Bringing car to UK

brinepacer

I've moved to the england but need transport. I am fatally broke and can't really afford to buy a car. I have a 1998 Fiat Punto at home that's been garaged for two years (well, bale sheded). I understand i can bring an irish taxed/insured car to UK for six months before it has to be registered in the UK, but it says once i become a "permanent resident" it will need to be re-registered as a UK vehicle.

So, should i get the car taxed and insured and bring it over for six months while i get myself sorted, or bite the bullet and buy one here? Can I bring my no claims bonus from ireland? I've not been insured on a vehicle in ireland or UK for two years, do i even still have a no claims bonus? If i bring my punto over, are there any insurance companies that will/won't charge me extra to have it in the UK for the six months? What are my options, basically?

rsj

Interested in this too, any ideas anyone?

corktina

cars are VERY cheap in the UK. Last June I bought a 1995 50000 mile escort from ebay for £310 with 9 months tax and a NEW MoT. You'd pay that nearly for the ferry and petrol to get your car over there.

Insurance is a lot cheaper in the UK than here, would pay you to take out policy there. I insured mine for £180 but then Im an Old Guy

Road Tax is a lot cheaper in the UK

its a no-brainer I think unless you already had the car NCTd TAXd and Insured.


EXAMPLE 1998 Punto Tax Mot (Just) £51 at the momnet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-FIAT-PUNTO-SPORTING-16V-ORANGE_W0QQitemZ250564998300QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item3a56d6749c

Better example £255 long tax and mot

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1998-FIAT-PUNTO-S-60-RED_W0QQitemZ220542082407QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item3359551d67

rsj

Interesting, thanks tina.

corktina

no sweat although my wife doesnt like me being called tina....:D

rsj

Haha fair point!

macplaxton

Agree with corktina, you'd have to be absolutely bonkers to bring a car over from Ireland. Plenty of dirt-cheap motors over there. Keep it under 1550cc for a pre-2001 car and the motor tax is £125. Post 2001 are emissions based.

Just get some insurance quotes (e.g. confused.com) before taking the plunge.

dirtydiesel

Your punto is going to need a new battery, brakes could be siezed, various pipes could be perished.
Loads of other problems like tyres etc could need attention as its been parked up so long.
98 punto without nct is worthless here, cut your losses and buy in the uk.
Also you are in the uk long enough to be on the system, through your pps number etc, so You could get in trouble driving an irish car as in effect you are now a UK resident.
Your in a great spot to pick up a bargain, cheaper tax,insurance,cheap booze,cheap food, im getting jealous lol.