IT’S simple enough to drive a UK car in France, however long-term they can become a burden.
But one British man who spotted this niche now takes the stress out of being stuck with a right-hand-drive car.
Mike Boden and his wife ran two car dealerships in South Wales before heading to the Cahors region to enjoy its vineyards and dramatic scenery.
But he couldn’t leave the motor trade behind as he now helps ‘repatriate’ UK cars that British people in France no longer need.
“I’d been bringing British registered cars back from France for a few years and been running the dealership,” explained Mike.
“But once I’d been able to sell the business we decided that after twelve years of thinking about it, it was time to move to France.”
Mike and his wife have moved to a small village just outside the city of Cahors with its tree lined boulevards, cathedral and medieval fortified bridge.
A world away from his former home in Abergavenny, on the border between Wales and England.
“We’d visited the area in the past and it really appealed so we came across three months ago and although the house needs some work, it’s not much,” Mike said.
The business of bringing cars back to the UK can be time consuming and needs planning as often it involves a convoy of vehicles.
But Mike has a team of people to take the cars and counts a former sales manger as one of his drives.
“We bring quality cars, with service history, back to the UK and I arrange with contacts back home to sell through them,” said Mike.
“I end up collecting cars from across France so it can take some co-ordination ensuring we pick-up cars as we drive up to the ferry terminal.”
However, Mike’s experience of the motor trade in both the UK and France has given him a useful insight into cars.
So what are his recommended buys?
“Naturally French cars are worth looking at simply because spares and any repairs that may be required will be simple to do,” Mike explained.
“I’ve enjoyed the Citroen C3 but also Toyota cars are good and make sure you buy something suitable for the area you live in, even modern cars will struggle to get up some pathways.
“And if you are looking at a second hand car be aware that the average ownership in France is seven years, so prices can appear high, but often they have been taken care of.”
For Mike’s two page leaflet on British cars in France
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