We've used dealer asking prices on similar cars in both Ireland and the UK, and the Revenue's VRT calculator, to compile examples of potential savings that are available on buying a car abroad. This is sent by post and can take a few weeks. Driving with my US license is not an issue but owning a vehicle, registering it, and insuring it as the primary drive with my residence in the USA and I’m merely in the UK on holiday doesn’t seem to be allowed. There's no point buying a two-seater convertible if you're about to start a family, so work out what is realistic. The fuel you want to use can make a big difference in the model you might choose. The previous owner also has to sign a small section to confirm that they have indeed sold the vehicle and has to send this off to the DVLA. It's basically a loan to help you get a car.
This makes them more difficult to flog, but still perfectly nice to drive. For more info, see our 20 Tips When Buying a Used Car guide. Was this one of the more complicated steps? You typically pay a deposit of around £500, with the balance on the day you get the car. You may be able to get an insurer to take that into account – we had no previous insurance experience. Secondly, if you're using a credit card, you'll be limited in the amount you're able to spend – not many will give you a limit of more than £5,000, and most will be well below this.
Hi Michelle.
Hi thanks for this post, you said the insurance follows the person, does that mean both of you have to get insurances to be able to drive it? What a weight off my mind.
Ireland: 1800 246 800UK: 0800 840 2887fcpsupport@fexco.com. We could buy a car just fine (which we did from ebay), but being able to legally drive it on the roads was another thing completely – I have no idea how backpackers ever manage it! This site features affiliate links for products and services.
It may be worth it if you risk owing more than the car is worth. To put it simply, to buy a car in the UK you need to: If you’re from Canada or the US, you may be surprised to discover that car insurance is quite different in the UK.
Ask for the sun and you may just get the moon. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sure, thanks for checking! I’d love a link back from your own article. So much cheaper than having to hire a car. Servicing ensures it's safe to drive and keeps the manufacturer's warranty valid.
If you're borrowing more, for example £15,000, you could pay as little as 3.5%. To save you time and energy trying to work this out, car experts have already done this research.
Use our MOT guide for MoneySaving tips, including getting the test at local council centres, which could save you £100.
For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes - join the 12m who get it. Mum, wife, online geek girl, distance runner, adventurer etc. According to WHO figures, World merchandise exports... UK and Irish professionals have always been considered highly employable in the international job market.
So if I don’t pay it’s nothing bad for me just can’t drive it back here in UK till I pay it right. MOT refers to the Ministry of Transport test car inspection. Here are some tips from a broker and a dealer on when to buy to get the best deal... Don't leave it to the last day of the quarter, as once targets are met any deals will disappear.
To really up the haggling, don't target dealers in isolation. But if you're still set on getting one, here are our top tips and vital checklists (print them out and bring them with you) for buying – and doing it as cheaply as possible.
A few quick (who am I kidding, it takes ages!)
If you bought the car on finance from the dealer or paid at least the deposit by credit card, you can take your complaint to the free Financial Ombudsman Service if you fail to get a resolution within eight weeks of making the initial complaint. Look for already discounted cars.
But unlike a personal loan, you won't own the car until you've made the final payment. Hint – buy a car with a long MOT so you don’t have to get it put over the pits before you leave.
But, what it means for you is that you can buy a new car for a hefty discount, because its records will show it's already had one owner.
It just gives you that little extra peace of mind if something does go wrong.
And then making an informed choice from there. Once the car's three years old, you'll have to pay for an MOT every year, which costs £54.85 (for the test).
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