Buying abroad

N Harvey
N Harvey Forum Participant Posts: 9
edited September 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Hi, I am looking to buy a newer van, needs to be the same weight and size as my current van, a pop top. The thing is they are a lot cheaper in France, £2000 cheaper for the same van.

Is there anyone who has done this or dose anyone know of any issues that may arise.

Neil  

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #2

    The only issue I see is the VAT element.

    Check on the government site to find details.

    Many import Motorhomes which is far more complicated because of registration and insurance aspects but a caravan should be comparatively simple.

    I last imported in the 70s so it may have changedwink

    Good Luck.

    PS. I bet some of the French dealers will know how?

  • N Harvey
    N Harvey Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited September 2017 #3

    thanks, i have checked the vat and as I am paying it in France there wouldn't be a issue:) 

     

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #4

    I do believe that with Motorhomes the VAT is paid on purchase then again in the UK and claimed back?

    As long as you are OK on the point.wink

    Sorry just trying to be helpful....don't forget there are other countries that may be even cheaper...Holland and Germany!

  • N Harvey
    N Harvey Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited September 2017 #5

    Thanks I never thought of Germany might be worth doing a bit more research. The vans are made in France so thought it would be best but maybe not 

  • Riba
    Riba Forum Participant Posts: 70
    edited September 2017 #6

    I certainly know of Dutch caravan dealers who are geared up to sell to British buyers.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #7

    Does the caravan have the same specifications for the European market as ones sold in the UK ?

    I know of people who have bought Eriba caravans in Europe, but over there those caravans are regularly sold without leisure batteries, just a direct 240 volt feed from EHUs  - which of course all campsites in Europe have. There may be other differences too to account for the price differential, but if you are happy with it just take a number plate with you and tow the caravan home - there is no customs duty to pay and no VAT problem. 

  • N Harvey
    N Harvey Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited September 2017 #8

    Thanks to all. smile 

     

  • 63ellsbells
    63ellsbells Forum Participant Posts: 138
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #9

    Hi Neil,


    We were looking to upgrade our yr 2000 Eriba for a bigger & newer version last March. Checked the few UK dealers and also looked abroad and stumbled across exactly what we wanted on Marktplaats. Got in touch with the seller who was a small dealer in Denmark.

    Asked all the questions, got dozens more photos, checked out the dealer and decided that was the one. Agreed a price and sent him a deposit via bank transfer. Got the balance out in Euros and began organising the trip. Got to Calais at 8.30am on Monday, drove through Belgium, Holland with an overnight in Germany, getting to Denmark Tuesday at 11.30. The guy was fantastic as was the van. Did the deal, hooked up, stuck my spare number plate and towing mirrors on and away we came, stopping again further into Germany in the van. Got home again at 7.30pm Wednesday, 1400 miles later. Total cost of the trip around £450 and saved over £4K on the van compared to U.K. price.

    No issues crossing borders or at Calais, you just sail through with your van on the back.

    I would certainly recommend importing yourself. Do your homework, get fully organised and planned. For us it all worked a dream and couldn't have gone any smoother.

    Happy days 😊

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2017 #10

    Food for thought ellbells, I know that some Dutch dealers specialise in selling vans to Brits but never considered Denmark.  Did you part exchange?

  • allanandjean
    allanandjean Forum Participant Posts: 2,401
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #11

    As with ellsbells we bought and imported with no problems at all. Bought a Hobby having seen and fallen for one whilst in Italy, looking at them in depth in Holland and buying in Germany at best price.

    The main issue now would be the terrible exchange rate.

  • N Harvey
    N Harvey Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited September 2017 #12

    Thank you all for the positive advice, gunner do some more research looking at making the deal in the new year.smile  

  • 63ellsbells
    63ellsbells Forum Participant Posts: 138
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #13

    Apologies Oneputt, been away and only just seen this.

    It was a little further than we had first anticipated going, but it ticked all our boxes and the whole thing just felt right. We'd sold privately beforehand so went cash in hand, literally.

    A little apprehensive about taking all the euros with us but couldn't spare the time to stay locally whilst a bank transfer took place (seem to recall being told that could take a day or 2).

    All worked well for us and at the time the exchange rate was on our side, saving us a nice chunk compared to U.K. Eriba prices.

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