Euro vs US spec and importing a vette
Discussion
I'm sure it's been covered before, a quick google unearthed a thread from a couple of years back, so I thought it worth asking again.
What's the key differences between US and Euro spec in relation to C5 & C6 'vettes aside of the headlights? Anything essential I'd be gaining or missing out on by going for a US one? Seem to have everything I'd want and need, but you never know!
I'm toying with the idea of bringing one in from the US later this year - aside of carfax and the usual stuff when importing a car, anything I should be aware of with 'vettes in particular? I'm guessing there's no worries with registration (type approval etc)?
I've got my heart set on a C6 Z06, but it means selling my truck which I'm not sure if I want to do, otherwise it'll be a C5 Z06.
Any advice appreciated
What's the key differences between US and Euro spec in relation to C5 & C6 'vettes aside of the headlights? Anything essential I'd be gaining or missing out on by going for a US one? Seem to have everything I'd want and need, but you never know!
I'm toying with the idea of bringing one in from the US later this year - aside of carfax and the usual stuff when importing a car, anything I should be aware of with 'vettes in particular? I'm guessing there's no worries with registration (type approval etc)?
I've got my heart set on a C6 Z06, but it means selling my truck which I'm not sure if I want to do, otherwise it'll be a C5 Z06.
Any advice appreciated
Edited by Stu R on Friday 22 July 02:59
My advice would be to buy a US spec one. GM/Vauxhall don't give a flying chuff about supporting older Euro spec models. So should you need something you'll be pretty much on your own. And any bits you do find could be 4 to 6 times more pricey than the US item.
I don't know the exact differences for the Vettes. But rear bumper (for foglights and numberplate). The foglight items themselves which are friggin rare. I want another one for my Euro spec Camaro.
Light units. Poss front bumper. Hazard switch inside. Glass will be emarked for Euro's. Camaro's also had different exhaust (some reports) and different door mirrors. I've also heard say they had a slightly different tune and maybe even a different steering rack.
I don't know the exact differences for the Vettes. But rear bumper (for foglights and numberplate). The foglight items themselves which are friggin rare. I want another one for my Euro spec Camaro.
Light units. Poss front bumper. Hazard switch inside. Glass will be emarked for Euro's. Camaro's also had different exhaust (some reports) and different door mirrors. I've also heard say they had a slightly different tune and maybe even a different steering rack.
Obvious differences on a C5 beyond lights. 300 mph speedo with calibration switch between KMH and MPH versus 200mph speedo and no switching on US models. Certificate of Conformance which makes selling the car into Europe easier than a US mnodel with no CoC.
There may be some manufacturer guarantee issues on a US car in the UK if you are buying a car of that age, but I am not absolutely sure.
There may be some manufacturer guarantee issues on a US car in the UK if you are buying a car of that age, but I am not absolutely sure.
Euro spec is only preferable to those making a fortune selling new vettes over here at ridiculous prices. Chevy are in on it too, US dealers are asked not to sell a new vette to a customer if they think it's for export to UK! You can still get good deals on base model cars that have sat on the shop floor for a while but well optioned cars in popular colour combinations don't usually go for far under list price. Helps a lot if you already have good friends out there already who are willing help.
I went through the US vs. Euro when I bought my C5 3 years ago. Some of the following is anecdotal, some fact, but basically it comes down to these points (apologies if I’m teaching you to suck eggs)
Acquisition
Assuming you buy in the US, the number (price) you see in USD will be the price you pay in GBP, by the time you’ve factored in all of the costs (shipping, insurance, Import Tax, VAT Etc). This does not include any costs associated with viewing the vehicle.
