Originally Posted by
SOPS
I did not realise the cars differed so much
Sometimes they don't even differ, but the necessary evidence of compliance differs. The only thing different might be the all important compliance plate that confirms the vehicle meets the rules in a certain jurisdiction. Without that, and particularly if the manufacturer won't provide documentation confirming what elements of the destination jurisdiction's requirements that the vehicle meets or doesn't meet, you're faced with the nightmare of demonstrating compliance.
And then, when you come to sell the car, who wants to buy a grey import??