Advice for first time buyer (importing)

someyoungfella

Hi folks-

Long time reader first time caller... etc.

About 2 hours about I became a vintage car owner. The fulfillment of a boyhood dream, I am now the owner of a 1966 VW Karmann Ghia. I bought it through eBay for, what I consider, a smashing price.

The reason I am posting here (and it's only half about boasting) is that, although I have done plenty of research (~5 years) into the car pros/cons etc etc, I still found myself in shock when, after a nerve-wracking eBay auction, I was looking at a screen saying "You have won this item". After the initial euphoria I suddenly thought, "Oh Christ, what have I done? What do I really know about bringing a classic car into the country?". Unfortunately I hadn't done all that much research into the procedures for importing to Ireland.

The car is based in London, so I plan to drive over with a mate or the misses in the next couple of weekends, pick up the car, and take it home via Holyhead? What could be simpler (I say telling my brain to shutit)? I would really love some advice from people that have done this before. Common pitfalls, gotchas, etc. In the morning I'll ring my insurance (FBD) and see what I need to do to get the ball rolling. Is there anything else, pressing, I should consider prioritising?

Thanks in advance for your help. For those interested, here's a link to the car incuding pics and description:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Karmann-Ghia-1966-long-MOT-/230734826524

carchaeologist

Twasnt cheap! I presume you havent seen the actual car before you bought it? Insure it and drive it home, it will be a fun trip. Just remember that you will have another 200 quid of VRT to pay on top of the 6K you paid for it.

Marcusm

Look over in the motors forum for lots of discussion of tax and insurance for people importing by driving over. Your life will be easier if the car s currently taxed in the UK. Also print off the guide on DVLA.gov.uk to show to the UK seller that he must give you the complete V5C ad send only a letter to DVLA in Cardiff, not any part of the form.

Bigus

Well done and welcome to boards.

I see its taxed and tested til Nov 12 so once you get insurance sorted you should drive it home no bother.

Because it's in London I would consider Pembroke or Fishguard to Rosslare as it makes your uk journey a lot shorter.(from London)

I don't think its too dear for what it is.

So the only thing holding you back is ryanair , Go for it. Just don,t try and keep up with the outside lane get in behind a fastish truck/coach and relax at 60 mph.

Also if your stopping for rest park it facing downhill on a slope in case of difficulty re starting. Many's an old yoke that will start easy on a bump in 2nd gear with the ignition lights on as against stubbornly refusing on the starter.:)

bijapos

Good tip from Marcusm on bringing a print-off of the DVLA rules, most UK sellers won't be aware of them.

You have to tell the VRT crowd within 24 hours that you have it in the country. Keep the ferry receipt and any petrol receipts that you have just in case they dont believe you!

Well wear with the car, I've always liked them.

corktina

Make sure you have recovery on your insurance or join the AA in case of breakdowns.

I've done it dozens of times and never really had any problems.

johnf2020

I did it few times when I had the time, and it always made a great road trip.The last car I looked at it from a financial point of view and I felt it made more sense to have it collected. NVD have good rates at the moment. If you take flights, fuel, food, ferry and your time I don't think there is any saving,,,,,but if none of that bothers you then enjoy the trip. There is something emensely satisfying about bringing your own car home:)

MidlandsM

johnf2020 wrote: »

I did it few times when I had the time, and it always made a great road trip.The last car I looked at it from a financial point of view and I felt it made more sense to have it collected. NVD have good rates at the moment. If you take flights, fuel, food, ferry and your time I don't think there is any saving,,,,,but if none of that bothers you then enjoy the trip. There is something emensely satisfying about bringing your own car home:)

I'd not recommend NVD for bringing home a classic, regardless of how good a rate they give.....cheap for a reason.

Plus getting NVD (or any anon car trans co) to pick up a car without eyeballing it yourself prior to purchase is asking for trouble........mental actually.

hi5

MidlandsM wrote: »

Plus getting NVD (or any anon car trans co) to pick up a car without eyeballing it yourself prior to purchase is asking for trouble........mental actually.

He's already bought it,thems the rules of ebay:)

MidlandsM

hi5 wrote: »

He's already bought it,thems the rules of ebay:)

yes i know, but it has to be "as" described as per the ebay listing, so I'd be bringing a print out of the listing with me, and making sure all was right and proper and declared.

Dades

Yaay. Roadtrip!

Forget driving over - fly over and drive to the ferry.

Take pictures, please.

(Also - congrats!)

someyoungfella

Thanks for the replies, folks. Great advice, all duly taken onboard. @carchaeologist: I agree; not exactly cheap, however, it feels slightly easier to part with the cash given it's a RHD, rust-free specimen with a new(ish), big-bore engine; rarer and rarer these days. And besides, can one really put a price on attaining the car you've dreamed about owning since you were a teenager? Evidently yes, about 6k.