If you find one in the US, you like the look of and you don‘t want (or can’t afford/be bothered) to view it, you can get a comprehensive and independent report on condition, faults Etc for about £300, inc dozens of photos
For the cost of the fuel, you can view a Euro model here, assuming you know the foibles of what your looking at
Euro models are usually fully loaded with all options as they are built in bulk for export, unlike US models that are built to order. BTW, HUDs are not fitted as standard on US models
Obviously a US import bought over here by-passes all of the above
The fact that you've sussed the carfax process shows that you know the score, but I'd do this on a US car that was for sale here, as some are shipped over as write offs and re-built
SVA (IVA)
Cars over 10 years old are not subject to IVA. Naturally under 10 they are. To get it through the test, you’ll need to fit Euro lights, disable the DRLs, fit side repeaters and a rear fog light (inc the visible internal switch). It’s possible to do all of this yourself (there’s a fantastic thread somewhere on t’internet where Lusifer sets this out step by step). An estimate for a specialist to do this work is around £300 to £500 depending on who you go to and how much they know on the subject
Then you have to get it MOTd
US lights can be a b
h to get through the MOT due to the flat beam pattern confusing some testers
RFL/VED
US Imports are capped at “above xx litre” so the RFL/VED is around £215 per year (current rates)
Euro models that are registered after 2007 (? - can‘t be precise) are subject to the current VED rates. Vettes exceed the maximum figure, as there’s a lovely big C02 cloud that follow them around, so work on £450/year (at current rates)
Euro models registered before 2002 are subject to (?) VED
Euro models registered after April 2002 and before April 2007 (?) are currently in a moratorium and are capped at £245 (current rates). I do not know when this moratorium will end
Servicing
There’s nothing to service that cannot be done yourself or by someone you trust. Oil and filters is all that needs doing. Plugs are changed at 100k miles (yes one hundred thousand). Oil is not special. Filters available from any American parts outlets (PF44 or PF46)
On C5/6s, oil life is monitored by the on board electronics so you don’t necessarily have to do this annually or at fixed mileages
Total service should be around £40 to £60 (dependent on the brand of oil used) plus labour
Parts
Euro models use bulbs that are available from any motor factors. US bulbs are different, so it’s either t’internet from the US or your local American specialist
Brake pads are available from almost anywhere online (Camskill Etc)
As mentioned above the crux of the Euro model is the unique parts (mainly lighting I think?). I’ve not had to go down this route myself yet, but like 300BHP/Ton said, a buddy with an 03 Camaro got quoted £400+ for a wing mirror, that someone ttted, from a very well respected and independent UK based Vette dealer
Most “normal” parts are easily available on t’internet from a variety of US sources. The only issue with any of this is that you face the same issue with what you see in USD is what you pay in GBP (unless you have a friend in the US) and shipping costs can be vague at best
Ultimately, most Vette owners spend more money on bolt on goodies (eg Exhaust system) than consumable parts (I have!)
Vehicle disposal
No-one buys a car to sell, but ultimately as the marque is ultra rare residuals can be good. Euro models have a wider market (ie Europe!) as they have the European CofC (make sure that this is available when the car is bought). US models tend to be limited to the UK market
I know of one story where “someone” bought a C6/Z06 in the US and imported into Spain. He couldn't get it through the local homologation process (I assume it’s their SVA/IVA) as it was too complex and eventually had to sell it. A dealer in the UK bought it (the guy I spoke to)
Some of the above I learnt when I went through the acquisition process, some I’ve learnt since. In my case I opted for a UK model, for ease of purchase and wanting to see the car first
Sorry a long post, but I hope this helps
Ultimately, it’s your choice
Either way you’ll not regret it - you'll drive with a smile on your face
Join the CCCUK!
Acquisition
Assuming you buy in the US, the number (price) you see in USD will be the price you pay in GBP, by the time you’ve factored in all of the costs (shipping, insurance, Import Tax, VAT Etc). This does not include any costs associated with viewing the vehicle.
If you find one in the US, you like the look of and you don‘t want (or can’t afford/be bothered) to view it, you can get a comprehensive and independent report on condition, faults Etc for about £300, inc dozens of photos
For the cost of the fuel, you can view a Euro model here, assuming you know the foibles of what your looking at
Euro models are usually fully loaded with all options as they are built in bulk for export, unlike US models that are built to order. BTW, HUDs are not fitted as standard on US models
Obviously a US import bought over here by-passes all of the above
The fact that you've sussed the carfax process shows that you know the score, but I'd do this on a US car that was for sale here, as some are shipped over as write offs and re-built
SVA (IVA)
Cars over 10 years old are not subject to IVA. Naturally under 10 they are. To get it through the test, you’ll need to fit Euro lights, disable the DRLs, fit side repeaters and a rear fog light (inc the visible internal switch). It’s possible to do all of this yourself (there’s a fantastic thread somewhere on t’internet where Lusifer sets this out step by step). An estimate for a specialist to do this work is around £300 to £500 depending on who you go to and how much they know on the subject
Then you have to get it MOTd
US lights can be a b
h to get through the MOT due to the flat beam pattern confusing some testersRFL/VED
US Imports are capped at “above xx litre” so the RFL/VED is around £215 per year (current rates)
Euro models that are registered after 2007 (? - can‘t be precise) are subject to the current VED rates. Vettes exceed the maximum figure, as there’s a lovely big C02 cloud that follow them around, so work on £450/year (at current rates)
Euro models registered before 2002 are subject to (?) VED
Euro models registered after April 2002 and before April 2007 (?) are currently in a moratorium and are capped at £245 (current rates). I do not know when this moratorium will end
Servicing
There’s nothing to service that cannot be done yourself or by someone you trust. Oil and filters is all that needs doing. Plugs are changed at 100k miles (yes one hundred thousand). Oil is not special. Filters available from any American parts outlets (PF44 or PF46)
On C5/6s, oil life is monitored by the on board electronics so you don’t necessarily have to do this annually or at fixed mileages
Total service should be around £40 to £60 (dependent on the brand of oil used) plus labour
Parts
Euro models use bulbs that are available from any motor factors. US bulbs are different, so it’s either t’internet from the US or your local American specialist
Brake pads are available from almost anywhere online (Camskill Etc)
As mentioned above the crux of the Euro model is the unique parts (mainly lighting I think?). I’ve not had to go down this route myself yet, but like 300BHP/Ton said, a buddy with an 03 Camaro got quoted £400+ for a wing mirror, that someone t
tted, from a very well respected and independent UK based Vette dealerMost “normal” parts are easily available on t’internet from a variety of US sources. The only issue with any of this is that you face the same issue with what you see in USD is what you pay in GBP (unless you have a friend in the US) and shipping costs can be vague at best
Ultimately, most Vette owners spend more money on bolt on goodies (eg Exhaust system) than consumable parts (I have!)
