Supplying vehicles to diplomats and HM Forces since 1971

Tax Free Car Specialist - Frequently Asked Questions

Forces Cars Direct supply new TAX FREE and TAX PAID cars, and also  USED cars with special discounts EXCLUSIVE to Army, Navy, and RAF personnel serving in the UK and overseas!

1. Are tax free car sales available to me?
Yes as long as you haven't bought a tax free car in the last year and you have a valid drivers licence and a current ID card. To confirm your eligibility please contact your local BFG office or use our Contact Page to request further information. Eligibility applies to British Military, US Forces, Diplomats and NGOs, and for personal export. If you are UK based you are still entitled to a tax paid car with exclusive military discounts - you can still receive up to 30% off!!!

2. Which dealers offer tax free car sales to British Forces?
There are several; Forces Cars Direct , Volvo TDS, Saab TDS, Griffin Car Sales, Prestige Cars, EMC Tax Free & EMC Tax Paid, Naafi Car Sales, Forces Tax Free Sales, Car Force, and Sovereign Car Sales, ACE Cars, to name a few.

3. Are tax free car sales available to my wife too?
Your spouse can buy a car. Same rules apply as in 1.

4. Must I leave the tax disc on the part-exchange on handover?
For you to hand over a part-exchange you must have a valid UK V5 and tax disc. All traders will value your trade vehicle with this. If you have just re-registered your part-exchange at the DVLA your V5 may take a few weeks to be processed. The tax disc is the only proof of registration thus allowing the trader to then resell the vehicle. No tax disc and the trader may refuse to take the part-exchange.

5. Which manufacturers provide tax free sales to British Forces?
We cover over twenty different makes including Audi, Chrysler, Citroen, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Jaguar, KIA, Lexus, Mazda, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Skoda, Ssang Yong, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall and VW. But there are other manufacturers that provide tax free sales to the military, these include Alfa Romeo, BMW, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Fiat, Landrover, Mercedes, MG, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Proton, Rover, Saab, Subaru and Volvo.

6. Can I finance the car 100%?
In most cases you can finance the full 100%. Special orders with options may require a deposit.

7. Can I part-exchange my current vehicle?
Yes you can part-exchange; the value would be determined by age and condition of the vehicle. Forces Cars Direct use a network of preferred trade buyers to guarantee the best possible price for your vehicle.

8. Do I need to bring my part-exchange back to the UK?
If your vehicle has been exported from the UK and you have an export certificate, it must be de-registered in the country in which you are stationed and re-registered in the UK. For vehicles over 3 years old an MOT test must be carried out along with a minimum of 6 months road tax. If the service is due on the vehicle, this must also be done.

9. Can I take delivery abroad?
Yes you can take delivery abroad. We deliver many new vehicles directly to our customers in the UK and overseas.

10. Does free insurance cover me while I serve abroad?
Yes, "free insurance" covers you in most countries in Europe as long as you are given a green card insurance certificate.

11. What is a pink log book?
A pink log book is a registration document for the vehicle for export; this is in place of a UK V5.

12. What is a COC?
A COC is a Certificate of Conformity. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer on the continent, you must get them to provide you with this certificate or you will be unable to register it in the UK (many trade buyers in UK offer less money for your part-exchange if it was purchased on the continent with a COC).

13. Can I buy a car before my posting date to the continent?
If you are posted to the continent you can purchase a New Tax Free Car  before your posting date. It must be exported out of the UK within 2 months of registration for countries inside the EU, and 6 months for countries outside the EU. The vehicle must then be registered abroad in the country of destination as specified on your VAT411 or 410 (forms used in the UK to negate the VAT).

14. What do I need to do if I sell my vehicle and it has finance on it?
If you sell your vehicle and it has finance outstanding there are two possibilities. If the finance company agrees, you can substitute a new model in place of the old one. Or you will need to settle the balance outstanding in full. We can handle this on your behalf.

15. If I settle the finance early will I get penalised?
If you settle early you will get a reduction in the full amount to be paid. This will not incur a penalty to you.

16. Can I register my part-exchange at any DVLA in UK?
Yes you can register your part-exchange at any DVLA subject to having the correct documentation and that the DVLA offer an over the counter service, i.e. they will give you your tax disc on the day with the V5 log book to follow.

See the current Special Offers here!