Rev Up Your UK Ride: The Ultimate Guide for South Africans on Buying, Importing, and Financing Cars!



www.immigrationassist.co.za

Relocating to the UK is a big step, and one of the key questions for many South Africans moving here is: should I bring my vehicle over from South Africa or buy one in the UK? Based on anecdotes from fellow South African expats, here's what you need to know about vehicles in the UK, including the pros and cons of importing versus buying locally, converting your SA licence, getting car finance, and choosing between new and second-hand vehicles.

1. Bringing Your Vehicle from South Africa

Bringing your vehicle over might sound appealing if you're attached to it or think it might save you money. However, most South Africans who've made the move advise against it.

One expat shared their experience trying to bring over a Harley Davidson, facing concerns about emissions regulations and potential fines. While emissions standards might not pose a huge issue outside of major cities like London (which have low emission zones), your vehicle might incur higher road tax due to its higher emissions compared to local vehicles. Additionally, while import costs might be waived under the Transfer of Residence (TOR) if you've owned the vehicle for over a year, you'll still need to modify the vehicle for the UK. That includes converting speedometers from km/h to mph and passing the MOT (Ministry of Transport test)—a legal requirement to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.

In another anecdote, someone who brought their vehicle over realized it wasn’t worth the effort due to the congested roads, stricter speed enforcement, and greasy weather conditions, which didn’t suit their high-performance motorcycle. Many others agreed: the cost of importing combined with the hassle of getting it road-ready just isn’t worth it, especially when second-hand cars are cheaper and often in good condition in the UK.

2. Buying a Vehicle in the UK

If you're planning to buy a car after moving, you're in luck—cars in the UK are cheaper and often well-maintained, thanks to strict MOT rules. The general consensus among expats is that it's much better to sell your vehicle in South Africa and buy one locally in the UK.

For second-hand vehicles, platforms like AutoTrader, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace are popular choices. You can find cars for as little as £500-£2000, though it's important to check for key details like a fresh MOT, service history, and potential issues like the cambelt or head gasket. One expat suggested being wary of vehicles with "CAT" status, which means they've been in an accident.

For new vehicles, dealerships offer attractive finance packages, though the price of leasing or buying new can be steep. Another popular option is using online services like Cazoo, where you can buy a second-hand car with a 7-day trial and 3-month warranty.

3. Car Finance for Expats

Securing car finance as a newcomer to the UK can be tricky. Many finance companies require you to have been a UK resident for at least a year, while others may approve your finance after just a few months, especially if you have a job and UK address.

Some South Africans shared their success stories: one was able to finance a car through Lloyds Bank after just three months, while others mentioned finance options with Motonovo, a company under South Africa’s First Rand Group. It seems the length of time you've been in the UK, your employment status, and your credit score play a key role in whether you’re eligible for finance. If you're struggling to get finance, some expats suggested looking into lease options or companies that specialize in expats with limited credit history.

4. Converting Your South African Driving Licence

You can use your South African driver’s licence for up to 12 months after arriving in the UK, but after that, you'll need to exchange it for a UK licence. Fortunately, converting your SA licence is fairly straightforward if it's still valid—an expat shared that the process involves filling out a form at the Post Office, paying a £43 fee, and sending your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or passport along with your licence. However, if your South African licence has expired, you’ll need to renew it before you can exchange it.

For those thinking about using their SA licence long-term, getting a UK licence early on can help with securing car finance and lowering insurance premiums.

5. New vs. Second-Hand

When it comes to choosing between a new or second-hand vehicle, it largely depends on your budget and needs.

