Importing a car from South Africa

couldntthink

I'll be in SA for a few months this year and last time I was there I saw quite a few things that I would like to get my hands on. And I definitely won't be driving it home!

Has anyone done it, or indeed imported from other countries outside Europe?

Any good referances for shipping companies?

Where would be the best place to find out info on regulations etc?

corktina

If you come across a Mk4 Cortina 3.0S could you get hold of the little reflectors from the front and rear valences please and the sun visor from the rear shelf....all thats missing from my one! (South Africa specific parts)

Of course a whole car wouldnt go amiss if you could squeeze it into your handluggage.

trasver

Hi there

Not into classic cars but saw your post from the main page.

I recently did the opposite and imported my Irish car (non classic) into South Africa. I shipped it with all of my household goods and can't recommend Stuttaford van lines enough. They took on all the tax issues etc and made it a painless process all the way. The car was picked up at my house in Galway and arrived in Cape Town a few weeks later.

Hope that helps

Simon

PaulK_CCI

Make sure in doing your 'sums' not to forget about the fact that when you import a car from outside the EU union (as in USA, SA, Australia but also countries like Switzerland!!) it will be liable for VAT @ 21% on the purchase value of the car PLUS all transport and carrying costs.
THEN, there is Customs & excise going over all of that @ 10%.

So on an expensive car, you might be looking at quite a hefty extra expense.

couldntthink

trasver wrote: »

Hi there

Not into classic cars but saw your post from the main page.

I recently did the opposite and imported my Irish car (non classic) into South Africa. I shipped it with all of my household goods and can't recommend Stuttaford van lines enough. They took on all the tax issues etc and made it a painless process all the way. The car was picked up at my house in Galway and arrived in Cape Town a few weeks later.

Hope that helps

Simon

How much did the shipping cost??

It's not really a classic as such that I'm after. Believe it or not it's a Nissan Champ that I want.

I used to meet a 07 D jetta on my way to work when I lived in Johannesburg and often wondered why it was still on Irish plates. He wasn't on holidays as he was always in rush hour traffic and always in much the same spot that I met him.
I will check out Stuttaford. Thanks Bru!

trasver

Sorry I don't know how much the shipping cost as work paid for it. I know a friend here brings in containers for about 1500 euro but don't know if that's the same kind of thing.

You've spoilt my idea that I'm the only Irish reg in SA!!! I do need to get it registered but don't have to until I get permanent residency which takes time...until then I'm immune from speed cameras!!

trevorbrady

PaulK_CCI wrote: »

Make sure in doing your 'sums' not to forget about the fact that when you import a car from outside the EU union (as in USA, SA, Australia but also countries like Switzerland!!) it will be liable for VAT @ 21% on the purchase value of the car PLUS all transport and carrying costs.
THEN, there is Customs & excise going over all of that @ 10%.

So on an expensive car, you might be looking at quite a hefty extra expense.

if he's going to be resident there for a few months would he be best to buy the car early, own it there for X months then bring it home to Ireland exempt from the duty?

OAOB

Cosy classics are a company in Dublin that have imported classic vw's from South Africa a few times, you could give them a call and they might be able to give you some info on it.

mk1esc

if i were you get the car sent to the uk for registartion etc...you can avoid paying some of the taxes impossed on you but the car would have to be pre 1980 i think to get away with it....never did it myslef but i know a guy who has brought in a few cars from the states and that is what he did...he made big money when selling them on....

one car would be the ford sierra to get hold of as they are very similar to a cossie but better

Daxklynsmith

been looking at the Ro-Ro option as well.

Esel

trevorbrady wrote: »

if he's going to be resident there for a few months would he be best to buy the car early, own it there for X months then bring it home to Ireland exempt from the duty?

Don't you have to be able to prove 12+ months residency (for non-EU countries) plus 6 months ownership and use to qualify for Transfer of Residence exemption?

Some nice cars in SA though! www.autotrader.co.za

Esel

e.g. Chevrolet 4.1

VW 411

I was searching for 1970-1980 autos up to R60,000 in price (approx. €6,300).