Importing a Prius to the UK?

How considerable is the difference? It'll cost a boat load (pun intended) to ship it across the sea, not to mention additional taxes and fees you'll have to pay (local taxes for the purchase in the US, import/export taxes, etc)... i'm guessing you won't be able to do any better once all costs are taken into account, quite possibly end up costing yourself a lot more.

 

The almost 30% Value Added Tax (VAT) the UK imposes on imports, essentially doubles the price. Besides the UK uses SI measurements. Purchase the Prius in the UK, save money and get SI instrumentation.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(copydeskcat @ Nov 30 2006, 02:08 PM) [snapback]355819[/snapback]</div>

Have a look at recent isues of WHICH? I think they reported a few months ago on the problems of buying a car in Ireland, Belgium, etc and importing it. I'll be surprised if you save a significant anount and it will certainly cost you a lot in time and travel. You'd probably have to go to the foreign place from which you buy it. Much better to have the support of a local dealer in case of problems.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Oxo @ Nov 30 2006, 12:22 PM) [snapback]355868[/snapback]</div>

Our steering wheel is on the "wrong" side for UK. Maybe you should consider a JDM (japanese) version? Just a thought...

I'm also a Subaru fan, and by following the UK message boards, it seems a lot of JDM Subarus are brought into UK, though I understand that there may be warranty issues, etc.

 

Hi CDC
You can achieve quite a saving by going through an internet dealer rather than a Toyota dealer who hold the prices up.
In my case I saved about £1500 and they delivered it to me - which I specifically did not want them to do - but they also took my other car in part exchange.
The outfit I used was based in Manchester so not too far from you I imagine.
PM if you want to know more.
The US specs does have some nice touches which I wish the UK spec had - but it does work both ways - for example I think the US spec still has rear drum brakes whereas we have discs all round.
I'd love keyless entry and to be able to get rid of the reversing beep etc - their tweak for this doesn't work on the UK spec.

My guess is that the saving you'll make will be outweighed by the hassle.
Eg. you will probably have to change the headlamps for starters.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pinball @ Dec 1 2006, 04:11 AM) [snapback]356129[/snapback]</div>

Did you have a firm quotation from a Toyota dealer? In my case (last August) the dealer threw in several extras which effectivey brought the list price down a few £100s.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Oxo @ Dec 1 2006, 10:12 AM) [snapback]356130[/snapback]</div>

I started out looking to get a 1 year old model but the dealer prices were a only a few £k less (if that) than a brand new one. When I realised I could save that much through an internet dealer (I guess they don't have the overheads) I decided to go for a new one and saved £1500 over the Toyota list price. They're still offering it today
I also got side mouldings fitted, carpets and rubber mats included in the price.

The only downside was they delivered the car against my instructions and I was at work - so I refused to pay the £99 delivery and kept the road tax on my trade in for all the aggro they caused me.

From order to delivery was a month

 

I too checked on the internet deal and got it down to about £1500 off the Toyota list price. I then went back to the Toyota dealer and asked for his very best price, he knocked off £1200! and took my old car in part ex at a much better price than the internet company offered. The extra £300 was much more than offset by the better part ex price and goodies thrown in (mats, full tank, etc.).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vince31 @ Dec 1 2006, 10:02 PM) [snapback]356417[/snapback]</div>

Nice One !

And I just noticed they're now offering £1791 off
Damn, these Prii are getting cheaper by the minute !!