Car Import

[shanagarry]

The most recent edition of Portugal News carries a report headed 'Buying a new vehicle in another member state made easier' - who's going to be the first to challenge this?

If this is right and the Portuguese authorities 'play by the rules' surely this could be the solution to all those time consuming inspections and paper filling hours many have experienced with the previous system

As is the way with most things in life and Portugal - the practice and reality are usually distant cousins. As previously outlined I will journal the entire process when we set out on the car importation/purchase project. I have carried out considerable research since last posting on the subject and arrived at a price for a comparable car (apart from the steering wheel being on opposite sides) - that is £15,000 less expensive in the UK than in Portugal.

That £15,000 could translate into an investment if I heed the advice given by the many helpful replies I got previously to avoid the importation process

That is a conundrum I am having difficulty getting my head around.

[Barry]

How much easier is it going to be? We have been putting off buying a car because we don't want to pay Portuguese prices, and have been put off importing because of all the reported difficulties.

[EMM]

In another forum there have been reports that providing you get all the right paperwork and qualify as a RESIDENT the process is not too expensive or lengthy.
The problems seem to occur when the vehicle has been owned for less than 12 months, it is an odd spec ( grey imports , usually N. American specs ) and the vehicle owner cannot provide the necessary supporting paperwork.
As there are indications that the prices of " quality second hand cars " will rise significantly in the UK in years to come any savings may be less than at this time.
But at the moment if you buy a Euro spec LHD New or Good second hand , keep it in the UK for 12 months, then take up residency in Portugal etc there are still significant savings to be made.

You would then have a vehicle worth more second hand in Portugal than you probably originally paid for it.

[shanagarry]

From inquiries I have made BMW, VW and Mercedes are offering a 12 week lead time on new left hand drive cars delivered in the UK with reasonable discounts. They do not provide a credit facility for such cars.

If the import process is as 'smooth' as has been outlined you could be forgiven for thinking you 'have died and gone to heaven'

I might just try it - seriously.

[EMM]

Are you planning to be Resident ? if not then you have to pay the import taxes ?

[shanagarry]

Being a resident has always been my intention, however I had considered remaining non-resident as I will continue to travel extensively for the first 3 years of our residency in Cvo and bringing a car with me every so often - which is a hassle. I could justify UK residency as I will be back and forth a lot - unfortunately. If I can get the right deal this 'new' facility might just be the solution.