Challenger SRT or Camaro SS

Challenger SRT or Camaro SS

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rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Wednesday 20th January 2016
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I've always been a VAG man, and after recently selling m S8 V10, I am a bit bored with them, and fancy a change. Been looking at M3/5, AMG's etc, but always fancied some American muscle, but never thought I'd be able to get one, until I saw the prices on American eBay.

For £15-18k, plus import duty, VAT, shipping, I am in 911 997 territory or C6 RS6 money, but I keep looking at the Challenger SRT and the Camaro, just such awesome looking beasts, and something completely wow.

Is a personal import worth doing on these? I have looked at the cost on shipmycar, and it quickly adds up. There's certainly not many Challengers around in the UK, and only 2 or 3 Camaros.

Which is the better car out of the 2? Both very similar looks wise, but the Challenger a little more expensive, and I prefer them if I'm honest.

Are there any UK forums recommended that I can look at for info?

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Thursday 21st January 2016
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LuS1fer said:
The Challenger is far more old school muscle and, in terms of handling, the Camaro will be the far superior car but is often criticised for a "turret" outlook.

If you can live with 2 seats, the Corvette should be your first port of call.

As for costs, figure on paying the following:

Cost of the car and a USD "Carfax" to check it isn't dodgy (like HPI)
Shipping costs and marine insurance in case the boat goes down - roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) is cheaper and I have imported cars without issue this way.
Costs accrue "this end"
10% import duty based on purchase cost.
20% VAT on "cost plus duty plus shipping" and any handling fees this end including transporting the car to your home
IVA conversion (white sidelights, side repeaters, rear fog and orange rear indicators where not fitted - if sequential, these are not permitted under UK law)
IVA test
Registration and first year tax (about £230)

It is not as attractive now as when I imported mine in 2004 at 2.2 dollars to the £.
There is no worldwide warranty on these imports, you're on your own. That said, after a succession of Corvettes and Camaros and currently a blown Mustang GT, I've never had an issue...at all, they tend to be quite bulletproof.

These days, you may not be much better off than buying one here in the UK that has already been imported, converted and registered.

All that said, I bought my first yank in 94 and would not entertain anything else. Cheap to tax, run and insure. Parts are easily imported.
Thanks for the info.

As the car will be a toy, I could live with 2 seats, but would like to enjoy it with the family also, so 4/5 seats needed.

Looking at the import mainly for choice of vehicles I suppose, but it does work out not hat much cheaper and a ball ache, so may have to rethink.

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Thursday 21st January 2016
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kapiteinlangzaam said:
Ive not driven a Challenger, but have recently driven both auto and manual (L99 vs LS3) Camaros and loved them, although for me the LS3 seemed much more characterful...

I was very impressed with the Camaro, and found it v. easy to get comfortable in the cabin. It drives just like you would expect a 430bhp RWD car should..... smile

Does is not make sense to buy an already imported car in Europe?

Something like this at 27k euro / 21k GBP + 300eur for a set of export plates and enjoy the drive back to the UK? Or is that far more expensive than bringing one in yourself from the US?

http://ww3.autoscout24.nl/classified/282954752?asr...
I think you're probably right on the face of it regarding the cars already imported.

Any other website recommendations for me to look at?

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Friday 22nd January 2016
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There's a few on eBay.com, not many, but there are some, the challengers are more expensive than Camaros.

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Monday 4th April 2016
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Still on the wish list, seems I might have to compromise on colour if it's a challenger, I really would love a Hemi Orange, but not spoils for choice, everyone seems to have black.

Just have to see what's about when I've got £ in hand.

Can't stop looking every day at these things, hope they live up to the looks!

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Sunday 17th April 2016
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Just been to an American car show, and that's not helped at all!!

Both Challengers and Camaros are stunning!!

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Tuesday 19th April 2016
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ed.dark said:
Ruf, where did you go? I've got the bug now I've had my orange supercharged SRT8 for a few months. Its is quite simply awesome!
Went Billing.

Some superb machines there.

rufmeister

Original Poster:

1,334 posts

123 months

Thursday 21st April 2016
quotequote all
Not yet.

Waiting on house sale to complete, couple of weeks or do, and I can step the search up a bit.