Imports...Parallel v's Grey!

There are two types of import and it is important to know which is which :

We have all seen the cool cars on films like District 13, Fast and Furious & Taxi, mind you its not the easiest thing finding a car that fits all your requirements, such as limited edition Veilside kit, 18 inch Enkei split rims & a stand alone fuel injection with integrated NOS.

However there is a way around this : IMPORT

...it really isn't that hard, the first thing we recommend is to look at the different markets.

Parallel - This is a car that is available in the UK as well as overseas.

Grey (Gray) - This an import that is available only outside the UK e.g. Mazda Efini.]

The Jap market does tend to offer slightly different cars to the American import market, or even the Dutch one, who really like there Euro style golfs, or you could even import a brand new car from Europe.

TIP: Always check all hidden extra costs you'll incur e.g. VAT, shipping & transit plates. This gives you an idea whether it's still worth importing a car.

Grey Imports (Non-EU)

• Jap specs are often higher than a UK equivalent similar to back in the late 80's if you had a German Ford it was more refined than its UK equivalent e.g. brown tints, better build quality etc
• Getting hold of a rarer car never manufactured in the UK
• on a UK waiting list UK
• cheaper than a UK equivalent (usually the case)
  

TIP: Not all Jap imports are true Grey imports many masquerade as something they're not, and arn't always the easiest to spot, if in doubt DON'T BUY or get the alledged Jap import checked.

Parallel imports (UK Available)

The main reason to import a parallel import is to save money however cars from other countries offer different refinements such as coloured tinted glass or wheels.

Useful import links

Parallel & Grey Import Guide