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Importing
Ever considered importing a Spider to the UK? Here's how we did it...
Why, you may ask, did I decide to import in the first place? Well,
having trawled through several UK magazines and websites, it became
apparent that a) there aren't that many Spiders for sale in the UK and
b) they seem to be more expensive over here than the rest of Europe. But
the *real* reason is that while surfing around, I saw a little yellow BS
called "Vitamientje" for sale in Belgium....and it was love at
first sight... |
Step 5
We almost die of shock as Vity falls off the back of the trailer on the
way to the garage - I kid you not...
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Step 9
Made it! Back at the ferry terminal
safe and sound...
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Step 2
So, having identified a Spider, I suppose the next step is to find out
as much as you can about her. I was fortunate in that the seller
(Gerrie) was really helpful - she uploaded numerous photos of the car on
her website, sent
windows media clips of her in action (the car that is) and mailed me
scanned documents. If you're still interested at this stage, go to Step
3... |
Step 6
Then
we see the garage - about 8 rusty old Volvos knee-high in grass parked
outside...not looking promising. Turns out the mechanic is the father of
the bloke with the part and we go off to collect the new fuel pump. The
new pump is fitted and she starts first time! So we're off for a drive -
until I notice petrol spewing out by the rear nearside wheel...
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Step 10
The ferry arrives at Hull and I pray to the Weber gods that she
will start first time - my prayers are answered. The sun is shining and
she drives home fine. Now the boring bit - sorting out all those
documents. The first thing you'll need is an MoT I'm afraid. And poor
old Vity's been in a week or so while we source a new ball joint. It's
now arrived and the Certificate is hopefully being written out as I
type. Get the MoT centre to write the Certificate out on the VIN/chassis
number rather than the registration plates because you'll get a new UK
registration soon... |
Step
3 Ok, so you've decided to take the plunge! How do you get the
Spider from A to B? I went by ferry as a foot-passenger and booked the
return crossing with a car. You'll also need to arrange insurance and
find out in advance, what documents you'll need to register the car in
the UK. Ask DVLA to send you an information pack... |
Step 7
Vity's
up on the ramp and we find a perished fuel line. A new length of hose is
fitted and does the trick. So we're off for a drive - and this time we
make it. And now I'm really in love with her...You can call me
mad for even thinking of buying at this stage but at least she's got a
new fuel pump and I've had a good look all round her on the ramp... |
Step
11
And that's it - not for the faint-hearted. I suppose there are
easier ways of importing and I believe there are a number of companies
who will do it all for you. But it's certainly more exciting my way!
Last but not least, join an Owner's Club such as
Fiat Motor Club (GB) |
Step 4
This is where it all goes pear-shaped...I arrive at Zeebrugge and meet
Gerrie and Vitamientje but all is not well. She'd left her lights on
overnight and had a flat battery. A chap from P&O Ferries reckons
the fuel pump is shot as well and we start to panic. The local Fiat
dealer has the part but can't fit it until next week. We find a garage
who can and poor little Vity is towed away... |
Step 8
No more problems and the deal is done. I pay by International
Money Order - ask your bank about this and check that the seller's happy
with payment this way - it's safer than carrying a lot of cash. |
Checklist
Arrange
method of payment eg. IMO
Arrange
transport
Arrange
Insurance
DVLA
information pack for first registration
Check
seller has foreign log-book equivalent
Receipted
invoice as proof for DVLA |
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