What are peoples opinions on the parallel imports?
Do the main dealers frown upon them?

How can I tell if a car is a parallel/grey?

Also, anyone heard of Bob Gerrards (I think) They are getting cars through Cyprus and I am wondering whether they come with the level of warranty and spec of a UK car.

I am under the impression that they will not be an EU car but they said (IIRC) they will come with a 3 year warranty.

Does anyone have any stories I should know about parallels and/or this garage?

Many thanks,
Rich

 

Read the Tech Faq Rich.

Best way to be sure is to speak to Honda UK about the car and check that it will be covered on the warranty.

Greys have smaller number plate holders.

Honda main dealers will service anything, it's not like Subaru where they're not allowed to.

 

Mine is a "parallel" came from Motorpoint in Derby.

The way to tell?? Giveaway is the non Honda alarm for me and also the warranty is 3 years and 60k miles rather than 3 years and 90k. Everything else ie locking wheel nuts and uk service book can be added................it is VERY hard for the less switched on to clock em. EVERYTHING else is the same ie underseal stories(pure bullsh1te) IMHO a parallel import brand new represents amazing value for money.

My main dealer is fine with the car, he was more than happy to register it with Honda UK for any recalls etc etc

 

A long while ago I bought an Opel Manta from them - lovley car. I went to see them again when I was looking for an S. They are just down the road from me (about 3 miles).

If you have any concerns then go and speak to them. They are very reasonable and not at all pushy. They used to be the main Honda dealers in Leicester but gave it up after quibbles with the way Honda UK wanted them to run the place so they went independent.

 

We need to be very clear here.

1 We have cars built to the UK EU spec delivered through a UK dealer - which come with a 90K warranty, locking wheel nuts and an alarm, plus Honda Assist.

2 We have cars built to the UK EU spec delivered through a non UK but EU dealer which come with a 60K warranty - but no alarm, no Honda Assist, though they may have locking wheel nuts.

3 We have cars built (probably) to a UK EU spec delivered through a NON EU dealer

4 We have cars NOT built to a UK EU spec delivered through an NON EU dealer - eg from Japan.

I understand the term 'parallel' or 'grey' to apply only to my type 3 import.


For my money - and they had my money - provided the car is built to the EU spec and has the wheel on the right side, then that is fine. I would be wary of cars that may not be fully EU rule compliant - there are lots of little things. The certificate of conformity, I believe, makes it clear if the car is EU compliant or not. I also understand that a car is either EU compliant or not - and if it is it is compliant in all EU countries - fully. The only exception to this rule is UK cars are generally RHD, and have a speedo indicating in MPH.

Others may have a better understanding, and I am happy to have my knowledge corrected, updated and extended.

My experience of a type 2 as defined above import is Honda UK have registered the warranty in the UK and my local Honda agent is happy to look after the car.

My experience of a type 2 as defined above Ford import is exactly the same.

In my case I fitted a Clifford alarm which is, arguably, a more sophisticated alarm that Honda fitted up to MY03. I understand MY04 alarms have more features. I bought roadside assistance cover. At my present rate at the end of three years I will be only half way through the warranty mileage - if I had a UK sourced car I would be a third of the way.

Remember these cars are made in one factory. It is not as though UK supplied engines/cars are tougher - just the UK market demands a higher level of warranty to differentiate.

 

i would apply parallel to type 2 &3 and grey to type 4.

despite that, there seems to be no signifincant l difference other than the lower mileage warranty for a parallel import to a standard uk car. you don;t get locking wheel nuts or an alarm, you will probably get a fire extinghuisher but i have one and didn't even notice it was one when i bought it but thats another story.

honda will buy them as trade ins and sell them through the approved honda scheme, which is where mine came from, but they will offer you a lower price than if it was a standard uk car despite it being exactly the same spec.

personally, i would buy the parallel import and save the money.

Bob Gerrards aren't far away from me but had no s2000's in when i was looking. they have a good repuation though and have repeat customers as they also take cars they have previously sold back in as trade in's and resell them

richard

 

I work with vehicle data and we recognise paralell imports as vehicles imported from the EC, any others are regarded as grey imports UK spec or not.

Easiest way to tell if you are buying a Euro import is to look at the PDI stamp, it will be stamped in the original conutry of 'origin'. The other way is to contact Honda UK and supply the VIN.

If you save 10-20% buying the car then expect to lose the same when selling it, fairs fair!