First MOT on a Japanese import

[Yen-Pit-Sambar]

I imported a 1992 Subaru Sambar kei truck earlier this year and have been slowly tinkering and getting it ready for UK roads including rear fog, sidelights etc. Last step before sending off the V55/5 form and getting plates is an MOT certificate.

Problem is the bloke I’ve booked in with hasn’t tested a new import before and doesn’t know what readings he needs. Specifically he mentioned not knowing what “brake reading are required”. Anyone know what this guy might be after? Anyone else had any issues getting an imported car MOT’d because of this sort of thing?

Sorry if this is in the wrong spot, seeing as the guy was asking about brakes I thought this’d be the best spot. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[tapkaJohnD]

Never done this, but see: https://andrewsjapanesecars.com/japanese-import-ca...
John

[Yen-Pit-Sambar]

Thanks John, yeah this confirms that it should just be a normal MOT. I know the bloke is going to ask what readings he needs for the brakes when I show up and I won’t know how to answer him. Not something I’ve ever had to do on any car if had MOT’d before.

[D_G]

It's no biggie

He needs to register it as a new vehicle record and needs to input the VIN, make, model, non EU, colour etc

The vehicle weight for the brakes is on the export certificate and it'll have a normal mot brake test

[stevemcs]

Unless it’s permanent 4wd then it will be a decell test unless you want to sweep the diff up.

[Yen-Pit-Sambar]

D_G said:

It's no biggie

He needs to register it as a new vehicle record and needs to input the VIN, make, model, non EU, colour etc

The vehicle weight for the brakes is on the export certificate and it'll have a normal mot brake test

Thanks for this, I’ll relay the info to him. Sounds like it’s more simple than he thinks it is.

stevemcs said:

Unless it’s permanent 4wd then it will be a decell test unless you want to sweep the diff up.

It’s switchable 4WD so I’ll have to make him aware of the on/off switch!

Edited by Yen-Pit-Sambar on Thursday 3rd August 10:45

[Little Pete]

If possible with the 4WD, I would do a brake test in the rollers first. If three out of four wheels lock on the foot brake and both wheels lock on the handbrake, a brake test weight isn’t needed. If not, a decelerometer test is acceptable.