Like I've been telling my misses, it's just as valid as buying shares in Apple. And no, she did not buy that either.

I'm actually flying to the states for a two week business trip on Sunday, so going to try and get my return flights changed to London. All going to plan I'll pick it up and drive it straight home.

MidlandsM

and you believe it to be totally rust free from some pics of the interweb and a nice seller on the phone? Madness...........but good luck to you.

someyoungfella

Thanks for the post, MidlandsM.

MidlandsM wrote: »

and you believe it to be totally rust free from some pics of the interweb and a nice seller on the phone?

Yes and No. I believe that the car was imported to the UK from SA in 2002. As such I expect its rust levels to be in and around similar cars with that history, a number of which I have seen. Undoubtedly, buying the car without inspecting it in person is a risk. No denying that. But it's a calculated risk. I figure even if the pictures aren't as accurate as they appear, and the seller isn't as genuine as he seems, and the car's description isn't accurate, I will be payment protected from PayPal under "Item Not as Described" rules from eBay.

Ultimately I don't foresee this happening, however, so I'm quite happy to risk the hassle and the cost of the flight home to pick up a very specific car at a price that I have not seen in Ireland.

Perhaps in a month, I'll be back here lamenting the fact that I've been conned and that MidlandsM was right. I guess that's another calculated risk I'm willing to accept.

Bigus

MidlandsM wrote: »

and you believe it to be totally rust free from some pics of the interweb and a nice seller on the phone? Madness...........but good luck to you.

All because its south african, so much less chance its rotten,

I don't think its dear with that fresh big bore engine and all the other work done.

Dades

someyoungfella wrote: »

Ultimately I don't foresee this happening, however, so I'm quite happy to risk the hassle and the cost of the flight home to pick up a very specific car at a price that I have not seen in Ireland.

Perhaps in a month, I'll be back here lamenting the fact that I've been conned and that MidlandsM was right. I guess that's another calculated risk I'm willing to accept.

I've bought 3 cars unseen (Canada, France and UK) and only got stung once (the first time, and I still loved that car). That said, I was younger, had disposable income and could afford to take a loss when moving on. The second two cars I got (still driving one) worked out great.

You've taken a punt, and I really hope it works out well for you.
The next time you'll know a lot more about old cars (from experience) and you'll be in a better position again to get a good one.

Carpe diem!

MidlandsM

someyoungfella wrote: »

Thanks for the post, MidlandsM.



Yes and No. I believe that the car was imported to the UK from SA in 2002. As such I expect its rust levels to be in and around similar cars with that history, a number of which I have seen. Undoubtedly, buying the car without inspecting it in person is a risk. No denying that. But it's a calculated risk. I figure even if the pictures aren't as accurate as they appear, and the seller isn't as genuine as he seems, and the car's description isn't accurate, I will be payment protected from PayPal under "Item Not as Described" rules from eBay.

Ultimately I don't foresee this happening, however, so I'm quite happy to risk the hassle and the cost of the flight home to pick up a very specific car at a price that I have not seen in Ireland.

Perhaps in a month, I'll be back here lamenting the fact that I've been conned and that MidlandsM was right. I guess that's another calculated risk I'm willing to accept.

I'm hoping you'll not be back saying i was right blah blah blah, its not about that.

I'm just inforrming you (and anyone reading this)as to what happens with unseen untested internet purchases.

ASSUME nothing.

I transported home cars from the uk often on my truck for people, and sometimes I'd be shocked by the utter scrap people would buy unseen over ebay, and the rose tinted glasses they'd wear staring at the screen........and then the faces on them when I'd land their purchase to their door.....just thread carefully fella........but good luck........sounds like you are on top of it.

aujopimur

bijapos wrote: »

Good tip from Marcusm on bringing a print-off of the DVLA rules, most UK sellers won't be aware of them.

You have to tell the VRT crowd within 24 hours that you have it in the country. Keep the ferry receipt and any petrol receipts that you have just in case they dont believe you!

Well wear with the car, I've always liked them.

You have 28 days to pesent it for VRT.
Make an appointment with NCT for VRT.
You will need the following-
Car.
UK MoT.
I.D.
Purchase receipt.
Ferry or haulier receipt.
PPS no.
€200.
You may or maynot have to pay on the day, depending on whether or not they have a code for your car.
They probably will have a code as this type of car has been registered before, in this case you will pay, and get your new reg. on the spot.
Get your no. plates and tax and enjoy.

carchaeologist

aujopimur wrote: »

They probably will have a code as this type of car has been registered before, in this case you will pay, and get your new (bastardised) reg. on the spot.

