Help with importing a MK1 GTi from the UK

**dubstyle** · 06-06-2015, 10:38 AM

Hi everyone.

I'm considering importing a Mk1 Golf Gti from the UK.

I was wondering if anyone has done this and if there are any pitfalls that can be avoided.

I'm aware that you have to pay import tax and GST but on a car that is going to cost $6000 its going to be fairly minimal.

I know that Rust is a big no no, but I've found a clean example that has been dry stored for many years and has also had a fairly extensive restoration completed recently. I'm lucky that I have a mechanic friend in UK that can look over cars for me.

I've heard that rear seatbelts have to be fitted if they don't have them. I've also heard that they must have side intrusion bars in the doors.

If anyone has any advice or help I'd be really grateful.

Thanks

**Notso Swift** · 06-06-2015, 02:32 PM

Cant say too much but I am told you pay takes and duty on cost of car Plus Freight Pus Insurance and all that

Car basically needs to meet the ADR's of the time it was built
You are in Vic so if you go club plates for 25+ years can make a lot of stuff HEAPS easier, pretty much just needs a safety inspection (annually now)

**Hillbilly** · 06-06-2015, 04:58 PM

Remembering that Uk uses salt on the roads in the winter so car could be a rustbucket.

As far as importing is concerned you have to have all the import permits sorted before car leaves UK as if it arrives without full paperwork they may crush it or charge you to send it back.

No mucking around with them.

**dubsweeper** · 06-06-2015, 09:26 PM

If you want the golf road registered (not club) you will need to get signitories (adr) because it will be the first registration , so keep in mind you will need to have intrusion bars (2.5mm thickness ) 2 or 3 rear anchor child restraint points depending how many rear belts you have .
Orange tags on the belts and usual things like the rear demister is working , correct wheel size ...

Im currently getting mine done at the moment and have tried everything to avoid the mods ... im lucky to have had mine checked over and the guy let a few things pass.....

To be on club rego in western australia , we have to have the car registered before club rego !!! then you can get cheaper registration !

**Neilmk1gti** · 11-06-2015, 09:58 AM

I imported my GTI from the uk about 18months ago.

Steps
1 - Secure the car in the uk
2 - Gain import approval
3- Find a shipper - I used Taurus Logistics, pretty good, I had the car shipped dock to dock and it took 2 months I think( I was surprised how quick it was) The also handle custom clearance for me.
4 - Pick the car up from the docks - i got a permit from vic roads and drove it home - Still with the uk reg plates on
5- Meet ADR requirements and have it signed off. I used a guy recommended to me through the Volkswagen club of Vic, Hes called Bill from TorqueTalk automotive, Bill only certifies the car as ADR approved so you need the work doing else where. I can supply you the details of a workshop i used to meet my ADR requirements. 3 simple things I had to do, Child anchor points, side intrusion bars and the stick that says all the emission stuff on.
6 - Roady
7 - Rego, full rego or club permit.

Happy to talk through this some more if needed. Its not a hard process and this was the first time I had imported a car but be realistic, Buying the car, shipping, ADR, roady and rego will cost you $10k plus.