You’re a car enthusiast and want to buy a new vehicle, but aren’t sure you have the money. Buying an import car can be the ideal solution. Buying cars in neighboring countries can be up to three times cheaper. But this isn’t something to take so lightly, you’ll need to do good research and know exactly what you’re buying! That’s why we at Easy Move Kuwait have made a coherent list of what you should know before buying an import car.
Make sure everything was done according to the law
The car needs to be imported legally, of course. This is something that unfortunately you will have to check upon. A registered vehicle is a good sign. But it’s not an immediate guarantee that the car is legally imported. How should you go about this? Ask the seller to see all of the documentation. If they refuse to show everything, give up on your purchase. If they’re missing papers, the same rules go. You have to be smart and careful about it.
The two different types of imported cars
Parallel imports
Parallel imports are cars purchased in another country with the help of a broker or directly from a car dealership. They are sold in the country you’re buying them at, but the prices tend to be lower, in accordance with the primary retail price. Typically, this process allows for a safe and easy purchase. Still, you need to ask to go over all of the car’s documentation. Just to ensure you’re buying a legal and registered vehicle. For this type of import you’ll likely want to use international car shipping services, so be aware and book everything in advance.
Personal imports
Personal imports are cars you bought in another country and are now trying to import. This is similar to buying a car from an individual. Before you import your car to your chosen country, you’ll want to have some documentation prepared. Try to get a vehicle or accident report, just so you know exactly in what condition your car is upon arrival. You will need to get it locally registered just so you can legally use it on the land of Kuwait.
Research the price!
As with any type of sales, there tend to be people who want to scam you out of your money. When it comes to buying cars, you won’t ever pay and not get your car, that’s impossible and not something to worry about. But what can happen is that if you’re not informed enough, a seller could offer you an outrageously high price. This is why you need to sit down and do your research. You can determine the true price of a car by checking out the rates in dealerships, or even in the companies of origin.
Compare and contrast the different prices you come by. Also if you’re buying used cars, then set your price expectations accordingly. There is no way you can buy a used car, even if it’s only been used for a year, for the same price as a brand new vehicle.
Another thing to take into account is that you’ll need custom clearance services Kuwait upon your car’s arrival. Be sure to have everything planned out and ready for your new car. It will make the process ten times easier and you’ll get your car quicker than you can imagine.
Never buy without testing
You might have come across the perfect car for you. You love it all from the aesthetics to the specifications. But you need to take a test drive in your new vehicle, just to be sure it’s the right thing for you. There’s a chance that you might find the gorgeous interior very uncomfortable for sitting for longer rides. And of course, you’d like to use your car even for longer transits. Maybe the maneuvering station is not what you’re used to and you don’t like it. Maybe the car is too short on the inside.
There are so many variables. That’s why you should really give it a good drive and a good thought. When you sit into the car that’s the one and everything feels like it’s perfectly in place, you’ll know it was all worth it.
Find trusted sellers
Once you’ve found the car you like, decided on the country you’d like to buy from, and managed your finances, it’s time to get into contact with the right people. Recommendations from people you know and trust are highly valued now more than ever. Buying an import car is not something you do all the time, so it is imperative you find the right car for you.
Buying from private sellers will give you the option to haggle. This could come in handy if you’re willing to haggle on the price of a car that’s just a bit out of your price range. On the other hand, car manufacturers offer all their existing contacts to make sure your car importation is a smooth-sailing success. So both options have their ups and downs, it’s on you to choose the one best for you.
If you’re not settled in Kuwait just yet, another thing to consider is storage. This might be a good temporary option for you as many companies offer climate-controlled storage units that will keep your car safe and sound.
More paperwork
Once the whole process is started and rolling, you’d think there is no more paperwork to handle. But once your car arrives, there are still a few documents that you need to go over. Export and import papers will need to be in order and any export and import tax fees will need to be paid. Luckily, this really is the last step to getting your car. Upon finishing all this paperwork, you’ll be able to ride off in your car and start your journey together.
We hope our list of what you should know about buying an import car was useful. And good luck!