Importing Question

[Psylentzer]

Hey team, I've a question for you lot.

I've been looking at importing for some time now, and have done an extensive amount of research around the processes of it. I'm wanting to import a 01-06 STI, knowing that it isn't going to be able to comply to the exhaust emission standards. I contacted NZTA regarding this, enquiring if there was a way to get the exhaust certified or anything like to get it legal on the roads. Well, two weeks later, I finally heard back from them. They gave me two options:

- Contact Subaru NZ and find out, if the emissions in fact, won't comply. If otherwise, it can be used as proof to gain compliance

- Fill an application for exemption regarding exhaust emission compliance, then supplied me with this form: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/32862/VCUEF-11-Application-for-exemption-from-land-transport-Rules.pdf

I'm curious if there is anyone here (or know of anyone), that has applied for exemption of exhaust emissions. I mainly just want to know what of the chances of it being granted, as I wouldn't want to be left with a lemon when it arrives. I understand that, the chances of the progress playing out as I would like it to, are very slim, but I can't really ideally see anything for sale that I'm wanting in NZ.

If there is anyone here that could be of help, I'd love to hear from you - can supply the full email they sent to me aswell.

Thanks a lot in advance

[awd.club]

Hey mate, I used to import vehicles from Japan and you will need to have a very good reason as to why you would want to have an exemption made to the land transport rules with regards to importing a vehicle that will not comply under the current emissions standards. The general rule is for the vehicle to have a 3 letter emissions code to gain compliance (eg. ABA, CBA, DBA), generally cars manufactured after 04-05 are compliant but there are still some types that won't comply so need to keep an eye out when importing. Cheers. Paul

[Psylentzer]

Yea, had a wee read about the emission codes, and the change of law from 2012. I'm guessing, only the Hawkeyes will have the only chance of the 3 digit emission code. I've been using CarWebs, to view and potentially import the car through. On their FAQ section, they state about the compliance of vehicles and how they guarantee that every vehicle listed will be complied, at their cost. Will the exhaust emissions fall under this?

'-

At Carwebs we guarantee the compliance of your car. We have robust check systems in place to ensure that any car you import through us is compliable under New Zealand standards. If, however, your car arrives and it does not pass the compliance test, we will cover the costs needed to get it up to the condition for it to pass the compliance WOF test. The only thing we don’t cover is the cost of new tires, batteries and brake pads/rotors. however we can source these for you at wholesale prices.' - http://carwebs.co.nz/faqs/

The other question I had in regards to the emission codes, is the where I can read this on the non-translated auction information sheet.

Thanks once again. I know it is probably going to end up at a dead end, but I'm wanting to import something with low Kms, that I can start from fresh. I understand, that won't be a good enough reason for the exemption of compliance either hah.

[Percy]

The emissions code is the letters before the model code, so on that sheet they are "GH" before the "GDB", which probably wont comply as its not a 3 letter code.

[Cptpugwash15]

Cant you by-pass emission rules if you try comply under specail interest vehicle? Im also trying to find a clean gc8

[Psylentzer]

I think in regards to the special interest, the only vehicles are the likes of; 22b, S201, etc. I'm wanting to pick up something with about 60,000km on it. Just so happens, that it is far cheaper aswell to import.

[Scoobydoo]

Have you asked these questions of Carwebs? I'm sure they are probably in the best position to answer such questions.

[lachlan]

In 5 years all this stuff will get in coz 20 years old . All the effort and value will fall out of it

[GC8E2DD]

 Psylentzer said:

I think in regards to the special interest, the only vehicles are the likes of; 22b, S201, etc.

Any Type R should comfortably qualify.

[loner]

I've seen RAs on TM that have been bought in under the special interest umbrella as well.