The C7 bug is biting me!
Discussion
Took a drive in a C7 auto today and absolutely loved it. Having been a TVR owner in the past, there feels like some shared DNA between these vehicles, though dare I say it, the Corvette felt much better built than any TVR I have had.
I have been doing a little research, and I think a Z06 would be too much of a handful, plus too much money to tie up in a car right now. The 'basic' C7s seem to be advertised for about £43K for a 2014, with anything between 2,000-20,000 miles on them. The Grand Sports look fantastic, but more like another £20K on top which (to me at least) seems mostly cosmetic.
The cars I saw were US imports (no washer jets), and I was told that headlights do not need converting, but a fog light and switch need to be added for the SVA. I did think that Euro/UK spec cars had different direction lights.
Anyway.....rather than trying to hunt around the UK for a spec I like, I just wanted to consider the options of buying one from Florida, and getting it shipped. A US dealer said they cannot sell a brand new car, but can export used. Suits me, as would rather buy used and save some money! There are oodles to chose from, and in dollars, look great value.
So, down to some questions.
Anyone here done their own USA to UK import - and was that a good move in terms of either getting what you wanted, or a good deal?
I gather that the add on expenses that must be considered will be: shipping, import duty, VAT, UK conversion and SVA test? Anything I missed here?
When importing, can you get the car to your own house on US plates before getting the SVA done, or does it have to go straight from docks on a loader to someone who can do the conversion, and then to SVA?
When does import duty and VAT get paid in relation to the SVA?
Is there any material difference between a US import and Euro spec cars, other than the headlight washers and the satnav (if wanting it converting for UK/Euro use, which seems like a lot of money for what it is).
Is there much difference in USA import vs Euro when coming to selling a vehicle on, either privately or to trade?
Any recommendations for SVA, conversion, accessory fitting in the Manchester / Leeds area?
Thanks in advance . So glad I had a drive, these are amazing and beautiful cars!
I have been doing a little research, and I think a Z06 would be too much of a handful, plus too much money to tie up in a car right now. The 'basic' C7s seem to be advertised for about £43K for a 2014, with anything between 2,000-20,000 miles on them. The Grand Sports look fantastic, but more like another £20K on top which (to me at least) seems mostly cosmetic.
The cars I saw were US imports (no washer jets), and I was told that headlights do not need converting, but a fog light and switch need to be added for the SVA. I did think that Euro/UK spec cars had different direction lights.
Anyway.....rather than trying to hunt around the UK for a spec I like, I just wanted to consider the options of buying one from Florida, and getting it shipped. A US dealer said they cannot sell a brand new car, but can export used. Suits me, as would rather buy used and save some money! There are oodles to chose from, and in dollars, look great value.
So, down to some questions.
Anyone here done their own USA to UK import - and was that a good move in terms of either getting what you wanted, or a good deal?
I gather that the add on expenses that must be considered will be: shipping, import duty, VAT, UK conversion and SVA test? Anything I missed here?
When importing, can you get the car to your own house on US plates before getting the SVA done, or does it have to go straight from docks on a loader to someone who can do the conversion, and then to SVA?
When does import duty and VAT get paid in relation to the SVA?
Is there any material difference between a US import and Euro spec cars, other than the headlight washers and the satnav (if wanting it converting for UK/Euro use, which seems like a lot of money for what it is).
Is there much difference in USA import vs Euro when coming to selling a vehicle on, either privately or to trade?
Any recommendations for SVA, conversion, accessory fitting in the Manchester / Leeds area?
Thanks in advance . So glad I had a drive, these are amazing and beautiful cars!
With the 'official' rhd C8 supposedly with us soon (probably mid next year earliest) expect to see a few people looking to unload C7's and maximise selling price both here and in the 'States before the sale prices drop significantly (due to new model). Beware of salvage title vehicles and overpriced lo-spec early production cars. Nothing wrong with a correctly repaired salvage titled vehicle - just don't pay over the odds as future value pro-rata will always be affected. Come join us on CCCUK - there will be a number of members who have sourced late model Vettes directly (or indirectly) from the 'States.
A great choice, both in buying a Corvette C7 and importing yourself. Some of my musings may help although the C6 being more than ten years old (MOT) made things a bit easier: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
one thing you've not mentioned is that the US imports have a different road fund cost - ok in the scheme of things it's pennies but the extra for UK spec cars is a ball-ache (ask me how I know 
)
US cars are, from memory, flat beamed rather than LHD/RHD flavours and as such are fine not to be converted.
)US cars are, from memory, flat beamed rather than LHD/RHD flavours and as such are fine not to be converted.
irocfan said:
one thing you've not mentioned is that the US imports have a different road fund cost - ok in the scheme of things it's pennies but the extra for UK spec cars is a ball-ache (ask me how I know )
US cars are, from memory, flat beamed rather than LHD/RHD flavours and as such are fine not to be converted.
Maybe mine are not so flat, coming back from Eastbourne to Twickenham the other evening numerous car were flashing me, thinking I was on main beam presumably? )US cars are, from memory, flat beamed rather than LHD/RHD flavours and as such are fine not to be converted.
largelunchbox said:
Maybe mine are not so flat, coming back from Eastbourne to Twickenham the other evening numerous car were flashing me, thinking I was on main beam presumably?
Maybe flashes of "admiration" for the car? If not, strange that, as presumably they test the headlights as part of the IVA test? If that's an ongoing problem for you, perhaps consider getting them tested at the garage? On the C7, can adjust the headlights up and down (not side to side allegedly) using the hex nuts under the plastic panels at the side of the engine bay. Adjusting the passenger side one down a bit might be a solution? Thanks for the incredibly interesting information and very interesting responses from everyone.
On the lights, the dealer I visited told me they had got 20+ plus cars through the IVA no problem, then had one car where there the IVA person was not happy at all. It was referred to another tester, and eventually let it through.
As the post above states, I understand that the lights are not self-levelling, but adjustment using a screwdriver is a simple step. I have seen a YouTube video on this, so at least there is some scope to self-adjust if there is a problem that other drivers are being dazzled by the lights (but nothing can be done about being dazzled by a Corvette's beauty!).
On the lights, the dealer I visited told me they had got 20+ plus cars through the IVA no problem, then had one car where there the IVA person was not happy at all. It was referred to another tester, and eventually let it through.
As the post above states, I understand that the lights are not self-levelling, but adjustment using a screwdriver is a simple step. I have seen a YouTube video on this, so at least there is some scope to self-adjust if there is a problem that other drivers are being dazzled by the lights (but nothing can be done about being dazzled by a Corvette's beauty!).
Black C7 said:
Maybe flashes of "admiration" for the car? If not, strange that, as presumably they test the headlights as part of the IVA test? If that's an ongoing problem for you, perhaps consider getting them tested at the garage? On the C7, can adjust the headlights up and down (not side to side allegedly) using the hex nuts under the plastic panels at the side of the engine bay. Adjusting the passenger side one down a bit might be a solution?
I’ll have look when I get a chance and report backthinking of selling my uk c7, top of range lt3 carbon z51 17000m,billy bullet exhaust 7 speed manual,uprated discs and pads less than 500 miles, new michelin pilot sports,20" wheels standard back and front,rainex windsreen,graphite paint guard serviced at ian allen,us spec mirrors ( have the black uk ones) never tracked only a charity day passenger ride
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