Originally Posted by
andy2577
I spoke to both J spec the other day and chalker
Chalker said that he couldnt import the Ecos unless it was the small turbo version fitted with a driver and passenger airbag .He advised that i would be better going for a personal import option to get it through
My EsCos is a small turbo, drivers airbag only, but was a personal import.
The governments own document says 92-97 so no restriction on version.
http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/182-00.htm
J spec however said that he had looked into it for me and said that the big turbo version due to the fact it ad no airbags would not be allowed in .....has nothing to do with the fact it has a bigger turbo it seems from what J spec told me that the issue is with the NON airbag ?
Have you removed the airbag ? Again if the car had no airbag from the factory in '92 then it would seem to be approved under sevs 182-00
Look through this site, and the agents listing. Phone numbers beginning with (07) are Queensland numbers.
http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/
When i spoke to the australian govenment they were very breif if there response as they said i would have to make a formal request into it via a (vehicle import applcation) and pay the fee before they would give me a concrete answer. They also said if they refused it then i could lodge a letter stipulating why i think it should be brought into the country.
If you spoke of your car as a Mk1 Escort then they may not have realised you meant Escort RS Cosworth. We have the original Mk1 Escorts here, some with Cosworth engines.
I'd suggest you speak to them again highlighting to them the car is under SEVS 182/00 and ask about personal import vs SEVS.
Reading the RVCS site linked above, a RAWS company would be easier than trying to do the process yourself.
It is starting to tick me off a bit as ive got my Ecos and 2010 Range Rover Autobiography which i would take out with me but i can only import 1 every 5yrs. So either i put one in storage for 5yrs or i sell 1 ? but on the face of it i stand more chance of importing my RR than the Ecos and to be honest ide rather sell the RR and import the Ecos.
Well the EsCos is approved under SEVS, the RR is not. But being personal imports both are eligible for personal import.
Also Chalker did mention in breif about the police being so on top with the modifications on cars and the slightest thing that looks out of place they will pull you and go over the car ...doesnt have to be anything special ...could just be alloys. He also mentioned dump valves are one big way to get the police's attention.
I am moving to Brisbane which is in Queensland
I've not had any issue with the police and the EsCos.
Yes dump valves that vent to atmosphere get attention from everybody, including police. Recirculating types aren't so attention seeking.