Vehicle disposal
No-one buys a car to sell, but ultimately as the marque is ultra rare residuals can be good. Euro models have a wider market (ie Europe!) as they have the European CofC (make sure that this is available when the car is bought). US models tend to be limited to the UK market
I know of one story where “someone” bought a C6/Z06 in the US and imported into Spain. He couldn't get it through the local homologation process (I assume it’s their SVA/IVA) as it was too complex and eventually had to sell it. A dealer in the UK bought it (the guy I spoke to)
Some of the above I learnt when I went through the acquisition process, some I’ve learnt since. In my case I opted for a UK model, for ease of purchase and wanting to see the car first
Sorry a long post, but I hope this helps
Ultimately, it’s your choice
Either way you’ll not regret it - you'll drive with a smile on your face
Join the CCCUK!
Edited by Bowler on Friday 22 July 23:08
Edited by Bowler on Friday 22 July 23:09
Edited by Bowler on Friday 22 July 23:17
Great post Bowler.
On the road fund tax, it's true you can save £200-250 a year on an import, but that's relatively peanuts over the life of the car incluing depreciation etc. etc. (petrol!), so IMHO it wouldn't be worth going for an import solely for that reason (although every little helps, of course!).
On the road fund tax, it's true you can save £200-250 a year on an import, but that's relatively peanuts over the life of the car incluing depreciation etc. etc. (petrol!), so IMHO it wouldn't be worth going for an import solely for that reason (although every little helps, of course!).
One C5 problem to be 100% legal you should get UK spec headlights to dip to the left, one side has been discontinued already, and one UK parts supplier wants £800 for a pair, and if your car is a US spec you need a loom extension quite easy to buy I think, US have 2 Bulbs Euro 1 bulb.
My MOT tester who is very good, told me beam deflectors a plastic stick on, will pass the MOT and only about £5/10 a set.
I have read US spec are more of a straight beam only pattern so a little easier to pass the MOT if you know a nice tester, but a bad one could fail it.
My MOT tester who is very good, told me beam deflectors a plastic stick on, will pass the MOT and only about £5/10 a set.
I have read US spec are more of a straight beam only pattern so a little easier to pass the MOT if you know a nice tester, but a bad one could fail it.
I am still trying to figure the headlight thing out are UK headlights slanted to an angle as oppossed to facing directly ahead? I've heard something to do with the headlights several times.
The C6 vette is actually much smaller than the c5 about 911 proportions. Quite a bit more exotic in terms of suspension and materials (magnesium etc) 100 hp difference and almost twice the bending stiffness so a lot stronger car as well.
I love the c5 convertibles myself
The C6 vette is actually much smaller than the c5 about 911 proportions. Quite a bit more exotic in terms of suspension and materials (magnesium etc) 100 hp difference and almost twice the bending stiffness so a lot stronger car as well.
I love the c5 convertibles myself
HairbearTE said:
Euro spec is only preferable to those making a fortune selling new vettes over here at ridiculous prices. Chevy are in on it too, US dealers are asked not to sell a new vette to a customer if they think it's for export to UK! You can still get good deals on base model cars that have sat on the shop floor for a while but well optioned cars in popular colour combinations don't usually go for far under list price. Helps a lot if you already have good friends out there already who are willing help.
May I ask what has lead you to the above misguided conclusion? You clearly have no concept of the economics involved in the automotive industry.mitch_ said:
HairbearTE said:
Euro spec is only preferable to those making a fortune selling new vettes over here at ridiculous prices. Chevy are in on it too, US dealers are asked not to sell a new vette to a customer if they think it's for export to UK! You can still get good deals on base model cars that have sat on the shop floor for a while but well optioned cars in popular colour combinations don't usually go for far under list price. Helps a lot if you already have good friends out there already who are willing help.
May I ask what has lead you to the above misguided conclusion? You clearly have no concept of the economics involved in the automotive industry.This Issue as been done to death, The way I see it as a buyer you have a choice. I know what I would rather have and both times bought new Euro car one major reason is the Warranty for me.
mitch_ said:
V8 YEA said:
Euro or import, it hardly matters unless you intend to sell it into Europe......
Not exactly. You're forgetting that write-offs are being brought from the US to Europe to cleanse their histories. EU cars at least have some provenance.I wonder how we all used to cope before dealers come on the scene. As with any car purchase it's a case of Caveat Emptor I'm afraid. They should be checked and car faxed/hpi'd etc anyway
And the lights are hardly an issue either
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