moving from uk to Switzerland, car options

[rallycross]

A friend is just about to move from London to Switzerland and has aksed for advice re' cars.

Is he better off buying one there, or buying one in the UK and registering it over there, will be a 2 yr old Volvo XC or BMW 320 (current car).

Can any help with an idea of costs to register a uk car over there, and how does the cost of used cars compare UK v's Switzerland for eg Volvo estate couple of years old

thanks




and thanks for previous reply I have copied belwo

Whitean3 said:

You might want to post this in the Switzerland section.
Assuming you have owned the car for at least 6 months (and can prove it) and are relocating to Switzerland, it becomes part of household effects so you won't be liable for import duty. You would then have to have the car inspected (MFK- swiss MOT equivalent but much more stringent) and replace any parts (e.g. headlights if RHD, anything non-standard) which can see costs soar.
Other things to consider: road tax is generally based on weight and will be much more expensive than the UK; Insurance will also be more, especially if RHD; and of course selling on would be impossible if the car is RHD.
One more important thing- you can not register a car here unless you live here, have a relevant work permit etc.

Hope this helps

[krap]

There's a car section on this forum which might help: http://www.englishforum.ch

[RossMac]

ask me a few weeks - in the process of registering the TVR and volvo here

If time is precious .............. don't !

[brem]

@RossMac

if you need any help to register your TVR here, just let me know.

Peter

[Carmo99]

It depends who he is working for. Most companies in Switzerland get Fleet discounts (Flottenrabatt) I can get 15% of new BMWs, Porsches, Audis etc. ANY MODEL. Also on most second hand cars as long as it is main dealer. If he can be bothered buy in the UK or better in Europe, then buy new, tax free, then import to Switzerland. You import on temporary plates tax free for 12 to 18 months then pay the tax (7.6% + 4% for car import = 11.6% total). Only makes sense if you cant get the fleet discount.

[Carmo99]

If he brings his own car over and he's owned it for more than 6 months then there is no import duty. Second hand cars here are relatively expensive compared to buying new (see post above). A good web site is:
http://www.autoscout24.ch

[dicktracy]

As I understand it, it is not entirely true that there is no import duty. It is more that the payment is delayed. If I remember correct duty will be payable two years after import.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.