I've seen a car I want ... but its in Guernsey

Has anyone bought from there before? Does anyone know logistics/costs?

Thanks in advance!

Guernsey is NOT part of the UK, or the EU.
If the car has not had VAT paid on it within the EU, you WILL be liable for the VAT.

If the car had been outside the UK for more than 3 years, VAT would have to be paid again on reimportation to the UK!

VAT payable is on the current value, not the new price, however, i believe that customs will establish the value, not the importer. You will need to fill out a C384 form to declare the price.

You will need SVA docs / Cert of conformity MAKE SURE THE CAR HAS THESE!

Speak to customs & Excise & the DVLA, both have information on how to import a car from the Channel Islands.

I also think the car will technically become an Import.

Jonas & Jonas wrote:

I've seen a car I want ... but its in Guernsey

Has anyone bought from there before? Does anyone know logistics/costs?

Thanks in advance!

So, to sum up, don't do it

What seems like a very cheap car can actually turn out to be completely the opposite.

Its possible but a pain in the bum.

Usually cars in Guernsey though you are led to beleive are VAT free are just as expensive if not more so than mainland UK, if you look round.

Sometime ago looked at some secondhand Audi imports from England, in Guernsey, which garage had bought from Audi auction. They had not paid vat as they had been exported to Guernsey, but the gargae was retailing them for around £2,000 more than you buy them for in England.

Fiat / Hyundi garages do not but VAT on cars and delivery costs are normal. Other garages retail same as UK prices dressing it up as delivery charges. Landrover /Jaguar dealer never has any pricelists available from UK as they always sell at full UK retail vat included.

You will need conformity certificate around £100 which you will have to apply for from whatever car manufacter it is. Also import duty around 10 percent then VAT on top, also ferry costs are not cheap either to Guernsey. You might be able to get it moved as frieght by Condor as they are always taking cars back and forth for the rental market.

Once you have all paperwork, logbook, proof of paying duty at customs and conformity certificate take them to your local DVLA office.

You would need to live there for 6 months and show Customs insurance cert, bill of sale etc for proof then it would be a personell import free of taxes, once you had your letter of approval from customs.

The other way is if the car has been imported to Guernsey in the past 3 years from England then Vat would not be payable again

On the other hand it is quite easy to import a car to Guernsey

Really appreciated all the info/help!

After a few sums I'll defiantly be staying clear!

Jonas & Jonas wrote:

[...]I'll defiantly be staying clear!