Import Cops

[docsavage]

It seems that the import police are after us again with rumours of age restrictions being changed.

Here is an interesting thread from BC 4X4

http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?t=88487

For notes - Skidmark is a highway patrol officer.

At least the value of our vehicle would go up if this happens.

James

[Green1]

well... this has certainly been talked about before, and wouldn't surprise me... too bad we can't move the other way like other civilized countries....

the UK is 10 years
New Zealand is 2...

on the bright side, my vehicle has finished the import process now and would therefore be exempt.. on the down side... I have no idea where I'd find anything decent to replace it with if I ever needed to...

[Pete and Jackie]

The gov will change the regs as they see fit, dont forget it, Dont wonder about it, and remember that its all fuelled by big business! Really what we all need is a paper to prove we've been inspected and need no further probing thank you very much, not guilty now get off me. So I'm working my way towards that, lets all do our part huh?

[argo]

"fuelled by big bussiness" clever pun.

All we are required to do as responsible JDM owners is comply with the law, modify our vehicles to satisfy the regulations, and have them properly inspected. It doesn't eliminate the fact that there are some Barney Fifes out there

I've read posts discussing how some have managed to circumvent the rules and thereby "stick it to the man".
Probably not prudent to discuss this in an open forum. You never know who is reading it. The term "heat score" comes to mind.

It's a good thing government beurocracy doesn't work quickly.

[Pete and Jackie]

A standard, a set of rules, heres whats required, and a piece of document that says we've complied, here's the proof, look no further, etc, etc, etc. Without it we might be asked for reinspection again next year, with new regs with which to comply by. And again the following year. Next it'll be airbags and ABS, or the antenna is on the wrong side. Do your bulbs say DOT? Oh the sin.
I'm just saying get it standardized, Have proof of compliance to carry with your insurance, and Barney can go find someone else to play with.

[josh]

So I am wondering if anyone has a line on DOT marked headlights for the Delica...

I dont want to come across having a problem in the future.

Josh.

[Mystery Machine]

....too bad we can't move the other way like other civilized countries....the UK is 10 years

I'm afraid it's even better than that for us! :D :D :D

Any import vehicle over 10yrs old needs just an MOT to allow it to be registered (MOT is an annual check of the mechanical safety for any car in the UK over 3yrs old i.e. tyre tread, bulbs work, suspension not faulty etc...)

Any import vehicle UNDER 10yrs old must go through a more stringent test to allow it to be registered. It is called the SVA (single vehicle approval) and it means the car must be exactly the same as the vehicle data given in a model report. This means if it has curtains fitted, or different bullbars or ladders etc...then these must be removed to allow it to pass!

It is a much stricter test than the MOT, but as long as all extras not included in the report are removed, then any vehicle under 10yrs old can be imported into the UK! 8)

Lots of motors that come with nice accessories have them removed for the SVA, yet they seem to magically re-appear on the vehicle once SVA approved and registered! :lol: :lol:

If there is a motor with something like a BIG lift, then this either has to be removed for the SVA, or sometimes the dealer/importer will hang onto it until 10yrs old then simply MOT it to get it on the road! :D

My mate bought a 7" lifted L400 but didin't fancy the prospect of removing the lift just to SVA it! (Major job removing the kit!! ) so he just stuck it in a garage for 7 months until exactly 10yrs old then had it MOT'd for £30 - that was all that was needed! :lol: :lol:

Sounds like you guys get it hard over there!....

.....and there was me tempted to move to Canada and bring the Mystery Machine with me! Sounds like I wouldn't stand a chance! :( :(

Regards,

Bruce.

[docsavage]

Hey Bruce,

I was looking into imports, and you as a UK resident has one up on us. There is provision for someone moving in from out of the country to bring in a vehicle with them. I looked into moving away to Europe and coming back just to try and bring in a 300TDI Discovery 8) 8) .

James

[Green1]

Mystery Machine is a '93 if I remember correctly... 2 more years and it's legal in Canada... of course by then it will probably be 12 more years :(

last I heard the regulations allowing you to bring your vehicle with you only applied to short stays (ie. you can bring the vehicle in, but only if it stays registered in the UK with UK plates.) you can't "import" it and register it in Canada untill the 15 year rule expires.

[Mystery Machine]

Mystery Machine is a '93 if I remember correctly... 2 more years and it's legal in Canada... of course by then it will probably be 12 more years :(

The Mystery Machine is a '93 (well remembered! ) so if I was to think of bringing it over, I'd have to be patient! :lol:

I don't think that'll happen though because I don't think the g/friend would want to move any further away from her family! 20 miles is bad enough for her, I can't see her agreeing to 4,500+ miles! :lol:

Oh well....

Regards,

Bruce.

[Green1]

20 miles? I think the sense of scale is a little different over here...

When I started dating my current girlfriend she was living with her familly 70km north of me, we saw each other almost every evening (it was only a 45 minute drive)... in fact we met 300km north of where I live.
at the moment it's a little more difficult as she's attending school 1000km west of here, but I still see her about once a month for a couple days... and I look forward to being able to drive the Delica out there each time.

[Mystery Machine]

I think I'm a bit more like you than she is......when I first met my girlfriend, I was travelling 50 miles (80km) each way every day to see her. If she was at her parents I was doing 70 miles a day (110km).

I'd happily travel on a regular basis - that is what appeals to me about Canada - the size and scale! 8) 8)

Here in the UK, everything is on a smaller scale, but I bet you we take longer to get there?? It used to take me 1hr 15mins to do a 25 mile (40km) commute every day going AGAINST the rush hour traffic! :(

I long for open roads and BIG scenery...something that you guys have as the 'norm'! 8)

That's why I'd love to up sticks and move over!.....and I'm serious too!! :D (with my cars too of course, but I think one of them is actually banned from entering Canada & the US so this would be another stumbling block!! )

Maybe in 2 years (once the Deli is 15!) I'll have to think about it more carefully....

What's it like emigrating to Canada?? As difficult as the US??

Regards,

Bruce.

[Green1]

What's it like emigrating to Canada??

having been born here, I really can't answer that one...

however there is information available here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.html

Basically they like you to prove that you would be a positive contribution to Canadian society. They want Skilled workers, or people who are going to create jobs for others...

we certainly have the "open road" however our cities get clogged just like anywhere else... rush hour traffic can really take it's toll anywhere. once you hit the highway and are out of the city you can really move, but if you're trying to get accross town it often isn't an easy task.

[Mystery Machine]

Many thanks for that!

I took the test and passed! It looks like I'd not have any problems with the immigration side of things! :D :D I want to move to Canada....I WANT TO MOVE TO CANADA!!

Sorry to have hi-jacked this, I might start a new thread with LOTS of questions about life in West Canada! :lol: :lol:

Back on topic now guys.....

Regards,

Bruce.

[delicanuck]

Hey Bruce,
Your right eh. This isn't really the place to talk about immigration but just so ya know eh. You have to start fitting "eh" into your sentences... eh. Try to use words that help you fit it in. e.g. Order Chardonne eh. Sleep under a Douve eh. Drink Perriey eh. And don't forget get your resume eh!