This is taken from the Vehicle Inspectorate homepage:


"The changes mean that all cars and light goods vehicles that have not been "type approved" for use in the UK (for example, those built for the South-East Asian or North American markets) up to 10 years old will be examined to make sure they comply with the current minimum design and construction standards. Vehicles over three years old will also have to pass an MOT test.

From 1 August the majority of non-type approved imported vehicles will have to meet the more demanding Enhanced SVA standards covering key safety and environmental aspects of vehicle design and construction, such as emissions, crash safety, brakes, noise, seat belts and their anchorage's and vehicle security provisions. However for anyone wishing to import several examples of the same specification, arrangements have been made to minimise the nature and extent of the examinations required. This will help independent dealers in particular and so improve consumer choice. "

Would this not suggest that from the 1st August Japenese Imports would be subject to the same tests as 'normal' EU/UK cars?

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rikki23:
<B>This is taken from the Vehicle Inspectorate homepage:

&lt;SNIP&gt;

Would this not suggest that from the 1st August Japenese Imports would be subject to the same tests as 'normal' EU/UK cars?[/quote]


There are different emissions rules for the SVA and MOT tests.

 

Aaahh, the plot thickens

I had a look on the DETR site and the VI site and I can't find an outline of the rules for the MOT or the section the guy from Supertyres showed me about 'Personal Imports'?

 

Did it look like this:

Personal Imports

The vehicle will be tested according to its age from first use. The only exemption to this is if the vehicle owner can present to the tester at the time of test a letter from the vehicle manufacturer stating that that particular engine as originally installed could not meet the equivalent British emission standards. If this is the case, then test to the next lower emission standard.
eg. A 1995 car first used in Africa has a letter from the engine manufacturer stating that the particular engine (engine number to be stated) cannot meet catalyst emission limits, then use the pre cat limits of CO 3.5%, HC 1200ppm.

 

Simon

I am pretty certain that that is the section.

Where did you find it? Do you see that it doesn't state anything about it applying to cars imported within the EU/already listed on the emissions database? I think that is why I am stuck?

 

So does this means that a 95 WRX like the one mentioned above (message from Ken E) cannot legally pass an MOT without a cat installed. How did his pass then?
A company like Scoobysport, GGR or Scoobymania may have all the answers for us on this (unless they don't do MOT's - not sure).
Anybody from such a company care to clear all this up?

 

So nobody actually knows for definite the answer to this question - Do all Jap import WRX's need a cat to pass an MOT legally in the UK?
From what I've read above it seems to be dependant on the garage carrying out the test either because of their interpretation of the rules or because they don't bother to try and follow them.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Rikki23:
<B>Simon

I am pretty certain that that is the section.

Where did you find it? Do you see that it doesn't state anything about it applying to cars imported within the EU/already listed on the emissions database? I think that is why I am stuck?[/quote]

In electronic format, everything is on here:

 

Sorry this comes a bit late in the thread.
I had the same problem a few months ago.
The rules state that if the car is on their list they have to test it as a uk car.
The trick is to present them with your V5. If they can not match the description on it to one on the list of the same age you are in luck and the standard pre cat test applies.
Luckily my car was registered as "2-axle rigid body saloon", which of course they didnt have on the list.

As for the lambda sensor, its about £50 from your local Partco and takes ten minutes to swap.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks again for all the info.

Ransj, as a matter of interest, how do you know that that section applies to EU imports/UK spec cars if it doesn't say so. I have no weight behind my case if I go back to Supertyres if it doesn't state this!?

 

Is an RB5 shown as a seperate car?? Does anyone know what it says on the LogBook?? Just wondering really, will have a look tonight...

 

Meanwhile........

My STi IV has had its first test today, and failed on "Natural Idle". The limit is 0 to 0.5 and it measured 2.54.

Now, arguments about whether or not it should fail on this aside, does this not point to a problem with the car somewhere?

The garage dealing with it are experienced with imports, and the car is completely standard.

 

Ransj, as a matter of interest, how do you know that the 'Personal Import' section applies to EU imports/UK spec cars if it doesn't say so? I have no weight behind my case if I go back to Supertyres if it doesn't state this!?

I still haven't spoken with someone or found one piece of evidence that I can show to Supertyres to convince them otherwise. I have had several conversations with people at Tyres Northampton and we still can't decide?

Ransj - really would like your response to the above as I am going to go back there later.

Also - how does the V5/log book thing help? Is it because the two axle/rigid body (?)description isn't on the database.

Whatever I say to Supertyres, the guy willl point to this Personal Import section - which doesn't specify it applies to importing vehicles listed on the database

Thanks
Rikki

 

OK guys - I found this on the link posted earlier:

 

Just want to keep it near the top because I am hoping for a swift reply from Ransj