How to Check If a Car Is Imported: Complete UK Guide

Summary

• Check Before Buying: Imported cars may have compliance issues, higher insurance costs, and parts availability problems. Use our vehicle history check to reveal import status.
• Two Types: Parallel imports meet UK standards; grey imports may need modifications to be road-legal.
• Not Always Bad: Japanese imports often have lower mileage and better specs. Just know what you're buying.

Imported cars are everywhere in the UK market. Some are excellent value. Others come with hidden headaches.

The key is knowing whether a car is imported—and what that means for you as a buyer.

Here's how to check and what to consider.

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What Is an Imported Car?

An imported car is any vehicle manufactured abroad and brought into the UK for registration and use.

Types of Imports

Common Import Sources

• Japan: Popular for sports cars, JDM models, low-mileage vehicles
• Germany: Often higher-spec European models
• USA: Muscle cars, trucks, left-hand drive vehicles
• Ireland: Right-hand drive, but different specs sometimes

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How to Check If a Car Is Imported

Method 1: Vehicle History Check

Our vehicle history check reveals:

• Import/export status
• Date of first UK registration
• Country of origin (where available)
• Any plate changes since import

Method 2: Check the V5C Logbook

Look for these indicators on the V5C:

• "Previously registered overseas" in notes section
• First registration date much later than manufacture date
• Different date for "Date of first registration" vs "Date of first registration in UK"

Method 3: VIN Decoder

Use our free VIN decoder to check:

• Country of manufacture (first character of VIN)
• Whether specifications match UK models
• Manufacturing plant location

VIN Country Codes

Method 4: Physical Clues

Signs a car may be imported:

• Speedometer in km/h (or shows both mph and km/h)
• Japanese text on buttons or stickers
• Different headlight pattern (may have been adjusted)
• Non-UK radio frequencies
• Rear fog light on "wrong" side

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Why Import Status Matters

Insurance Implications

• Some insurers won't cover grey imports
• Premiums often 10-30% higher
• Specialist insurers may be required
• Must accurately declare import status

Parts Availability

• Grey imports may have unique parts not sold in UK
• Longer wait times for specialist parts
• Higher parts costs in some cases
• May need to import parts from original country

Servicing Considerations

• Some garages won't work on grey imports
• Specialist knowledge may be required
• Main dealers may refuse warranty work

Resale Value

• Some buyers avoid imports entirely
• May be harder to sell
• Often priced below UK-spec equivalents
• JDM enthusiast market can be strong for right models

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Grey Imports: Special Considerations

Grey imports (especially from Japan) require extra attention:

Modifications Required for UK Use

• Headlights: Must be adjusted for UK roads (dip left not right)
• Speedometer: Must show mph (or have mph conversion)
• Rear fog light: Must be on UK-correct side
• Emissions: Must meet UK standards for MOT

SVA/IVA Testing

Some imports require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA):

• Confirms vehicle meets UK safety and environmental standards
• Required for first registration in UK
• Can cost £200-500+
• Modifications may be needed to pass

Japanese Import Benefits

• Often lower mileage (strict inspection system)
• Generally well-maintained
• Higher specifications than UK models
• Access to JDM-only models

Japanese Import Risks

• Mileage may have been in kilometres (not miles)
• Service history in Japanese
• Previous damage may not be recorded in UK databases
• Parts sourcing challenges

For more on Japanese imports, see our guide to importing cars from Japan.

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Mileage: Kilometres vs Miles

Be careful with mileage on imported cars:

The Conversion Issue

• Japanese/European cars record mileage in kilometres
• 50,000 km = 31,000 miles
• Some dishonest sellers don't convert properly
• A "30,000 mile" car might actually have done 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or could be showing 30,000 km (18,600 miles)

How to Verify

• Check original export documentation
• Look at wear patterns—do they match claimed mileage?
• Service stamps may show km readings
• Our history check shows UK MOT mileage records

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Benefits of Buying Imported Cars

Value for Money

• Often cheaper than UK-spec equivalents
• Higher specifications for the price
• Lower mileage (especially Japanese)

Unique Models

• Access to models never sold in UK
• JDM sports cars (Skyline, Supra, etc.)
• US muscle cars
• Higher-spec European variants

Better Condition

• Japanese cars often well-maintained
• Strict Japanese inspection system
• Less road salt damage (warmer climates)

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Risks of Buying Imported Cars

Unknown History

• Foreign damage history not in UK databases
• Previous write-offs may not be recorded
• Service history may be incomplete or untranslated

Compliance Issues

• May not meet UK regulations without modification
• MOT failures if not properly converted
• Registration complications possible

Ongoing Costs

• Higher insurance premiums
• Specialist parts and servicing
• Potential resale difficulties

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Import Car Buying Checklist

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The Bottom Line

Imported cars can be excellent value—but you need to know what you're buying:

1. Always check import status—run a vehicle history check
2. Understand the type—parallel imports are simpler; grey imports need more research
3. Verify mileage units—km vs miles makes a huge difference
4. Check insurance first—some imports are hard to insure
5. Research parts availability—grey imports may have sourcing challenges
6. Confirm UK compliance—modifications may have been needed

With proper research, an imported car can be a great purchase. Without it, you could face expensive surprises.

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