  • New Cars: Leasing a new vehicle might be more appealing to those who want low maintenance costs and the peace of mind that comes with a new car. Dealerships offer finance options, though these often require larger deposits or a longer residency period in the UK. Leasing can also be a viable option, but some expats warned of the high upfront costs and strict conditions on vehicle returns.
  • Second-Hand Cars: For expats on a budget, second-hand cars can be a great solution. Just make sure to get one with a valid MOT and service history. As an expat mentioned, avoid CAT S and CAT N cars, as they’ve been in accidents. Second-hand cars can range from cheap runarounds under £2000, to reliable family cars.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to import your vehicle or buy one locally in the UK, each option has its pros and cons. Most South Africans find it simpler and more cost-effective to sell their cars back home and purchase a second-hand car once settled in the UK. With the added ease of converting a SA driving licence and various finance options available to expats, navigating the UK vehicle market doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Make sure to do your research, check out online platforms like AutoTrader and Cazoo, and take advantage of expat-friendly finance deals to get the best possible start on the road.

 

Please feel free to join either our Facebook page or our group on Facebook by clicking on the below links:

South Africans wanting to Emigrate to the UK | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/certificates1

Please find a list of services provided, contact us today for assistance with any of the below:

Services Provided

Letters of Non-Impediment to Marry

Retention of South African Citizenship

Police Clearances in 7 working  days

Apostilles in a week

Expungements of criminal records 10 years or older.

UK Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates.

British Passport renewals and First time applications.

UK Citizenship through UKM, UKF and MN1 and double decent 

UK Citizenship ARD Historical unfair legislation

Ancestral Visas for the UK

Tourist Visas for the UK

Family Settlement Visas both Spousal and dependency

Unabridged Birth Certificates expedited

Unabridged, Birth and Marriage Certificates in 2 to 3 weeks.

Vault copies in 7 to 10 working days

Legalizations and Authentication  of documents.

Zambian, Zimbabwean Birth and Marriage certificates

Translation of documents

National Archive documentation searches.

Confirmation of SA Drivers licenses

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Preparing for the Big Move: What South Africans Should Know Before Starting Life in the UK

Image
  A Guide for South Africans Moving to the UK: What to Expect and How to Prepare Moving to a new country is exciting but can be a terrifying experience, especially when it involves significant changes like relocating from South Africa to the United Kingdom. Based on the experiences of fellow South Africans who have made this transition, here are some key tips and advice to help with a smooth transition. 1. Get Your Documents in Order Before leaving South Africa, ensure that all your important documents are up to date: Driver’s License: Make sure your South African driver’s license is valid so you can exchange it for a UK one as soon as possible. This will make your life much easier when you need to drive in the UK. Police Clearance Certificate: Obtain a South African police clearance certificate before you leave. It’s much easier to get this done while you’re still in the country. Banking Matters: If you plan to keep your South Af...
Read more

Navigating Social Integration as a South African in the UK

Image
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure filled with, challenges and opportunities for personal growth. For South Africans making the United Kingdom their new home, the journey of assimilating socially and forming meaningful connections with the locals can be both rewarding and daunting. Drawing from a diverse array of anecdotes and experiences shared within the South African expat community, we will explore the strategies, nuances, and triumphs of social integration. Embracing Cultural Diversity One of the most enriching aspects of living in a society like the UK is the opportunity to embrace diversity and learn from people of different backgrounds. However, this journey often requires navigating the delicate balance between preserving one's cultural identity and adapting to the customs and traditions of the host country. An anecdote shared by a member who moved to the UK at the age of 11 illustrates the importance of embracing British culture while still maintaining a con...
Read more

Renting in the UK: Surviving the Rental Crisis – What you need to Know

Image
Finding a rental property in the UK can be a daunting task, especially in today's competitive market. With a shortage of available properties and increasing rental prices, many tenants face significant challenges. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about renting in the UK, supported by firsthand experiences from renters across the country. The Rental Market Crisis The UK is currently experiencing a rental market crisis, characterized by high demand and low supply of rental properties. Many landlords are selling their properties, further reducing the number of available rentals. As a result, finding a suitable and affordable home can be extremely challenging. One couple shared their story of having to live out of their van temporarily after their landlord sold the property they had rented for six years. They eventually found a two-bedroom bungalow through OpenRent, a platform that connects tenants directly with landlords, but the property requir...
Read more