LHD Cars UK and Abroad
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of our customers’ most commonly asked questions about buying LHD cars in the UK and abroad. If you have any further queries just click here to contact us.
- Why Us?
- Why a left hand drive car?
- How can LHD Car supermarket help me?
- Why should I buy a left hand vehicle from Europe?
- Where do your cars come from?
- Why are your prices so competitive?
- Why shouldn’t I buy a car direct from Europe myself?
- Are all your cars to European specification?
- Who deals with the paperwork?
- Who arranges delivery?
Why Us?
You can buy a car from Europe on your own instead of using our services, but there are several possible pitfalls you should consider. It’s possibly easiest if we list the advantages and disadvantage of each approach:
Do it yourself
- You're likely to end up paying well over the odds for your car. That's because European dealers know we pay more for LHD cars in the UK so they're well aware of the prices the average citizen is prepared to pay!
- You may not be given the exact specification of car you want.
- You are likely to incur additional 'hidden' costs imposed by the dealer for things like inward delivery, export documentation, paperwork, car cleaning and fuel.
- You'll be charged the tourist rate of exchange for currency transactions. That's 2-5% worse than the business rate.
- If something goes wrong, you'll only be protected by the prevailing contract laws in whichever country the dealer is located.
- You'll have to deal with unfamiliar export documentation in order to have your LHD car brought to the UK.
- You'll have to arrange your own left-hand drive insurance.
- You'll have to make your own transport arrangements.
- You'll have to register and tax your LHD Car in the UK.
OR
LHD Car Supermarket
- We do everything for you - and you pay less for your car!
We’ve been doing this for over 12 years, and have excellent contacts with manufacturers and agents across Europe. We speak their languages, or have affiliates in each country who will work with us, and we recognise that this is an expensive purchase for you - it’s not a can of beans! It’s something which is almost an extension of your personality, so you want, and need, it to be right – from start to end, from top to tail, bonnet to boot.
We also know you’ll probably be in the market for another vehicle in a few years, so, as we mentioned earlier, we want you to come back to us. Over 90% of our clients have bought through us more than once - and over 95% of our clients recommend us to friends and associates. That has to give you confidence!
Why Buy LHD?
You may think that driving a lefthand drive car in Britain is more trouble than it's worth, but there are lots of good reasons for British people to buy a new or used LHD car:
- Price: Savings of up to 20% on the same or lower-spec left-hand drive equivalents aren't uncommon. So either you pay less for the car of your choice, or you use the saving to upgrade to a better model. You could even get into machinery that you'd otherwise never afford (we're talking about buying a used, left-hand drive exotic here!).
- Ease of use abroad: if you have to drive on the continent as part of business or pleasure (some of our customers spend half their time abroad).
- Higher specifications
- Early release to market: LHD vehicles are usually introduced to the marketplace well before the smaller quantity of RHD versions are released.
- Better ergonomic design: LHD cars can be better to drive, because cars are almost always designed as left-hand drive and then converted. Benefits often include a better feel from the brakes and clutch, no awkward off-set pedals and a generally crisper driving experience.
- Easier to locate: Exotic and prestige brands are almost invariably harder to find as RHD models – and are invariably much more expensive.
How can LHD Car Supermarket help me?
We're here to help every step of the way and show you just how easy it can be to buy from Europe when you’ve got us on your side.
We negotiate discounted prices on left and right hand drive, new and pre-owned vehicles, from hundreds of reputable dealers throughout Europe. So we can help you find the exact vehicle you're looking for, deal with all the paperwork and make the delivery arrangements, whether you want to collect the car yourself or have it delivered to your door.
Why should I buy a left hand vehicle from Europe?
Quite simply, price. When compared to purchasing a right hand drive model, you’ll save a substantial amount.
Where do your cars come from?
We source our LHD cars very carefully, only using dealers with excellent reputations who’re able to supply certified LHD cars IMMEDIATELY. We spend a great deal of time looking for new dealers and monitoring our existing ones to ensure you always get the best prices and service.
Why are your prices so competitive?
Up-to-date list prices from every country in Europe are sent to us every hour of every day. We negotiate the best prices possible and we work on small margins and quick turnover: all to guarantee you the best deal available on your new or pre-owned left-hand drive vehicle.
Why shouldn’t I buy a car direct from Europe myself?
Apart from the convenience of our service, unfortunately it's been known for European dealers to charge inexperienced left-hand drivers more than they would charge a local customer, so it pays to arrange things through us.
Are all your cars to European specification?
Yes, we'll ensure that your vehicle meets official European specification criteria (unless you request otherwise).
We can also help you register your LHD Car in the UK and make sure it meets the UK's requirements on headlights, speedometer, documentation and so on.
Please note, switching the km/h speedo to mph is not advised. While this might make day-to-day driving easier, it will set the alarm bells ringing for future potential buyers as it's a perfect way for crooks to hide a clocked car, and you may be tarred with their brush.
All cars from Germany have to have any addenda from standard specification approved by the TUV and written into the German Logbook, so it should be easy to see exactly what you're buying. But do check as some insurance companies' small print excludes claims if the car in question has larger diameter wheels than normal or a modified exhaust system, etc. Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to find out more.
Who deals with the paperwork?
We do! Basically, we make buying a left-hand drive car from abroad as simple as visiting your local showroom (only much cheaper!).
- We'll make sure your vehicle comes with valid documentation to prove it conforms to European transport regulations. This comes from our European Dealership supplier so your LHD car will be ready to register in the UK.
- The price you pay for your car will usually include Temporary European Transit Plates.
- We'll check that your car's export papers are valid and up to the standard required for UK registration.
Who arranges delivery?
We can do this, but it's entirely up to you and many of our customers combine picking up their new car with a weekend break.
If you want to collect your car yourself, we'll arrange for you to be taken from the airport, station or port directly to our suppliers’ premises. We'll provide you with a list of the documents you need to collect along with your new car and then you can simply relax and enjoy the weekend before driving your new car home.
And it doesn't have to be expensive. A flight to your European destination combined with an overnight ferry (with cabin) back home will cost you around £250.00
(EU €282.75).
Alternatively, we can deliver your car to your chosen destination via our transporter for a small charge.