importing a non-Eu spec RX-8
Discussion
Could really do with some advice from the collective. My parents are returning to the UK from Cyprus and really want to bring their '03 RX-8 with them. Its worth sod-all in the current cypriot economy and they really like it. Problem is it was an import from Japan before Cyprus joined the EU so is non-Eu spec. VOSA have been very helpful in advising what needs doing to give it the thumbs-up, two issues are it needs a rear fog (easy to do) and the digital speedo reads in Km/H which needs changing to mph.
I understand later models had a switch for this purpose but ours doesn't.
The local Mazda dealers were...erm...evasive, to say the least; unable to tell me if a speedo switch is a simple software change or needs oily bits replacing. Apparently because its a Japanese import it could be "unpredictable". FFS sake, surely these cars are built to standard specs? I refrained from stating the bleeding obvious i.e it IS after all a Japanese car company.
So upshot is despite having the model number, chassis number and year of manufacture the local Mazda dealer cant/wont tell me if changing over the speedo is simple and cheap, or complex and expensive, until the car is seen, by which time its a bit late.
Anyone had experience of this?
I understand later models had a switch for this purpose but ours doesn't.
The local Mazda dealers were...erm...evasive, to say the least; unable to tell me if a speedo switch is a simple software change or needs oily bits replacing. Apparently because its a Japanese import it could be "unpredictable". FFS sake, surely these cars are built to standard specs? I refrained from stating the bleeding obvious i.e it IS after all a Japanese car company.
So upshot is despite having the model number, chassis number and year of manufacture the local Mazda dealer cant/wont tell me if changing over the speedo is simple and cheap, or complex and expensive, until the car is seen, by which time its a bit late.
Anyone had experience of this?
This type of thing is tricky for dealers. Manufacturers don`t help and generally aren`t really interested in imports. None of the franchises I`ve ever worked at have any such information available for dealers regarding how to modify imports for UK use. Don`t assume its an easy fix ~ it maybe but equally it may not. You need to contact an import specialist who deals with these issues regularly.
The dealer was evasive as in all probability he has no info and no access to anything relevant. Cars are built to comply with the legislation/emissions regs/climate etc for their intended destination. I`ve seen imports that have issues that are not easily solvable such as cars from tropical countries whose cold start systems don`t work in our climate. Cars only built in LHD so no RHD headlamps have ever been produced. Sorry if this sounds a touch negative but don`t blame the dealer ~ its not that he won`t help,its almost certain he can`t.
The dealer was evasive as in all probability he has no info and no access to anything relevant. Cars are built to comply with the legislation/emissions regs/climate etc for their intended destination. I`ve seen imports that have issues that are not easily solvable such as cars from tropical countries whose cold start systems don`t work in our climate. Cars only built in LHD so no RHD headlamps have ever been produced. Sorry if this sounds a touch negative but don`t blame the dealer ~ its not that he won`t help,its almost certain he can`t.
The kph to mph switch should just be a software change as if I can change it with a button its in the software some where.
The rear fog light may be a bit more expensive as it is located in the black bit between the exhausts. So if they have a rear diffuser it will need changed for the UK/europe diffuser. Hopefully the wiring loom has the wires on it for this. The rear fog light is activated by the same switch(same idea as the wiper speed switch on the other side) as the front fog lights on the light stalk on the steering wheel.
The rear fog light may be a bit more expensive as it is located in the black bit between the exhausts. So if they have a rear diffuser it will need changed for the UK/europe diffuser. Hopefully the wiring loom has the wires on it for this. The rear fog light is activated by the same switch(same idea as the wiper speed switch on the other side) as the front fog lights on the light stalk on the steering wheel.
thanks for the advice chaps, perhaps I was being a bit harsh.
I now have a fairly good idea of what VOSA want but the sticking point is getting any sense out of a dealer in terms of pricing. they just wont engage in conversation because its a Japanese import.
Suspect it may be better for parents to cut their losses.
I now have a fairly good idea of what VOSA want but the sticking point is getting any sense out of a dealer in terms of pricing. they just wont engage in conversation because its a Japanese import.
Suspect it may be better for parents to cut their losses.
speak to marc at www.topspec-imports.com
done all the SVA/IVA on a few cars i know,
ps stay away from main dealers, the minute you mention import they start getting out their big calculators
done all the SVA/IVA on a few cars i know,
ps stay away from main dealers, the minute you mention import they start getting out their big calculators
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