Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Hi all,

We're moving over on Halloween and will be renting a car, initially for 4 weeks, until we buy. Apart from the obvious what is the difference between the two and implications. Why would a 2nd hand car be unregistered?

Also anyone recommend a dealer who is reputable?

Thanks

Moyra

Try Taranci auto gallery in Alsancak he has really good second hand cars and they are fairly priced.

If you buy a car from a dealer, the price will include the TRNC tax. The cars come in under 'bonded' regulations & are not registered until a buyer is secured as the tax is many thousands of pounds. The car is then given a current registration & is treated as a 'new' car for DVLC purposes.
However many people bring cars over as they are allowed to drive them on eg UK plates for a year before having to pay the tax. They then maybe cannot afford to pay the tax so will try to sell them on to pass the liability to the new buyer.
I would not touch one with a barge pole unless the importer is willing to work with the new purchaser to ascertain the amount of tax/fines etc it is a complicated process & also depends on the method/route used to get the vehicle into TRNC.

ozankoys wrote:If you buy a car from a dealer, the price will include the TRNC tax. The cars come in under 'bonded' regulations & are not registered until a buyer is secured as the tax is many thousands of pounds. The car is then given a current registration & is treated as a 'new' car for DVLC purposes.
However many people bring cars over as they are allowed to drive them on eg UK plates for a year before having to pay the tax. They then maybe cannot afford to pay the tax so will try to sell them on to pass the liability to the new buyer.
I would not touch one with a barge pole unless the importer is willing to work with the new purchaser to ascertain the amount of tax/fines etc it is a complicated process & also depends on the method/route used to get the vehicle into TRNC.

So are you saying that unregistered cars are ones where tax is due on them over and above the purchase price?

Moyra

mozgor,
It will not only be import duties that will have to be paid, there may be outstanding penalties or any of a number of charges that the seller will not tell you about until you have the documents and get landed with a large bill. I agree with ozankoys - stay well clear of any unregistered vehicle.

Also, if buying second hand, ensure that the vehicle is currently taxed and tested and check with the police that there are no outstanding fines because you become responsible for them once documents are handed over.

Moyra,

If you read the 1st part of Ozankoys post again you will see that buying an unregistered car from a dealer includes the taxes. These cars are imported, usually from Japan, by the dealer and are normally 2 - 3 years old. We bought one a couple of months ago from Tigi Motors in Lefkosa which was 2 years old and unregistered. We only had to pay for insurance over and above the advertised price (on which we negotiated a discount). The car had completed 25000Km and was immaculate. My brother and quite a few friends have bought their cars from Tigi and get them serviced by them so I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Think you mean Tiga.

You're quite right - I was there today too! Old age never comes alone...

I would also recommend Tiga, excellent service and reputable dealer. They will register the car, tax it and the only extra will be car insurance which is the same cost as elsewhere. Every thing else is in the price you pay, MOT, emissions test etc.

Thanks everyone, some sound advice and buying tips to take into account - it's a minefield!!!

Moyra