International shipping of a car to Cyprus is possible, but we feel we have to advise you that the process can prove to be complicated and daunting as well as frustrating, time consuming, anxiety ridden and expensive.

A relative small number of people choose to import a new or even used car instead of buying in Cyprus - to save money.

I've never really been able to understand the thinking behind doing this. If the attraction is just to save money I wonder how much would actually be saved?

The most common mistake is miscalculating the amount of money, time and frustration involved in such a project. In reality, when you factor in the cost of engaging a shipping company, import taxes and fees ect. you start to get a much more accurate feel for whether it was worth the effort. as well as the cost of your time,

The shipping company will provide the paperwork required to import the car to Cyprus, however, you will need to satisfy Customs and Excise of your status before you are able to drive the car away from the docks - then, you're on your own with the task of registering the car, with possibly one or more trips to Nicosia.

When cars are imported by private individuals they're not contributing to the Cypriot economy nor is this giving anything financially to the local economy (local dealerships ect.,).

Just as a thought, it's probably fair to assume that applications from local purchases that have contributed to the Cypriot economy will receive preferential treatment/priority in the registration process ect.

Not only that, dealerships are also more likely to provide preferential and priority treatment regarding servicing or repairs - first and foremost to customers who have purchased a new or used car from them.

So, is importing a car really worth the hassle?

If importing a new or used vehicle appears rather daunting, perhaps it's time to think again - there is another way!

Everyone knows that new cars depreciate very quickly when they are first sold. Driving a new car from a dealership can lose 20 percent of its value.

Buying a (Nearly) new low mileage car from a well established new and used car dealership in Cyprus could easily prove to be a hassle free option to importing.

Established new and used car dealerships appreciate new customers and a good dealerships will not only provide a courtesy car until they have taken care of all the necessary registration documentation to get you on the road - many will even offer a guaranteed buy-back facility.

Anyone thinking about a move to Cyprus within the next 12 months should start researching new and used car prices ect. now! As well as developing a feel for the market and building up a relationship with a dealership you will discover what services they offer and what they can do for you.