Importing under 10 years old / IVA test

[sjg]

Should I be worried about IVA testing for a fairly mainstream non-performance Honda minivan?

I think from the reading I've done that I'd just need to sort out a foglight and mph speedo, but please correct me if I'm wrong. No big wings or performance mods to worry about projections or emissions. I take it model reports aren't needed these days? Much of what I've seen about IVA is kitcar builders fretting about sharp surfaces, which I assume wouldn't be a problem for most production cars.

Interested in a Stepwagon but I like the RK shape one and we're over a year from the earliest ones hitting 10 years old and being eligible for MOT only. I'm fine with the extra cost of the test but don't want to end up stuck with a car that fails IVA and needs a load of extra parts and work doing to pass.

[Axeboy]

Ive only ever done 10yrs and older to avoid hassles but I always assumed you still needed a report to get it passed due to emissions etc etc

On reading it doesnt seem to be required anymore although it can help. I believe having the report would certainly avoid much of the risks involved with a unique test on a model that hasn't been done before.

I would hope the risks are small but I'd always have a little fear that something daft like the glass specs or emissions or something doesnt meet the requirements.

Im sure someone else will have more input who has actually done an IVA

Also check section 5.6 of the IVA guide on the DVLA site as it goes into more detail on Japanese imports due to the lack or EU certs, im sure you have anyway

Edited by Axeboy on Monday 15th October 16:15

[Axeboy]

I should have added. It can take some time to import anyway, close to 6 months.

So, it may be cheaper and easier to wait till you can get an early model that just fits into the 10 year rule?

[TommoAE86]

Have you spoken to an importer to see if they know? When I was looking at Toyota's there was a model which was just becoming available but the bulk were 2009 onwards, they said to me it shouldn't be a hassle to get the pass, just more hoops/costs/bullst to stop you getting something better than available here (imo)

[sjg]

Thanks - yes, my understanding is that the export docs from Japan should have enough to not need model reports now. Just checking there's not something glaring I've missed - it always seemed like a minefield! I've seen a few examples of these pop up at dealers so guessing it can't be too difficult.

Waiting would be sensible but I have family coming over from NZ next summer and it would be really handy to have a car with the extra seats and space for the airport runs and trips out while they're over. 7+ seater hire is really pricey for any extended period.

I have plenty of time until then so was thinking of the route where you have an agent in Japan pick something out of the auctions and ship it, then I deal with getting it registered here once it arrives. The importers seem to charge quite a premium - not bemoaning that (there's definitely a premium on having a car here and ready to go), but I have some time and don't mind doing some of the legwork, getting the spec/colour etc I want and saving a few quid too.

[JB122399]

Hi, did you ever manage to register a Japanese vehicle under 10 year's old? I'm looking to import one and wondering what was involved in the IVA test

[sjg]

I didn't in the end, went for a slightly older one.

Have a read of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-t... and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/iva-man...

Imports are covered by "basic IVA" as long as they're not modified and you can use the export certificate to demonstrate compliance. It looks to just be a more comprehensive version of a MOT, with higher fees and fewer places that can do it, so a longer wait for an appointment.

You do need to convert speedo to mph (optional for >10 year old / MOT) which is more expensive for modern CANBUS vehicles - need something like a https://www.canm8.com/ module to do it rather than a basic chip like older cars.

Half tempted to give it a go but it seems less worthwhile as things get close to 10 years old, and there's nothing <7 years old I fancy bringing over. Maybe one of the newly announced boxy generation Stepwgn in a few years time.