Bringing A Car To The Uk From South Africa

[Linotype]

Hi guys: does anyone have any experience of the requirements of bringing a car (a 2002 Mazda MX5) into the UK from Cape Town, South Africa (I've owned the vehicle for about four years). The shipping company here in CT seem to think that the speedometer will have to be changed because it reads in km/h and not mph, and, the vehicle must have foglights fitted ... Secondly, is there a time limit once landed for getting the vehicle MOT tested and registered as well as changing the speedo and the fitment of foglights? I do realise that vehicle insurance is compulsory over there, but interestingly not in SA! (Incidentally, I'm an ex-pat returning to the UK after 50 years of working and residing in SA). Any help with any of the above points would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[retrocop]

There is quite a list of requirements for "Type approval" in the UK as we require other standards that may be different to other countries export models. Seat belts are one that springs to mind.
About 25 years ago there was a trend in the UK to import rhd models from Belgium by DIY methods. Deal with the trader and import oneself on TIV plates(Temporary Import plates before registration here with UK plates).By the time a colleague of mine had brought the V.W.Golf GTI over here and changed all parts that didn't meet UK type approval before MOT and registering he saved precious little by avoiding import duty.He was allowed, I believe 6 months to get the car converted before presenting it for type approval examination. He could drive it on TIV plates and paid no Vehicle Excise Duty during this period. Although his car was bought new he had to MOT it once registered here and carry on doing it each year.

All these requirements were valid 20 odd years ago. I can't swear they haven't changed considerably since then. I am aware that the trend to purchase vehicles free of import duty has subsided or perhaps the govt has banned the practise.
I will see if I can find a link for type approval for foreign imported vehicles. Hope this may of been of some help but may not be totally up to date advice.

[jno]

this suggests the KMH isn't a problem

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1628017

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/SPEEDO-OVERLAY-CONVERSION-KIT-STICKERS-MPH-or-KPH-WHITE-SPEEDOMETER-DIALS-/183373164244?hash=item2ab1e46ed4

[CrapAtCryptics]

Is it worth all the work and expense to bring a 16 year old car tothis country. The used car market at the moment here is quite good so this might be a better option.

[retrocop]

https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/mutual-recognition
https://www.dnsassociates.co.uk/blog/importing-vehicle-uk
https://www.theaa.com/car-buying/buying-an-imported-car

[Hopkirk]

I think CAC is right, it can't be worth it.

[Hopkirk]

The legal requirement in the UK is one rear fog light. There is no requirement for a front one.

[retrocop]

I also agree with CAC. Unless you have some nostalgic, sentimental attachment to your particular 18year old model it would probably be a lot cheaper and less hassle to buy a 2nd hand one over here.

[EDDIE51]

I have to agree the cost of shipping is more than the car is worth. Then unless the car has 'type approval' , which from your comment about the speedo it does not have, you can not register it in the UK.

[retrocop]

These are the sort of prices you are looking at for newer used models

https://www.parkers.co.uk/mazda/mx-5/used-prices/

[gulliver1]

Think you will feel quite at home when you get back to UK.

[retrocop]

Yeh. As I look out at the sun drenched svelte of London with it's beautiful table on top of the mountain of fly tipped junk. I see what you mean. Not to mention the knotweed growing like grape vines in Cape bay. Fantastic

[Rockrose]

Retro what has that to do with the OP, plus it’s pretty obvious what you are ‘hinting ‘ (with a sledgehammer)

[gulliver1]

Rockrose, you Can't blame Retro, read the post at 10.23.

[retrocop]

What useful information and research precisely have you provided to Linotype on his request?.Apart from your sniping on the sidelines a big fat zilch! As a former Law enforcement officer I thought you would recognise satirical,laconic humour.Perhaps I am mistaking you with someone else. :-)
I have provided 4 relevant answers and provided several threads.What assistance did you provide?

[Rockrose]

Nice to see you haven’t changed retro still a nasty piece of work

[EDDIE51]

I would agree that the price of a 16 year old Mazda does not justify shipping it from South Africa. As said it will need the speedometer changed for one that does read in MPH just for a start. You could buy a newer car here for a LOT less than the shipping cost.

[EDDIE51]

Parker's price guide says the MAXIMUM,UK price for a 2002 Mazda
MX 5 is £1850 .( most are worth a LOT less.especially personal imports) I can't see it is worth the cost of shipping, especially once you add in the cost of the modifications for it to be legal for UK roads. Better to sell it in SA,bring the cash back and buy a car here. Remember it will need a full MOT and a type approval certificate before you can drive it here. You can only drive it off the ship direct to a prearranged MOT and inspection.( the inspection is to ensure it is UK 'Type Approved' )

[EDDIE51]

By the way, I lived for 3 years in Zambia, a few people bought cars there and shipped them home via South Africa. The problem is that the car can not be registered in the UK unless it is 'Type Approved'. Many cars sold abroad are a different specification to UK sale cars and can not be Type Approved. You need to check it is full UK specification or you will not be able to permanently import it.

[Linotype]

Hi there : the reason for wanting to import this particular Mazda MX5 is because it's in mint condition, I've owned it for a number of years, has very low mileage (has full service history) - but best of all, it's absolutely rust-free ... and I'm a car enthusiast, to boot! I'm also wanting to bring over my BMW motorcycle ... it's a 2000 model, in mint condition, blah blah ... I'm 70 years old but love my toys! Regards to all who took the trouble to respond to my enquiry ...