Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
Importing from the UK -> NZ
Hi All,
Long time lurker based in NZ, seeking the opinion of the more experienced.
Shortly I will be looking for a D3 (~2007MY, 10-12k GBP) and am considering importing from the UK vs buying locally.
It seems costs etc work out quite well and there is a much larger selection with lower mileage available.
-20% VAT from auto trader uk prices (VAT refund)
+15% GST
~$4.5-5k shipping and importing costs
I've read the Disco3 wiki and many many posts, so have a fair idea of what to look out for. When the time comes I might enlist the services of a willing UK based person to help me do the shopping, but that's for later down the track.
What i'm after now are simply thoughts and experiences of others who have done the same.
E.g. Do salted roads play a part in vehicle reliability vs local models?
General condition of UK vehicles?
Any conversions required?
Warranty? (if any after 8 years, yikes)
etc etc
Look forward to any responses and thanks in advance.
Alec
7th Apr 2015 12:51 am
MGCarr
Member Since: 15 Jul 2014
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 703
VAT on a secondhand cars sold by a garage, is not 20% of the full sale price in the UK, it is known in the trade as 'VAT on the margin' ie. 20% of the difference between what the garage paid for it and what they sold it for. To further complicate matters there are a small number of cars, usually seen at auctions that are 'VAT qualifying' this means that the original purchaser used the car for a purpose that allowed the original VAT to be reclaimed and then VAT on the full price is applicable, these are very rare on Discos.
Cars and commercials sold by private individuals do not have any recoverable VAT as you have to be registered as a business to be able to charge VAT.
Commercials, sold by a business, are different again as then VAT is applicable to the full purchase price whether new or secondhand.
Hopefully this helps a bit as VAT on used vehicle can be a bit of a minefield in the UK.
1997 Defender 90 for the kids and I to have a go at some competitive off road RTV and Tyro trials, daughter picked up her first trophy over the August Bank Holiday.
Previous Land Rover history
1996 P38 4.6 V8 Autobiography
1996 Discovery TDi 300
1972 Range Rover 3.5 V8
LWB Hard Top Series 3
LWB Truck Cab Series 2A
Not been without a Land Rover for over 40 years - I must need therapy!
7th Apr 2015 2:01 am
alecps
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
Hi There,
Makes sense, thanks for that.
I had a look at the UK govt website and it looked so simple haha
Still, even with no VAT refunded it works out similar overall cost but with more choice. But of course the potential is there for at least a small refund if one doesn't buy privately.
7th Apr 2015 2:15 am
barryp
Member Since: 24 Dec 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 138
Lots of salt on the roads in the UK and probably more corrosion than a locally sourced one!
Just a thought.
Regards
Barry2017 Range Rover Sport TDV6 L494 Fuji White
2011 Range Rover Sport SDV6 L320 Fuji White Loved but GONE
2010 TRAKKA Motorhome Fiat Ducato GONE (What a dud, don't buy one)
2006 Discovery 3 SE TDV6 Automatic Chawton White/Ebony. Loved but GONE
2006 BMW X5 diesel White/Charcoal, Bought new, gone after 12 years! Excellent vehicle.
Ex Member Range Rover Club NSW
7th Apr 2015 5:31 am
alecps
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
Hi Barry,
I've heard for that reason, cars in the UK have additional protection from corrosion? Wasn't a LR specific comment I heard though, would this be accurate? That was one of my primary concerns. I was told '1 UK kilometer = 2 NZ kilometer'
Thanks!
7th Apr 2015 5:36 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
The corrosion protection is the same and is very effective. You will see surface rust on chassis rails on UK D3s but this is cosmetic only. D3s don't really suffer from corrosion outside of faults / accident damage.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
OK cool, so not an 'issue' so to speak but worth knowing about
7th Apr 2015 8:39 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6400
you do not need Jedi powers for seized stuff but Innotec DeBlock oil
G
7th Apr 2015 9:07 am
alecps
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
I have a box of old Jedi just in case. 8)
7th Apr 2015 9:09 am
Dusty
Member Since: 23 Sep 2013
Location: London
Posts: 1022
Gareth wrote:
I reckon UK D3's will have more seized bolts than a D3 from a non-salted country.
Just ask Geoff
My D3 was originally owned in Scotland (Lot more salt than Southern England) and the air was blue when he changed the rear lower wishbones!!
Don't forget the speedo has the MPH as the main display which might effect resale down the line.
I'm visiting NZ next year so I could always drive it down for you Discovery 4 HSE
SDV6
2015
7th Apr 2015 10:05 am
alecps
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
I'm sure the small river crossing wouldn't be an issue for a Disco
Good to point re the speedo units. I had thought about it but not from the point of view of resale. I wonder if it can easily be swapped for a local version.
Aside from the VAT gotcha and the effect of salt, it doesn't sound like there are many problems. Are UK car yards generally upfront about maintenance, condition etc, or would it be worth having a local LR expert take a look? Thinking way ahead now.
7th Apr 2015 7:47 pm
Hofoa
Member Since: 17 Aug 2012
Location: Wellington
Posts: 9
Imported a Disco (a 4 and then a 3) twice from the UK but not sure if it is worth it now - UK prices are holding up and NZ ones falling. Highly recommend Joe Steele from McCullough's in Auckland who can handle everything for you (including sourcing the vehicle in the UK) - you won't save anything doing all the compliance etc yourself (I know as have done both). Very strongly recommend an Autosure warranty - it will cost you over a grand but as any Disco owner knows a $1000 bucks goes very quickly on these vehicles when something goes wrong (which it surely will ...)
13th Apr 2015 9:41 am
alecps
Member Since: 06 Apr 2015
Location: Auckland
Posts: 7
That's very helpful thanks!
Yeah, prices I see on trade me arnt always bad for high mileage (200k km+) diesel examples, just not many come up! When the time comes it might not be worth the hassle, but I'll note down the name you've given. Sure will make lube easier.
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