About to embark on a 6 month sabbatical across the pond and in house discussions include purchase of a VW for use there and subsequent ship/import to the UK. Purchase price cf shipping, duty and registration appears to be in our favour but would welcome advise on bear traps we may have overlooked.
@pkrboo @theBusmonkey Matt, Neil isn't this exactly what you guys did when you both bought your westies?
Neil did. I just lived out there and bought one to bring back. Well worth doing it but buy one from a dry state, so west coast, Nevada, California etc
Hi , have a great time guys, just be aware the rates are not so favourable at the moment and watch out for any hidden charges on imports. I have not done this myself but have talked at length to those that have. I'm sure somebody on here has ,and can fully advise.
Thanks all, pound / dollar rates not in the best of shape, and if I was to source a west coast vehicle this week it'd be a challenge to find it in the Californian forest fire smoke. Just trying to make use of opportunity and perhaps save a few pounds on what appears to be a bouyant UK market. Also, not seeking advice with a view to making a quick buck/euro later. Looking for a vehicle to enjoy on our return so no intention to push into wedding taxi market but may well end up bagging last space in that plum campsite you were hoping to visit next year!
The main thing surely is to know it’s cheaper than you can buy one here for so I’d check the market here for one already imported maybe?
Sounds like you're being realistic. We bought in 2008 when the rate was 1.96 Those were the days! Prices have risen dramatically over the last 10 years in line with the falling exchange rate so dealing dollars is not so easy. We went with a view to holiday, travel and then sell on but fell in love as you do and ended up shipping the bus back to Europe. I think if you go over with that attitude and see where the journey takes you then all will work for the best, either way! You'll need a US address to register the vehicle to for the title and insurance. This is an old thread but may give a bit of inspiration if you haven't seen it before. http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/chip-the-all-american-bus.30973/ Go for it, life's a journey....
I imported mine from the states, done a couple from Canada and had quite few splitscreens from Brazil, give me a pm if you need any help in bringing one back. Enjoy your trip.
I’ve imported /exported a bunch of vehicles. From the states. Buy in Florida . Close to the port , huge market . Great deals .desperate sellers .low prices .
Remember that there is not really an equivalent of the MOT or any testing at all in some states, so a bus that is in running order can be really bad in UK MOT terms. Check that the paperwork allows you to buy it- does the person selling it have the title. At least California has smog tests that mean the vehicle should have all the stock parts fitted to pass.
Florida used to have safety /smog inspections. But what happened was there was a big scam that the inspectors would fail it and then mechanics rip people off. They were kind of working together in some ways. Lots of poor people couldn’t get inspections. If you could not get an inspection. Your insurance with lapse after a month or so and your registration would be suspended. And in turn your drivers license would be suspended.Then you would get caught by the police. Pay the big fine etc. etc. etc. The only inspection you need is when you buy a used car. Or a car from another state. The inspection is they check the numbers on the title. That’s it.so my motorcycle for instants which is registered in Florida. I need no inspection. I need no insurance for motorbikes only .only if I have health insurance of $25,000 or more. If the police stop me they won’t even ask. ,I do buy motorcycle insurance. Anyway. As also I travel out of state. And if someone hits me they usually have some horrible basic coverage.And I never really wanted to explain to a cop. that I don’t need insurance and his state .The downside to this is. You see so many pieces of junk driving around. And the highways are littered with scrap metal.
