Holden VX II Import or not to Import?
Discussion
Hi there everyone, and can I just start by saying Buggar me. I was cruising around to see if anyone had imported a Commodore into the UK, and almost fell over myself when I came across this site.
I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions for me. I am currently own a 2002 V6 VX II Commodore with the Aclaim mods and SS spoiler kit. I am looking at moving to the UK, and was playing around with the idea of taking it with me, as god, I know that I couldn't live without it.
The questions I have are these.
1. What is the registration worked on over there? How much would I looking at.
2. Are Linden able to do the servicing on it? Would assume probably the only thing that I am going to need that is different to the HSV's is oil filter, air filters and spark plugs. (Plan to stock up on these). It has relatively low KM, so not expecting any problems. (touch wood). If I do go ahead with it, let me know what spare parts you guys need, and can put it in the boot.
3. I saw some insurance posts, and that was very interesting, cause I would have thought that I would have been alot more expensive than that. Basically working on it being approximately the same. Would assume this would be cheaper because you guys would have UK drivers licence?
4. Has any one had problems with little jealous pricks scratching the car etc?
5. If any one has imported their car from AU, would be interested to hear back. I have been quoted at around $AU4k which doesn't seem to bad, considering it is a bloody long way. As far as I can figure out too, there is no duty on it because of the fact that I have owned the car here in Australia. What I have always wanted to do was to pick up a car in Melbourne and drive it all the way to the UK, maybe with the new Adventura that might be a possibility.
6. Are there any special modifications that need to be made to comply with UK rules? Read something about the fuel filler, and a gadget that converts from km to miles. (Does this apply to the VX V6, assuming here that there is no difference. Saw 500 pounds for that, kind of sounds expensive, maybe there is a bit more to it than what I read into it.
7. If I was to leave the car there, what sort of interest would there be in selling it, and I guess how much would it be worth?
Well, I think that just about does it for tonight, appreciate any feedback, and hope to catch up with you guys in a few months. Thanks for your replys.
I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions for me. I am currently own a 2002 V6 VX II Commodore with the Aclaim mods and SS spoiler kit. I am looking at moving to the UK, and was playing around with the idea of taking it with me, as god, I know that I couldn't live without it.
The questions I have are these.
1. What is the registration worked on over there? How much would I looking at.
2. Are Linden able to do the servicing on it? Would assume probably the only thing that I am going to need that is different to the HSV's is oil filter, air filters and spark plugs. (Plan to stock up on these). It has relatively low KM, so not expecting any problems. (touch wood). If I do go ahead with it, let me know what spare parts you guys need, and can put it in the boot.
3. I saw some insurance posts, and that was very interesting, cause I would have thought that I would have been alot more expensive than that. Basically working on it being approximately the same. Would assume this would be cheaper because you guys would have UK drivers licence?
4. Has any one had problems with little jealous pricks scratching the car etc?
5. If any one has imported their car from AU, would be interested to hear back. I have been quoted at around $AU4k which doesn't seem to bad, considering it is a bloody long way. As far as I can figure out too, there is no duty on it because of the fact that I have owned the car here in Australia. What I have always wanted to do was to pick up a car in Melbourne and drive it all the way to the UK, maybe with the new Adventura that might be a possibility.
6. Are there any special modifications that need to be made to comply with UK rules? Read something about the fuel filler, and a gadget that converts from km to miles. (Does this apply to the VX V6, assuming here that there is no difference. Saw 500 pounds for that, kind of sounds expensive, maybe there is a bit more to it than what I read into it.
7. If I was to leave the car there, what sort of interest would there be in selling it, and I guess how much would it be worth?
Well, I think that just about does it for tonight, appreciate any feedback, and hope to catch up with you guys in a few months. Thanks for your replys.
Raggyman said:
1. What is the registration worked on over there? How much would I looking at.
A. Once imported, you have to get it SVA tested as it's under 10 years old. The annual MOT roadworthiness test only applies when the car is 3 years old.
2. Are Linden able to do the servicing on it? Would assume probably the only thing that I am going to need that is different to the HSV's is oil filter, air filters and spark plugs. (Plan to stock up on these). It has relatively low KM, so not expecting any problems. (touch wood). If I do go ahead with it, let me know what spare parts you guys need, and can put it in the boot.
A. Don't have a Holden so don't know. One of the others may help on this one.
3. I saw some insurance posts, and that was very interesting, cause I would have thought that I would have been alot more expensive than that. Basically working on it being approximately the same. Would assume this would be cheaper because you guys would have UK drivers licence?
