Selling an imported car: what details should you provide?

An imported car can be straightforward to value when its identity, registration timeline, mileage units, specification and records are described clearly. The important point is not simply that the vehicle came from overseas, but what differs from a usual UK-market example and what evidence is available.

The Gladius enquiry form does not ask for a separate import category. Enter the current UK registration and displayed mileage, then use “Anything else?” to explain the import details. Our team will check the vehicle specification while reviewing the enquiry.

Build a five-line imported-car record

Before completing the enquiry, put the important facts into five short lines. This helps separate confirmed records from assumptions and makes a mixed UK and overseas history easier to review:

1. Origin: original market and first-registration year, if known.
2. UK identity: current UK registration and first UK registration date shown by the records.
3. Odometer: displayed number, whether it is miles or kilometres, and whether the cluster has been changed or converted.
4. Differences: right- or left-hand drive, market-specific equipment and any UK-use conversions or later modifications.
5. Evidence: current V5C, UK MOT history and the overseas, service, conversion or approval records actually present.

For example: “Origin: Japan, first registered 2016. UK identity: registered here in 2022 on the current UK plate. Odometer: 82,400 km displayed; cluster unchanged to my knowledge. Differences: right-hand drive, Japanese radio and UK rear-fog conversion. Evidence: current V5C, UK MOT history, export certificate and part service history.” Use only facts and documents that apply to your car.

If a date, unit, conversion or document is uncertain, write “not known” or “not verified” beside that line. Do not fill a gap with a likely answer just to make the record look complete.

Start with the country and registration timeline

State the country where the car was first registered, the approximate date it arrived in the UK and whether it had previously been registered here. If the exact import date is not known, use the date of first UK registration shown on the current records rather than guessing.

Useful descriptions include:

• “First registered in Japan in 2016 and registered in the UK in 2022.”
• “Originally a UK car, exported in 2019 and reimported in 2025.”
• “Imported before my ownership; current UK V5C is present but I do not know the arrival date.”

GOV.UK says a vehicle brought into the UK permanently must be registered with DVLA after the required import, tax and vehicle-approval steps. Its imported-vehicle registration guidance explains the current official process.

Use the current UK registration

Enter the registration shown on the current UK number plates and V5C. If the car is still on foreign plates or its DVLA registration is incomplete, say so in the notes rather than entering a different vehicle's registration or an approximate UK number.

If a private number is fitted, also mention the replacement registration if you know it and tell us whether the private number will stay with the car. If you intend to retain it, complete the DVLA process and receive the replacement V5C before the sale.

State whether the odometer shows miles or kilometres

Enter the number currently displayed on the odometer, then state whether the display is miles, kilometres or switchable between the two. Do not convert the figure and present the result as the displayed mileage unless you clearly label the calculation.

For example: “Odometer displays 82,400 km, approximately 51,200 miles” is clearer than entering 51,200 without explaining the source. If the instrument cluster has been replaced or converted, give the date, the recorded reading at that point and any invoice or written evidence you hold.

Cross-check three mileage sources

Compare the number on the dashboard with the UK MOT history and any dated service or inspection records. Keep the original number and unit from each source rather than rewriting every entry into one unit.

A useful note might say: “Dashboard shows kilometres; UK MOT entries are recorded as miles; Japanese service sheet is in kilometres.” If the sequence still does not make sense, describe the exact readings and dates and mark the reason as unknown. A unit difference, cluster replacement or recording error should not be presented as confirmed unless your evidence supports it.

For a longer timeline, use the approach in our higher-mileage car guide: list dated readings and maintenance in order, then explain any gap or change plainly.

Separate UK MOT history from earlier records

Use the official GOV.UK MOT-history service to review UK test dates, results and recorded mileages. Compare those readings with the odometer and service records, paying attention to whether each figure is recorded in miles or kilometres.

Earlier overseas inspections or service records may sit outside the UK MOT timeline. List what you actually have: an export certificate, foreign inspection sheet, service book, invoices, auction sheet or a translated record. If a document cannot be read or verified, describe it as an untranslated or unverified record rather than treating every entry as confirmed.

Describe the exact model and market specification

An imported version may have a trim, engine, transmission or equipment package that differs from the nearest UK model. Mention the model code or grade shown on reliable records, but do not select a familiar UK trim just because it looks similar.

Useful details can include:

• Right-hand or left-hand drive.
• Engine size, fuel type and transmission where confirmed.
• Number of seats and doors.
• Factory equipment that differs from UK examples.
• Whether menus, navigation, radio or instruments use another language or market setting.

You do not need to type the full specification into the form. A short note about the important differences is enough for the initial enquiry; our team will check the vehicle details.

List conversions and later modifications separately

Explain changes made for UK use, such as lighting, instruments or number-plate fittings, and distinguish them from later styling or performance modifications. Say whether the work was completed before or during your ownership and whether invoices or approval documents are available.

Do not assume that an MOT pass proves the origin or quality of every conversion. Report current faults or warning lights separately. For tuning, replacement suspension, non-standard wheels or exhaust changes, use the checklist in our modified-car guide.

Gather the records you actually have

Useful records may include the current V5C, UK MOT history, service book, digital service record, invoices, vehicle-approval paperwork and any readable overseas history. GOV.UK notes that DVLA may require additional supporting documents when registering an imported vehicle, but the original foreign registration certificate might have been sent to DVLA during that process.

Do not upload the V5C, identity documents, approval certificates or invoices with the initial vehicle photos. Tell us which records are present and keep them ready. Secure document requests happen only after an offer has been accepted.

Photograph the present condition, not the paperwork

The enquiry requires seven current photos: front, rear, left side, right side, odometer, front seats and rear seats. Make sure the odometer image clearly shows the number and, where visible, the miles or kilometres indicator.

Use the optional eighth image for the most useful extra vehicle detail, such as a model badge, market-specific control, conversion detail or current defect. Keep people, addresses, foreign certificates, the V5C, bank details and identity documents out of the images. See our valuation photo guide for the full upload checklist.

Imported-car enquiry checklist

• Prepare the five-line origin, UK identity, odometer, differences and evidence record.
• Use the current UK registration shown on the vehicle and V5C.
• State the original market and approximate first UK registration date.
• Say whether the car is right-hand or left-hand drive.
• Enter the displayed odometer figure and identify miles or kilometres.
• Explain any cluster replacement or unit conversion with supporting records.
• Mention important specification differences, conversions and modifications.
• List the UK and overseas service or inspection records available.
• Disclose current faults and provide the seven required vehicle photos.

How the Gladius offer works

Our team reviews the registration, mileage, condition, history, faults, import details and photographs together, then sends a personally prepared offer by text and email. There is no instant automated valuation. You can accept or reject the secure offer online within four days.

The offered price is guaranteed provided the car matches the description in the initial enquiry. If you accept, we call within 24 hours to arrange free nationwide collection at an agreed time or a forecourt appointment. Payment is made instantly once the sale is agreed, with no admin or transaction fees.

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