Driving to UK
#16
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 99
Re: Driving to UK
Thanks guys for your help, it seems to have developed into a useful thread, pleased to see that i am not the only nutter considering this :-).
So i guess 'must own the car for six months' would not be a problem, i would purchase a car which i can import with minimum fuss, any make/model recommendation(s)?
So i guess 'must own the car for six months' would not be a problem, i would purchase a car which i can import with minimum fuss, any make/model recommendation(s)?
#17
womble
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,675
Re: Driving to UK
Thanks guys for your help, it seems to have developed into a useful thread, pleased to see that i am not the only nutter considering this :-).
So i guess 'must own the car for six months' would not be a problem, i would purchase a car which i can import with minimum fuss, any make/model recommendation(s)?
So i guess 'must own the car for six months' would not be a problem, i would purchase a car which i can import with minimum fuss, any make/model recommendation(s)?
Must have real spare wheel rather than sparetire can thingy :thumb down:
Common enough that if something breaks down en route most garages would be able to fix
Small enough you would want to drive it in the UK
Something that follows these requirements
it needs to comply with EEC regulations, but you can by-pass this with the same regulations as kit-cars, but you might get a Q plate, which buggers the resale. Look up National Type Approval regulations. It's something like 500 of each model type can come in to the UK, but you have to piss about with emisions, and arse about with catalytic converters.
#18
Account Closed
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 0
Re: Driving to UK
I'm so jealous. I've done some European road trips with my Dad but this would be epic.
Good luck.
Good luck.
#19
Re: Driving to UK
Big enough to carry your shit.
Must have real spare wheel rather than sparetire can thingy :thumb down:
Common enough that if something breaks down en route most garages would be able to fix
Small enough you would want to drive it in the UK
Something that follows these requirements
Must have real spare wheel rather than sparetire can thingy :thumb down:
Common enough that if something breaks down en route most garages would be able to fix
Small enough you would want to drive it in the UK
Something that follows these requirements
#20
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 99
Re: Driving to UK
Shit will be shipped so no need for Big enough
Agree
you really narrowed it down
Like it says, requirements can be by-passed
Like it says, requirements can be by-passed
#23
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 99
Re: Driving to UK
so it seems that volvo is the way. I guess Volvo probably comes close to meeting the regulatory requirements without too many changes! Would there be any tax/duty implications for importing the vehicle?
#24
Re: Driving to UK
My off the cuff comment was for you to acquire one of Emirates Airlines' cast offs.
They've used a fleet of Volvo estates for as long as I remember.
You are in Qatar though?
However thinking about it the XC60 that Original Sunshiiiine has suggested is a great call.
From a discussion I had with a Volvo salesman in Abu Dhabi many moons ago the cars sold in the gulf are good for Europe - this was a supposed USP against other manufacturers - may be ballspit.
They've used a fleet of Volvo estates for as long as I remember.
You are in Qatar though?
However thinking about it the XC60 that Original Sunshiiiine has suggested is a great call.
From a discussion I had with a Volvo salesman in Abu Dhabi many moons ago the cars sold in the gulf are good for Europe - this was a supposed USP against other manufacturers - may be ballspit.
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 547
Re: Driving to UK
You might need to buy a new set of headlights for UK use (if the beam is directed the wrong way) - you cannot use deflectors long term. Some cars with halogen lamps can, however, be used without conversion on both left hand and right hand drive roads - not sure if that applies to Volvos, though.
#26
Re: Driving to UK
The only downside with taking a Volvo for this trip is that you would then have to drive it in the UK.
#27
Soupy twist
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,271
Re: Driving to UK
On the contrary, it's no problem at all and there's a thriving specialist market for exotic LHD imports, with the emphasis typically on classic American cars.
The Gulf is the only place I've heard of where it's actually illegal to drive a car with the wrong "handedness".
The Gulf is the only place I've heard of where it's actually illegal to drive a car with the wrong "handedness".
#28
Re: Driving to UK
You can drive a wrong handed car in the gulf. You register them as classic in Sharjah.
#29
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 99
Re: Driving to UK
so it seems volvo it is then, have no problem driving volvo in uk, not bothered with the badge at all, as long as car is reliable and easy to maintain then its fine by me. Question is how to source a good volvo here, perhaps Swedish embassy :-)
It seems no issue with importing the car either (taxes etc), that's a relief, the tricky bit would be to organise the route, that will be challenging.
It seems no issue with importing the car either (taxes etc), that's a relief, the tricky bit would be to organise the route, that will be challenging.