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So I've been quiet on here for a while, my 1.5D turbo project is on hold. I've been busy.
In January I was looking at importing a Kei car, my criteria for a new car was always going to be small and turbo. Nothing in Europe really excited me except from the VW Up! GTi. I placed an order for one of these cars as soon as the order books opened in February. 2 months ago I was informed the build week was going to be the last week in September. After initially being told it would arrive in June. A September build weeks means it would probably not arrive until nearly November.
So, I've cancelled my order with VW a few days ago.
For the same money I'm now importing a nearly new Suzuki Alto Works. Being a Kei it's only about 20cm shorter than the Up! So it's a similar size to what I was looking for and it's much better spec. If it wasn't for Shipping cost, VAT (20%), Customs and excise (5%) , converting from km/h to mph and IVA test, the car is a bargain. I won the car at Auction for just over 1.1M Yen which I think it about 7700GBP or 13500AUD.
My friends think I'm nuts, but I compared the specifications carefully before deciding to buy.
Alto Works as standard has:
Xenon Lights
Push button start
Recaro Bucket seats
Automatic Climate Control (Optional extra on the Up!)
A radio with a large colour screen
A turbo light that comes on when you're on boost
TCS system that you can turn off
to add to that, the car I've won at auction has the optional 4WD.
The import company is keeping it at their Garage just now, the ship leaves in 4 weeks. So the chances are it'll still arrive before my Up! would have arrived hahahaha!
The only downsides are the car is still 64hp and restricted to 140km/h, I plan to have these restrictions relieved shortly depending on the cost. My total cost should be about 15000GBP or nearly 28000AUD so it is a used car and costing a little more than the Up. A Brand new Works would have cost me 18000 in the UK.
So this is going to turn into my blog for this car. Clearly going to be very quiet until it arrives!
I've been asked loads what an IVA is. When you personally import a car into the UK the car must undergo an IVA test. (Individual Vehicle Approval) This is a test that makes sure the car you're importing conforms to minimum safety and emissions requirements. So I've bought a totally standard Alto Works because after converting the speedo the car should sail through the test with no other modifications being required.
Feel free to have a read of all the requirements if you dare https://assets.publishing.service.go...r-vehicles.pdf
In January I was looking at importing a Kei car, my criteria for a new car was always going to be small and turbo. Nothing in Europe really excited me except from the VW Up! GTi. I placed an order for one of these cars as soon as the order books opened in February. 2 months ago I was informed the build week was going to be the last week in September. After initially being told it would arrive in June. A September build weeks means it would probably not arrive until nearly November.
So, I've cancelled my order with VW a few days ago.
For the same money I'm now importing a nearly new Suzuki Alto Works. Being a Kei it's only about 20cm shorter than the Up! So it's a similar size to what I was looking for and it's much better spec. If it wasn't for Shipping cost, VAT (20%), Customs and excise (5%) , converting from km/h to mph and IVA test, the car is a bargain. I won the car at Auction for just over 1.1M Yen which I think it about 7700GBP or 13500AUD.
My friends think I'm nuts, but I compared the specifications carefully before deciding to buy.
Alto Works as standard has:
Xenon Lights
Push button start
Recaro Bucket seats
Automatic Climate Control (Optional extra on the Up!)
A radio with a large colour screen
A turbo light that comes on when you're on boost
TCS system that you can turn off
to add to that, the car I've won at auction has the optional 4WD.
The import company is keeping it at their Garage just now, the ship leaves in 4 weeks. So the chances are it'll still arrive before my Up! would have arrived hahahaha!
The only downsides are the car is still 64hp and restricted to 140km/h, I plan to have these restrictions relieved shortly depending on the cost. My total cost should be about 15000GBP or nearly 28000AUD so it is a used car and costing a little more than the Up. A Brand new Works would have cost me 18000 in the UK.
So this is going to turn into my blog for this car. Clearly going to be very quiet until it arrives!
I've been asked loads what an IVA is. When you personally import a car into the UK the car must undergo an IVA test. (Individual Vehicle Approval) This is a test that makes sure the car you're importing conforms to minimum safety and emissions requirements. So I've bought a totally standard Alto Works because after converting the speedo the car should sail through the test with no other modifications being required.
Feel free to have a read of all the requirements if you dare https://assets.publishing.service.go...r-vehicles.pdf
ive got a 1989 Alto Works RS/R on the way!
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