Volvo XC60 T5(2014) Importing from Japan

[itssmallstuff]

Guys

I'm considering importing a low mileage Volvo Xc60 T5 from Japan to UK London. I'm aware of costs etc.

My question is about IVA test, since it is less than 10 years old. Do anyone have experience of what modifications would be mandatory for the car to pass the IVA test please?

a. The odometer reads Kmh. Would IVA fail if it wasn't changed to mph? I'm going to change the facia just that, need to know if this must happen before IVA

b. From the port of Southampton, could I drive the car to Purley (south London) where I live (and also have MOT test booked?)

c. Is it okay if MOT is done before IVA?

d. Any similar experience of importing EU car from Japan?

Edited by itssmallstuff on Monday 13th March 14:32

[bolide]

Many import cars come in via Southampton docks. There's a company on the dockside that does IVA tests, radio prep, fog lights, speedo changes, etc. I'd start there. They are inside the dock gates so the cars don't have to go on the public road

[Monaro5.7]

Hi.

I have a XC60 T6 that was imported last year for me by a company in Newcastle called BHP Imports. I Gave them the spec i wanted with a budget and they surpassed what i wanted, The imported it did all the work needed to get the car on the road and services it and delivered it for a small fee.

You should contact them and speak with Andy or Baz give them your spec price and they will find you the car.

If this help my car is ULEZ compliant and cheaper on tax than a UK spec car.

Just a warning tho importing a car means something won`t work like on my car the Sat Nav & the TV tuner but its not then end of the world. as i got the car so much cheaper than a UK spec car.

[Krikkit]

itssmallstuff said:

a. The odometer reads Kmh. Would IVA fail if it wasn't changed to mph? I'm going to change the facia just that, need to know if this must happen before IVA

Yes you'll need mph for the IVA. If it was over you'd be able to get away without it.

itssmallstuff said:

b. From the port of Southampton, could I drive the car to Purley (south London) where I live (and also have MOT test booked?)

You could, but you wouldn't have a numberplate for it iirc, so a bit of a risk.

[itssmallstuff]

bolide said:

Many import cars come in via Southampton docks. There's a company on the dockside that does IVA tests, radio prep, fog lights, speedo changes, etc. I'd start there. They are inside the dock gates so the cars don't have to go on the public road

That's great to know. Would be fantastic if it can all be sorted before getting on road... Although I guess, the first drive home after IVA/MOT would be without number plates on.

The guy importing uses Flexistove port and shipps multiple cars in containers owing to RoRo delays. Now I hope he is okay with Southampton

[itssmallstuff]

Monaro5.7 said:

Hi.

I have a XC60 T6 that was imported last year for me by a company in Newcastle called BHP Imports. I Gave them the spec i wanted with a budget and they surpassed what i wanted, The imported it did all the work needed to get the car on the road and services it and delivered it for a small fee.

You should contact them and speak with Andy or Baz give them your spec price and they will find you the car.

If this help my car is ULEZ compliant and cheaper on tax than a UK spec car.

Just a warning tho importing a car means something won`t work like on my car the Sat Nav & the TV tuner but its not then end of the world. as i got the car so much cheaper than a UK spec car.

Yes, BHP imports do certainty come with ton of recommendations... I'll consider them next time probably

I've got a eye on 2012-2015 T5 RDesign on mind 2000cc (just so they are a bit easier on fuel). 2014 RDesign, grade 4, with 40k miles with sun roof was coming at 11.5k on road, all in

[sjg]

Yes, you need MPH speedo for IVA. Not needed if it's over 10 years old and getting MOT. As it's a newer car sold around the world you may be able to switch in the instrument cluster.

I had mine transported up to me, insured it with Admiral on the chassis number and drove to and from it's MOT. Was going to go down to Southampton but a train ticket, day off work and the risk of it not starting (dead battery is common after they've been sat for months) meant getting it transported seemed a better option.

IVA is fewer places and there can be wait for tests, so I'd be inclined to get someone near the port to do it instead.

[7heGeneral]

Where are you sourcing the car from? I too was considering an xc60 albeit the newer one & am also looking at other suv type cars. Any links you wouldn’t mind sharing where i could have a browse?

Thanks

[itssmallstuff]

BHP imports (Google them) are most commonly recommended.

I used ChatGPT to find few recommended Japan based exporters .. got an account with USS Ninja portal and with Japan car direct LLC.

The reason it's best to get someone in UK import it for you is that they can get it in a shared container with their other cars... Quicker and cheaper(can be) than waiting for months for a RoRo shipping booking to become available

Matthew Wallis(MW PRESTIGE IMPORTS)
is another guy who has been recommended a few times also who I'm currently using... So far so good!

[Monaro5.7]

7heGeneral said:

Where are you sourcing the car from? I too was considering an xc60 albeit the newer one & am also looking at other suv type cars. Any links you wouldn’t mind sharing where i could have a browse?

Thanks

Yeah you can register with bhp giving you access to the auction sites. You can also give them your spec of car and they will find you one and give you a price for it on the road.

I went for 2010 XC60 T6 they had for 10K but lost out on it as it was sold when i decided i wanted it. They came back a few weeks later with a 2015 XC60 T6 with Polstar upgrade & it was just a few ££££ more than the one i originally went for.