I WANT a Solstice
Discussion
Yep, you heard it right, I want a Pontiac Solstice.
(here's one)
However how on earth would I get one imported over here? Let alone doing it for around £7,000 or less.
I love the way they look, the engine seems pretty strong yet not too heavy on fuel and I'd be the talk of the area driving around in one as I've never seen one in this country. Any ideas on who to contact or how I could get my hands on one of these curious little cars?
(here's one)However how on earth would I get one imported over here? Let alone doing it for around £7,000 or less.
I love the way they look, the engine seems pretty strong yet not too heavy on fuel and I'd be the talk of the area driving around in one as I've never seen one in this country. Any ideas on who to contact or how I could get my hands on one of these curious little cars?
I would look at two other options.
The Saturn Sky is the sister car and looks better, to my eyes.
If you agree, then it came to Europe as the Opel GT - you often see them in Spain and the Canaries so you should be able to source one in the EU.
The Saturn was an adaptation of a Vauxhall design, the Solstice was styled by a woman
Your budget would have to be around £10500 though:
http://www.autoscout24.de/Details.aspx?id=25451509...
The Saturn Sky is the sister car and looks better, to my eyes.
If you agree, then it came to Europe as the Opel GT - you often see them in Spain and the Canaries so you should be able to source one in the EU.
The Saturn was an adaptation of a Vauxhall design, the Solstice was styled by a woman
Your budget would have to be around £10500 though:
http://www.autoscout24.de/Details.aspx?id=25451509...
Edited by LuS1fer on Sunday 3rd August 13:35
Malachimon said:
I've seen base model Solstice cars going for around $8-10k which equates to less than £6k already, shipping and legalisation shouldn't cost more than a few thousand should it?
Also I did say Pontiac Solstice, not Saturn Sky as while it's a good car, I'd rather have the Pontiac.
I looked on US ebay and they are considerably more than that. The Auctions are nearly £8k.Also I did say Pontiac Solstice, not Saturn Sky as while it's a good car, I'd rather have the Pontiac.
However, for planning sake, the shipping/insurance is about £1000 then you have to pay 10% import duty on what you paid for it and 20% VAT on the total plus shipping. Once done, you have to get it SVA'd if it is under 10 years old and then registered and taxed.
In that respect, an Opel GT is done and dusted re SVA and VAT so all you'd have to do is drive it here and register it.
Downside is that the VEL would probably be higher (dependent on year) as it will have an emissions rating (which the imported US car won't).
LuS1fer said:
In that respect, an Opel GT is done and dusted re SVA and VAT so all you'd have to do is drive it here and register it.
Downside is that the VEL would probably be higher (dependent on year) as it will have an emissions rating (which the imported US car won't).
I like the Opel but I still prefer the Pontiac and would rather have that, even if it's more effort Downside is that the VEL would probably be higher (dependent on year) as it will have an emissions rating (which the imported US car won't).
We had one of these as a rental car in Florida when they first came out. It drove well enough but didn't feel particularly rapid. Interior space was laughable with no storage space at all, luggage space in the shallow boot is useless as well, there is a big bump in the centre above the diff.
The car is so tiny that your eye level is the same as the hubs on truck wheels, making you feel very vulnerable, I am sure it would be better on UK roads but it would still be LHD and cramped though.
We swapped it for a "proper" car after 3 days, I would have kept it but only because it stopped my wife shopping to excess.
The car is so tiny that your eye level is the same as the hubs on truck wheels, making you feel very vulnerable, I am sure it would be better on UK roads but it would still be LHD and cramped though.
We swapped it for a "proper" car after 3 days, I would have kept it but only because it stopped my wife shopping to excess.
kev b said:
We had one of these as a rental car in Florida when they first came out. It drove well enough but didn't feel particularly rapid. Interior space was laughable with no storage space at all, luggage space in the shallow boot is useless as well, there is a big bump in the centre above the diff.
The car is so tiny that your eye level is the same as the hubs on truck wheels, making you feel very vulnerable, I am sure it would be better on UK roads but it would still be LHD and cramped though.
We swapped it for a "proper" car after 3 days, I would have kept it but only because it stopped my wife shopping to excess.
I owned a Smart Roadster with a small boot for two years, I think a Solstice wouldn't be an issue plus LHD is only a problem when overtaking really. The car is so tiny that your eye level is the same as the hubs on truck wheels, making you feel very vulnerable, I am sure it would be better on UK roads but it would still be LHD and cramped though.
We swapped it for a "proper" car after 3 days, I would have kept it but only because it stopped my wife shopping to excess.
One here for £13,500. Maybe knock them down to £12k but I doubt you'll get it for £10k
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C527651
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C527651
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