We have had a little discussion I think on a previous thread Andrew.
If you are talking about new cars, there is some advantages to buying new in other european countries & exporting to the UK. but check carefuly , not all european countries have the same base cost & the spec for each country may differ , so it may not be apples for apples.
the only example I can give you is my experience buying in Holland & importing into The UK.
I started by deciding what car & then put together a list of options I wanted on it. I touted that round dealers in the uk, Ireland & holland. I told the dealers in Ireland & holland that I wanted to be tax free for Export, I also told the dealers in holland that I wanted Right hand drive & English documentation, this is an exrta cost that obviously wont figure in from the UK & Irish dealers.
the cost in the uk was 44k ( pounds) on the road. the cost in Ireland was 55k ( euro ) the cost in holland was 44k ( euro )
the dutch price included a 7 day registration.
the only other cost to import it to the uk was the VAT, 17.5%, and the dvla registration cost, about 160 quid.
it was that simple.
however, that was M.B. and they warrenty there cars through out europe, so I had no problems servicing the car & having any warrenty issues sorted at a british MB dealer.
I dont know that all manufacturers are like this. If I go to a maserati dealer in Holland or Belgium next time I am over I dont think I would be suprised if they told me that If I want a RHD maserati I shoud go to England.
