GREY imports have been included in the JD Power and Associates' Car Customer Satisfaction Study for the first time, reflecting the growth in sourcing vehicles abroad. One of the gripes from personal importers was the treatment they received when they took their cars in for repairs or servicing at UK franchised dealerships, suggesting they were viewed as second-class customers by some garages.

JD Power director of European operations Dave Sargeant said: 'There is anecdotal evidence to support the notion that personal importers receive a different level of service, but the responses showed the differences are not huge. Overall the 2000 Study found that owners who privately imported their cars were more satisfied than average.'

None of the respondents was asked to comment on car pricing.