A. There are many specialist insurers who might insure you cheaply as they base premiums on the likelihood of your car being stolen and your driving record. Even though you would have no "no-claims bonus" which gives you a discount of up to 60%, you may find an insurer who would insure you on a limited mileage basis (generally increments up to 7500 miles p.a) but if you plan to use it as a daily hack, they may not be cheap, simply because it's a new car rather than a classic but some of the guys on here may be able to elaborate on that. Let's just say that the insurance on my camaro Z28 is cheap only because I have maximum no claims. A car over 10 years old is deemed to be eligible for classic insurance. I believe you can swop your Australian licence for a UK one.
4. Has any one had problems with little jealous pricks scratching the car etc?
A. I haven't. Through ownership of Corvette and several Camaros, only ever had a student break the aerial off. A friend had his scratched at our local American Car Show! Really, it depends where you live. i doubt a Holden would attract too much attention as the scrotes prefer scratching porsches, Mercs and BMW's.
5. If any one has imported their car from AU, would be interested to hear back. I have been quoted at around $AU4k which doesn't seem to bad, considering it is a bloody long way. As far as I can figure out too, there is no duty on it because of the fact that I have owned the car here in Australia. What I have always wanted to do was to pick up a car in Melbourne and drive it all the way to the UK, maybe with the new Adventura that might be a possibility.
A. Although the import duty is not payable if you've owned it for 6 months beforehand, I think you have to keep it 6 months when you get here too. Import duty is 10% but I think you still pay the 17.5% VAT.
6. Are there any special modifications that need to be made to comply with UK rules? Read something about the fuel filler, and a gadget that converts from km to miles. (Does this apply to the VX V6, assuming here that there is no difference. Saw 500 pounds for that, kind of sounds expensive, maybe there is a bit more to it than what I read into it.
A. The SVA test is a one-off test that costs £150, pass or fail. It's mainly concerned with lighting - fog lights, dip, side repeaters and folding mirrors (although fixed mirrors will pass if they don't exceed the body width. As far as I know, the MOT has no requirement for testing the speedo but the SVA test may require a dual readout. Let's just say with all the speed cameras in the UK, you'd want a mph readout.
7. If I was to leave the car there, what sort of interest would there be in selling it, and I guess how much would it be worth?
A. Others will have to answer that. All I can say is there are lots of Camaro 3.8 V6's which don't exactly sell quickly as everyone wants a V8. My guess is the same would apply to the Holden.
Thanks for the feedback, greatly appreciated.
Going to probably make the decision once I get there. Found out that I don't have to pay VAT or Duty on the vehicle, as I have had it for more than 6 months, and don't have an uncle called Bruce (Man there were alot of can's and can'ts). Don't know what cars go for over there, but if I can get 8,000 pounds for it would be happy.
Anyone know how the registration is worked out?
Going to probably make the decision once I get there. Found out that I don't have to pay VAT or Duty on the vehicle, as I have had it for more than 6 months, and don't have an uncle called Bruce (Man there were alot of can's and can'ts). Don't know what cars go for over there, but if I can get 8,000 pounds for it would be happy.
Anyone know how the registration is worked out?
You could buy a UK HSV or if that's too rich for your blood, there's a big selection of 4th gen Camaros and Firebirds from £6000 upwards and a huge network of support in parts, clubs and massive events to go to. Insurance on specialist cars like these is often cheaper than a hot hatch.
Have a look at www.aacint.com
Here's mine at www.cardomain.com/memberpage/471412
Have a look at www.aacint.com
Here's mine at www.cardomain.com/memberpage/471412
As someone who has done this in the recent past, check that it is possible at all. The rules surrounding the SVA test have or are changing and it may be that it now cant sensibly be done!!
Suggest you speak to these guys, www.protech-uk.co.uk They sorted me out OK. Make sure you tell them that you have owned it for more than 6 months etc as this did alter what is required. If it can be done, they can do it.
Suggest you speak to these guys, www.protech-uk.co.uk They sorted me out OK. Make sure you tell them that you have owned it for more than 6 months etc as this did alter what is required. If it can be done, they can do it.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Definitely lots of options open for me that is for sure. Might give my mate a call who is an Engineer at Holden and find out what he knows about compliance.
Other than that, I think that I will just come over, have a look at what is around, and make a decision then. All I know, is that I am not going to buy a little buzz box, hence my interest in getting something with a bit of go. The second hand HSV's are pretty expensive - but might be the only option for now.
Definitely lots of options open for me that is for sure. Might give my mate a call who is an Engineer at Holden and find out what he knows about compliance.
Other than that, I think that I will just come over, have a look at what is around, and make a decision then. All I know, is that I am not going to buy a little buzz box, hence my interest in getting something with a bit of go. The second hand HSV's are pretty expensive - but might be the only option for now.
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