Parallel Import – justification to ask for price reduction?

[Snubber]

Hi,

We currently have our 02 plate VW Golf GT TDI (130bhp) up for sale. Bought it new via an import company – came in via Holland. It is full UK specification, the only difference from the UK model is that a few of the original stamps in the log book are Dutch. Everything else mechanically and cosmetically are the same as one bought through a UK dealer.

Had quite a bit of interest but several people have said that they want a reduction in price because it’s an import. We are talking a 20% reduction in price against what we are asking for.

I can see no justification for this argument and have so far refused to move the price on these grounds. Am I being reasonable? I cannot see how it being an import but with full UK spec would affect anything for the new owner eg insurance, 3rd party warranty etc. The only issue I know about is that a main dealer will not take it as a trade-in – once again for reasons I can’t really fathom out since it is exactly the same as a UK model.

Any thoughts, feelings?

Cheers,

 

[Snubber]

Between 1999 and 2002 it was very common to buy new cars in this way. They were UK spec, RHD cars which were supplied by European dealers. They were declared 'New at first registration' when registered in the UK. Often the only way to tell it was purchased in this way is that the pre delivery inspection stamp in the service book is from a European dealer.

If this is the case with the Golf, it's exactly the same as any other 2002 Golf GT TDI and arguably should command the same value. There are no insurance complications, etc etc.

The above is exactly what I have...the Golf arrived on the back of a car transporter with 6 miles on the clock with just the Dutch pre-delivery inspection stamp.

I can totally understand re-sale issues attached with the sale of grey imports...but with parallel imports where the cars come off the same assembly line as the UK models I just can't see the justification.

We did save approx. 20% against the OTR price from a UK dealer back in 2002. However I really struggle to see how this would influence the re-sale value now

 

[Snubber]

It's obvious that its an import because we stated it in the advert! Full disclosure etc etc

 

[Snubber]

Update...sold to a car dealer for £2100 over the weekend. £100 less than we originally wanted but chap noticed that car was due for a cam belt change.

He was not bothered with it being a parallel import - he did an HPI check and was happy.

Just ordered a new Skoda Citygo as a replacement for the Golf (which was really my wife's car).

Sad to see it go but it was not really suited to the small trips around town that my wife does. Plus there was no way we could get insurance for my son (aged 17) to drive it...Citygo is Insurance Group 1 so not a problem.