vca.gov.uk).