HDG Cars blog
Guides and buying advice
Practical advice on buying, importing and owning Japanese cars in the UK.
Import Advice ·
Cost to Import a Car from Japan to the UK: A Complete Quote Checklist
Build a realistic import budget covering purchase, transport, customs, approval, registration and preparation without relying on a misleading headline price.
Ownership ·
Hybrid Battery Health Checks: What Used-Car Buyers Should Ask
Understand what a hybrid diagnostic report can show, why it cannot promise future battery life and what evidence to request before buying.
Buying Guides ·
Prius Plug-in vs Hybrid: Which Used Toyota Suits Your Driving?
Compare regular Prius hybrids with plug-in and PHV versions using charging access, journey pattern, seating, luggage and used-car checks.
Buying Guides ·
Toyota Prius Alpha vs Prius+: Check Five or Seven Seats Before Buying
Understand the relationship between Prius Alpha and Prius+, why an Alpha is not always a seven-seater and how to assess a used import.
Buying Guides ·
Toyota Sienta Hybrid UK Buying Guide: A Compact Family MPV
Assess the 2015-generation Sienta Hybrid’s compact MPV layout, passenger access, luggage compromises and import-specific ownership checks.
Buying Guides ·
Honda Fit Hybrid UK Buying Guide: Why the Gearbox Matters
Understand the 2013-generation Fit Hybrid’s i-DCD drivetrain, distinguish it from other Fit versions and use a practical UK viewing checklist.
Buying Guides ·
7-Seater Hybrid Cars: How to Choose a Japanese Import MPV
Compare Japanese hybrid MPV options by passenger space, third-row access, luggage and everyday ownership, including Sienta, Prius Alpha and Voxy-family models.
Buying Guides ·
Toyota Voxy vs Noah vs Esquire: Which Used Import Should You Choose?
Compare these closely related Toyota MPVs by generation, engine, seating, equipment and condition rather than judging by the badge alone.
Buying Guides ·
Toyota Voxy Hybrid UK Buying Guide: Space, Seats and Checks
A practical guide to the 2014–2021 Voxy generation, covering hybrid versus petrol versions, seating, equipment and a family-focused viewing checklist.
Import Advice ·
How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet Before Buying an Import
A buyer-focused way to read auction reports: identity, grade, inspector notes, damage diagrams and the limits of the document.
Import Advice ·
Japanese Import Car History Checks: Mileage, Chassis Numbers and MOT Records
How to build a useful history timeline using the chassis identifier, Japanese records, mileage units and UK MOT evidence.
Ownership ·
Japanese Import Car Insurance: What UK Buyers Should Ask
What to prepare for an import insurance quote, how to describe the exact car and which cover questions to resolve before buying.