:P

corktina

aujopimur wrote: »

You have 28 days to pesent it for VRT.
Make an appointment with NCT for VRT.
You will need the following-
Car.
UK MoT.
I.D.
Purchase receipt.
Ferry or haulier receipt.
PPS no.
€200.
You may or maynot have to pay on the day, depending on whether or not they have a code for your car.
They probably will have a code as this type of car has been registered before, in this case you will pay, and get your new reg. on the spot.
Get your no. plates and tax and enjoy.

not quite. You have seven days to make and appointment and thirty to complete the process.

f4fay

Holyhead all the way .....I've done this trip quite a few times in the past....Fly over and collect it and just take your time on the way back...give yourself plenty of time to get to the boat!!! I normally stay in Chester on the saturday Nite and make a weekend break out of it and it gives you breathing space as you are not rushing to the boat....Enjoy the Adventure if you need any other advice P.M Me.

Marcusm

Not sure what part of Ireland you're in but I'd generally prefer the Holyhead ferries over Fishguard/Pembroke. SatNavs etc will probably direct you to the M1 from London north but I generally prefer the M40 despite the fact that I'm closer to the M1. M1 amongst other things has a fairly long speed restricted area (50mph) where it's being widened. Likewise, the M6Toll is generally worth the £5 if for no other reason than you can open up the car on a fairly empty road.

Trip up to Holyhead from London is 300 miles from South London and can be done in 5 1/2 hours if you limit your stops to fuel, toilet and quick food. Holyhead ferries at noon(x1), 2pm(x2), 5pm(x1) and 2am(x2).

If you reckon you'll be tired from nursing the old car over or have a distance to travel on arrival, book one of the slow ferries and get a cabin.

stackerman

Agree, with whats advised before.
I flew over with my 7 yr old son, and we had a ball. Great road trip, and great fun. Just don't be tempted to rush it. We flew into London traveled to the car and left London before rush hour. DONT get caught in it, it's a pain in any car, but a classic :eek:
We drove half way, stayed over and did some special things for him. Then to the ferry the next day, again no rushing. Cabin on the lateish ferry then home.
It really is a memory you'll keep with you, as long as you don't rush it.
I would also advise two other things
-don't go one your own, always better to share
-sign up to the AA, cheap and they have to get you home if they can't fix. Great back up, ESP when you never really know what you've bought

Well wear !!

corktina

re AA, make sure you specify "recovery" (rescue plus I think it is.) otherwise they will just take you to a garage if they can't fix it.

(Great service, but ,i think, slowly dying in this age of Insurance cover recovery.)

GG66

I've brought 3 cars over, once delivered and twice driven.

It was nice seeing my car roll off the back of my truck from ebay and saved me a couple of days of travel time and worked out about the same in cost. I had the car AA pre-checked as a condition of purchase on a "buy it now" so I was assured it was as described.

the other two times I collected and have to say it's a wonderful experience, taking my new car on a road trip. Highly recommended :-)

I also rerouted a trip from my 2 week holidays through the UK to collect and my advice is that you give yourself a nights rest in London before you hit off or at least try to plan it that you get some rest sleep along the way. my trip was to the west of Ireland and it's too much to do in one go after a long flight.

I don't believe you're cr. card insurance covers second hand cars and I expect PayPal is the same. I don't recall exactly but I know I checked this and have a strong sense (poor memory) that this is the case. So I don't know if it's feasible for you to walk away if there are "issues" with it..

You have desired the car for a long time, you've made the plunge. I hope it turns out to be everything you expect and you enjoy it for many years..

deckie27

best of luck on the journey back just take it easy.
a lot of new aircooled owners cook the engine on the first run up a motorway.
The "big bore" engine in it has thinner cylinders walls meaning less heat dissipated than standard.
If the dipstick handle is to hot to hold your driving to hard.

Pop over to eircooled.com for advice on things and where to source the missing parts.

Enjoy.

stackerman

Hope you didn't pick this weekend to travel to the UK :eek:

Would love some snow myself

Kenny Logins

Looks like a good buy, congrats.

I'm lazy, I have mine delivered.

someyoungfella

Wow! I'm so happy I decided to ask for advice here. Such useful information and tips, thanks a bunch, everyone. I'll definitely put your suggestions to good use. I plan to head over the week after next, so will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

deckie27

someyoungfella wrote: »

Wow! I'm so happy I decided to ask for advice here. Such useful information and tips, thanks a bunch, everyone. I'll definitely put your suggestions to good use. I plan to head over the week after next, so will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

How was the drive ?

aujopimur

Happy motoring.

