Importing Trucks from Oz or S Africa into the UK

[SteveS]

Readers of Scott's post on his truck (Wanda) improvements being handled in Australia will be aware that there is interest in bringing trucks from overseas back into the UK. Does anyone have any particular experience of the steps to do this, the difficulties, taxes and duty etc. Is it straightforward, are there further modifications to bring trucks up to EU/UK standard for example?

 

[grantw]

it would need to be a specialist truck you can't get here to make it worth while (think 70 series or 105.) Cars are much cheaper here (than at least oz) so it generally isn't worth while.

 

[stumog]

SA they are a little bit more expensive and some are rusty as well. most have had a hard life on dirt roads and potholes.
I agree it would have to be something you really need to make it worth while.
stu

 

[Mal Eade]

Having spent some time in SA and driving round in a LC that cost twice as much as here in the uk.

For a mid 90's 80, 90 in good condition and remember they are used for what they were designed for in SA you will have to pay £10,000 at the very least.
To import into SA you will have to pay a duty of 100% on the price of the truck and it is not the price you paid for it but what they think it is worth over there.

The only cheaper place to import from is Japan. But that can have it problems. My truck was imported in 2001 and paid £2500 plus duty.

 

[stan]

Hi
This is a service I am offering- see advert on top right and post in the classifieds..
But as said above, its only worth it for trucks that aren't available already, and that creates its own problems with type approval and certificates of conformity (Depending on age)
The simplest is to bring something in either over 10 years old or new from the EU but then you're LHD generally but then there is no CoC or import tax to worry about. From Oz theres import tax and VOSA inspections depending on age and the whole type approval stuff, but it is possible.. !

 

[Graham]

One has to be crazy to import a Land Cruiser from RSA.

Gra.

 

[stumog]

the prices of 80s in SA are not to bad to be honest. 95 and 120 are alot of money. 70 can be well used and abused when you look at them.
i looked at lots down there as we might move that way. i only brought in the uk as the spec is rare down south. re lockers.
i found a company doing roro for £650 +vat ea way. so not so bad.
it all depends what you what fronwhere and as the op has not said its all speculation.
might be some really odd vehicle that would make it worthwhile.
stu

 

[Scott]

The OP (SteveS) did post this thread http://www.landcruiserclub.net/foru...needed-100-105-or-Troopie?p=374476#post374476 which gives a idea of his thoughts regarding vehicle selection and intended route.

I don't have any firsthand experience of importing a vehicle, but I might do once I've finished using Wanda down under. I think the age of the vehicle does has some role to play in things. I wonder if a 1998 105 series is easier to import than a 2006 model? With regard to the safely and emmissions criteria getting progressively tighter.


Cars are pretty cheap in the UK, I was tempted to buy one here and ship it to Oz, but decided against it as I thought it might be a lot of hassle. Instead I put the shipping and import costs towards the vehicle purchase in Oz, and bought a non EU model, so if I did bring it back it would be quite rare.


If I was in Steve's position, I would also consider a UK HiLux. Good value for money, very capable, it'll be reliable and won't have already had the best part of its life behind it. They lend themselves well to overland preparation and travel, and are one of the best overland vehicle platforms in our overly electronic UK car market.

 

[SteveS]

So my thoughts on truck is for a low mileage 100 series and in line with the other posts it does not look a financially viable proposition in many respects. Depending on age there is VAT, duty, type approval and transportation to consider......and this only really works if it is something special or as in Scott's case there is an intention to combine it with a serious journey in the vicinity

Scott I did take a long hard look at a HiLux as they have many advantages, but as I want to have emergency sleeping inside the truck (for 2) it would be a little cramped even with a double cab.....but of course I could go for a pop-top camper back as a compromise.....I want to be able to park up in some dodgy area and not obviously be camping