FAQs

Buying Your Car

What mileage do your cars have?
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All our brand new and pre-registered vehicles have zero mileage (or minimal delivery mileage).

Where the vehicle is an ex-demonstration or nearly new model, the mileage is displayed on our website.  This mileage will also be displayed on the order form.


How do I buy one of your vehicles?
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Once you have selected the vehicle of your choice, we require the full name and address of the person or company whose name will be on the registration document. We will then e-mail you the garage order form for your perusal and signature.

A 10-20% deposit is required to secure an in stock vehicle or to make a factory order. The balance is then payable at a time convenient for you. Once the balance has been paid we will arrange for delivery or self-collection.


What deposit is required?
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When making a factory order, a 10-20% deposit is required.

For in-stock vehicles, a deposit of 10% is required to secure the car, with the balance payable at a time convenient for you.


Do your prices include taxes?
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Our clients often require our vehicles to be supplied tax-free, whereas others will be paying VAT in the UK.  Therefore, we have designed our website so that you have the option of displaying the vehicle price in either Pound Sterling or Euros, inclusive or exclusive of VAT. 


How are your prices calculated?
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We update the exchange rate used for calculating the prices on website on a weekly basis; the exchange rate used is displayed at the bottom of each page.

All prices are subject to further fluctuation in exchange rates.


In which currency do I pay?
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Most of our cars are payable in Euros or Sterling, directly to main dealers located on the Continent or in the UK.

We recommend Worldwide Currencies for exchanging your monies; further details can be found under 'Currency Exchange' in the 'Quick Answers' section.


Do you part-exchange?
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As a broker, we specialise in obtaining the cheapest possible quotation for your left hand drive vehicle.  We don't have facilities for selling your used vehicle, so I'm afraid we cannot accept part-exchanges for most manufacturers. BMW and Mini are currently the only manufacturers who will part exchange your old right hand drive for a brand new left hand drive car.

You will save money by selling your car privately and purchasing through 1st Car Imports.


Is further discount available on your prices?
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The prices displayed on our site are already very competitive; however, it's always worth contacting us as we can often negotiate some further discount for our clients.


Do you supply all makes and models?
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Yes.

Even if a car is not advertised on our website, we have long standing relationships with dealers across Europe for every manufacturer.  Therefore you can be confident that you are being quoted the lowest possible price for your vehicle of choice.

We will always endeavour to offer you alternative vehicles that we feel offer he best savings and are always happy to discuss your requirements.


Can I purchase a new LHD car using the UK Scrappage Scheme?
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BMW, Mini and Citroen all supply new LHD cars using the UK Scrappage Scheme. You will need to have owned a vehicle over 10 years old for more than 1 year and it must have an MOT and road tax to be eligible.


Delivery

Do you offer delivery?
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We can arrange for delivery to any address in the UK or Europe and can also arrange for shipping worldwide.

 


Is my car insured during delivery?
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Your car is fully insured from the moment it is collected at the main dealer until it arrives at your address.

When the car is delivered, you will examine it together with the delivery driver to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect condition.


How much does delivery cost?
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Delivery is arranged at cost with a transport company who specialise in automotive shipping.  We arrange delivery weekly with this company, so are confident you will not receive a better delivery quotation elsewhere.


If I self-collect my car, what arrangements do I need to make?
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We will ensure that the number plates are fitted to your vehicle ready for collection, enabling you to drive straight away.

We can often also arrange for you to be collected at the local train station to ensure that your collection is quick and straight forward.


Miscellaneous

Does my car come with an English manual?
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Most of the vehicles we source from European dealers will come with an English handbook. Please request one when you place your order and we'll confirm one will come with the car.


How do I insure my left hand drive?
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Details of Stuart Collins & Co, who specialise in left hand drive vehicle insurance for both the UK and Europe, can be found under 'insurance' in the 'quick answers' section.