mattroche

Hello all you classic car bods, I have been bringing cars from the U.K. for many years. I would make the following suggestions. If you are buying on E Bay, only go for " Returns Accepted" as I have found that a lot of cars are far from what they are discribed as. I have found that getting involved in an auction is a bit of a waste of time. I have confirmed a bids with only 2 seconds left, and I still lost it. Now If I see a car that I like, I E Mail the buyer, and tell him that I am an Irish buyer, but will not get involved in an auction, but if he would like to give me his selling pricr I will consider it. If he refused, leave him your Phone No. and ask him to call you if he does not sell it. A lot of bidders are not genuine, they give false Mob. No and the seller cant get in touch with them. I have bought several cars by this route. I always use the southern route, Pembroke - Rosslaire, leave London about 07.00 stop around Cardiff for an hour, and get to the ferry about 13.00. No rush, no high blood preassure. Always make sure that you keep you ferry ticket, you will need that to clear the car for V.R.T. I have had cars here several months before I cleared them, and had no problem, this may be different at other N.C.T centres, I dont know. I always try and buy a car that is taxed and M.O.T., it saves a lot of hassle. If you are doing this on a regular basis, A.A. membership is very important, have Roadside Assistance, and RELAY, you need this with old cars. It costs about E250. p.a. Anyway Happy Motoring, I think you have a brillant car!!

corktina

to win on ebay you need Cniper I think.
It will put in your bid AT the closure and unless some effer does the same with a higher bid, you will get it.

Kenny Logins

You just need to bid more than them, that's all...

macplaxton

corktina wrote: »

to win on ebay you need Cniper I think.
It will put in your bid AT second(s) before the closure

Fixed that for you. You could of course do it manually. I've managed a 0 second snipe before :cool:

Dades

I've got some good snipes in my time. It's a very satisfying thing.

Especially when you beat someone who hasn't even bid on the item and is trying to snipe themselves. Hate those feckers.

someyoungfella

Hi all,

Sorry it's taken me so long to post an update on my introduction to classic car ownership.

I'm delighted to say that the car is now in my garage, safe and sound.

I flew to London early one Saturday morning a couple of weekends ago. Having made my way to Wimbeldon, the transaction itself was delightfully straightforward. Having already paid, the only negotiating taking place was that of London traffic. The car was exactly as described, and I was pretty happy with myself as I stuttered out onto the road. Once I'd gotten the hang of the 50 year old gear box I was laughing. The car is ludicrously easy to drive, and with the sunken driving position, it is a surprisingly comfortable ride.

I had booked a 9pm sailing from Holyhead and was on the M1 by about 12 noon. I took it extremely easy the entire way, soaking up every wave up and turned-head.

I made it to the ferry at about 7:30 and rolled off just after midnight. Driving the short distance home through Dublin city, in a 1966 Karmann Ghia was something else. I felt like the 18 year old I'd always wanted to be. Like at any moment, Phil Lynott was going to open the passenger door and slide in.

All in all, it was a great experience, hopefully the first of many.

Thanks, all, for the great tips and tricks, they most definitely made this a much more achievable task.

gravity10

someyoungfella wrote: »

Hi all,

Sorry it's taken me so long to post an update on my introduction to classic car ownership.

I'm delighted to say that the car is now in my garage, safe and sound.

I flew to London early one Saturday morning a couple of weekends ago. Having made my way to Wimbeldon, the transaction itself was delightfully straightforward. Having already paid, the only negotiating taking place was that of London traffic. The car was exactly as described, and I was pretty happy with myself as I stuttered out onto the road. Once I'd gotten the hang of the 50 year old gear box I was laughing. The car is ludicrously easy to drive, and with the sunken driving position, it is a surprisingly comfortable ride.

I had booked a 9pm sailing from Holyhead and was on the M1 by about 12 noon. I took it extremely easy the entire way, soaking up every wave up and turned-head.

I made it to the ferry at about 7:30 and rolled off just after midnight. Driving the short distance home through Dublin city, in a 1966 Karmann Ghia was something else. I felt like the 18 year old I'd always wanted to be. Like at any moment, Phil Lynott was going to open the passenger door and slide in.

All in all, it was a great experience, hopefully the first of many.

Thanks, all, for the great tips and tricks, they most definitely made this a much more achievable task.

Pics or it didn't happen

Best of luck with it. They are a beautiful machine.

Dades

gravity10 wrote: »

Pics or it didn't happen

Exactly!

No doubt you have a whole trip log for us.

corktina

its a great feeling when you do a deal like that, mostly on faith, and it works out.

I recall buying my late-lamented Taunus like that and being launched straight on to the M5(UK) in the rain in a LHD ..a bit scary, but boy was I happy!

Tigger

1st and only bid made with 19 seconds to spare
thats how you ebay

someyoungfella

Dades wrote: »

Exactly!

No doubt you have a whole trip log for us.

Not exactly a comprehensive log, I know. Here's a couple of shots I took with my phone, though. Will take some more pics next time I take it out.

1- Stopped for a sambo:


2- Waiting to board the ferry:

slapstick

very nice KG lovely wheels too Roystyles aka SA sprintstars. glad to hear the journey went well the motorways from london to fishguard can really take it out of old cars i`ve been stranded a couple of times making that journey.
have you been on eircooled.com ?