Oxford is often considered a cycling city, but it is also the home of iconic cars the Morris Minor and the Mini.
If you are thinking of driving to work, it is worth checking with your department whether parking is available near your workplace. Parking in Oxford is limited and very expensive. Many people use the Park and Ride system which involves parking on the edge of the city and taking a bus into the centre. You can either cycle or use public transport to get to and around the city. For journeys beyond Oxford you may wish to consider short-term hire or membership of a carpool club such as Zipcar.
Importing a car
If you would like to import your car from overseas, please note that you will be required to provide the relevant government agencies with the correct documentation for your car and to register it once it arrives in the UK. It will also need to meet local vehicle compliance standards and have insurance arranged for it. You can find detailed guidance about these requirements on the UK government's car import website.
Buying a car
You may prefer to wait until you arrive in Oxford before you decide whether to buy a car. You can buy a new or second-hand car from a motor dealer, or by private sale, e.g. via the Autotrader website. You may also be able to lease a car if you will be in Oxford for a limited period. Cars must be taxed and insured, and have an MOT certificate if required (an MOT is an annual test to make sure the vehicle is safe and meets emissions standards, usually for vehicles over 3 years old). More information on driving in the UK and in Oxford is available on the Cars page.
Finally, don't forget that the British drive on the left side of the road and that the speed limit in most of the historic centre of Oxford is 20mph!
