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Buying car in UK.


darcey

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Hi,

My Mother-in-law is resident in France and looking to buy a car in England and take back to France permanently. I understand this may not be ideal for everyone, but are there any pitfalls/expenses to doing this other than registering as stated in the faq's?

Many thanks for your help.

Darcey

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Biggest problem is do not register a car, that is less than 6 months old and 6000 km if you have paid taxes on it in UK, 'cos you will be charged TVA in France.  Hence my Grand Scenic was 6 mths 3 days old and in excess of 6000 km - Lady at Melle Tax Office had a good chk then recheck of age (using her fingers)!!

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One of the 'pitfalls' may be the fact that the steering wheel is on the wrong side, this depends on how she feels about driving such a vehicle, an associated pitfall is the resulting lack of second hand value should she wish to change the car without taking it back to uk and re-registering it.

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I do not altogether see the problem with selling a RHD car in France. Used cars are incredibley expensive in France and I am sure there is always a British person looking who does not mind RHD and would relish the opportunity to buy a car with French plates and all the right papers.

The only people who really have a problem with it are those who like to drive three metres behind a lorry whilst constantly popping out to see if the road is clear to overtake. Quite often these drivers are themselves ovetaken by a much less powerful vehicle whose driver has sat well back and chosen their moment with care.

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And if you are thinking of using a UK agent to buy a LHD car, you might want to read this:

http://forums.french-property.com/day-to-day-life-f12/warning-when-buying-a-left-hand-drive-car-t1475.htm

I know nothing about the dealer mentioned, other than what I have read on the above post.

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