I'm buying an import from a small garage...

I am thinking of buying a car imported from the UK by a small SIMI garage. The garage will deal with all import paperwork and register the vehicle but I would be responsible for getting it through the NCT. Is there any reason to be cautious about this?

Karen Molloy (Dublin)

Jan 2017 Filed under: NCT

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Expert answer

Hi Karen,

I wouldn’t be cautious as such, but you should make sure that they will stand over any issues that the NCT flags up. Obviously, if it flies through the test then there’s no problem, but don’t let them try and fob off any issues on you. If they’re selling the car to you, in whatever form, they should be prepared to back that up. If they won’t do so, ask why they’re happy to sell the car, but not to stand over its quality.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe