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Manual Cars / or Vehicle Import

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  1. #1

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    Manual Cars / or Vehicle Import

    Hello. Two questions, related but not necessarily so:

    One
    I want a new manual vehicle. Yes, they're a dying breed, yes modern auto-gearboxes are just as if not more efficient etc... don't really need to play out those arguments here.

    I took a look at the BMW 118i yesterday, of which a limited stock of manuals will be imported this year. The Mrs wasn't a huge fan (too low, she's tall)... but option is still on the table given limited choice. I recall Mini also imported a small batch last year, as with Suzuki Swift.

    Mercedes A-class, VW Golf... both w/ manual options abroad, not available in HK. Ditto for Mazda 3. Called up agents: they won't even bother importing for you if you put an order.

    Not interested in fancy sports cars or huge behemoths: < 1500cc is perfect, but <2,500cc acceptable. For reference: currently drive a Mercedes B200, but i'm not beholden to Benz.

    Any suggestions? I could always mull a recent second hand manual, with certain models only recently axed locally, but my better half not a huge fan of used vehicles either. That leads me to:

    Two
    Does anyone know anything about car importation?

    I've scoured the web, seems actual shipping fee is cheap (e.g. £750 for a shared container), and then there's the admin costs... but if I buy an A-200 from the U.K., claim back 20% VAT, then pay the FRT in Hong Kong... with a buffer for misc. admin costs and BS, I estimate it would be no more than a brand new A-200 from Zung Fu... AND i'll get a manual. (But of course no warranty).

    Is there anything i'm not taking into consideration here? Or any reason it's a terrible idea?


  2. #2

  3. #3

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    Surprised at the comment on the 118i being too low... clearly it will be compared to a B class, but I struggle to believe it'll be discernably different to an A class. A quick Google tells me the total height of the car is only 6mm less than the merc. Silly question, but was the seat set high and/or did it have a sunroof? Latter can definitely rob headroom.

    I'd really really struggle to swallow paying the new car premium and getting no warranty... If really willing to go to all that trouble then probably worth considering bringing over a model that isn't available here at all?

    garychopper likes this.

  4. #4

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    How about an Audi A3 (or other model)? There's still plenty of manual Audis in production and the A3 meets your engine size requirements and is a respectable executive car.


  5. #5

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    ... a Trabant might be fun to own!!! Incidentally i'm not a fan of car computers excessively trying to override the driver.

    With the 118i being too low... the Mrs commented it was like "falling into" the car to get in. Probably not too dissimilar from the A Class, or many other cars for that matter, but I guess we've been too used to the form factor of the B. On the other hand, i'm not a fan of SUV's or anything larger. Clearly i'm being too picky.

    And wanting a manual too!

    Quote Originally Posted by aw451:
    How about an Audi A3 (or other model)? There's still plenty of manual Audis in production and the A3 meets your engine size requirements and is a respectable executive car.
    Yes, would be happy with the A3... unfortunately also not sold in Hong Kong so can consider the import route, but not sure that would be a wisest decision hence keen to hear if anyone's done it.

  6. #6

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    From @carbrokerhk website


    ​Most franchised dealers, there are exceptions, will not accept an import car for servicing or repairs. There are however specialists in Hong Kong who have up to date diagnostic systems, access to parts and the ability to provide a quality service for even the most prestige cars. We can assist you with arranging servicing or repairs and also make arrangements to both collect and return your car from your home of place of work making your life easier.
    https://www.carbroker.com.hk/import/
    tparker likes this.

  7. #7

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    just get an e39 m5 and call it a day

    Quote Originally Posted by tparker:
    ... a Trabant might be fun to own!!! Incidentally i'm not a fan of car computers excessively trying to override the driver.

    With the 118i being too low... the Mrs commented it was like "falling into" the car to get in. Probably not too dissimilar from the A Class, or many other cars for that matter, but I guess we've been too used to the form factor of the B. On the other hand, i'm not a fan of SUV's or anything larger. Clearly i'm being too picky.

    And wanting a manual too!



    Yes, would be happy with the A3... unfortunately also not sold in Hong Kong so can consider the import route, but not sure that would be a wisest decision hence keen to hear if anyone's done it.

  8. #8

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    Hah yeah I don't like much about SUVs but have ended up owning one here (after getting really wound up by the total lack of taxis on a rainy day in 2018 and buying the first car we saw advertised that looked reasonable). The lack of senior noises being made getting in and out is definitely one of the perks!

    Understand the desire for a manual, but I must say I'm now won over by the modern auto for the most part. A bit less direct control but you definitely adapt to it and start to factor the lags and shift behaviour into your inputs. And there's always the sequential mode if you don't like cooking your brakes down every hill!


  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Peaky:
    Hah yeah I don't like much about SUVs but have ended up owning one here -snip-

    Understand the desire for a manual, but I must say I'm now won over by the modern auto for the most part. A bit less direct control but you definitely adapt to it and start to factor the lags and shift behaviour into your inputs.
    Have decided to pass on the 118i... my B200 feels spacious by comparison and isn't even that old. It may seem a silly 'downgrade' just for a manual gearbox. I'll just keep my eyes open for other options as and if they become available in coming years.

    Living on Lantau, my B200 gearbox is too slow and frustratingly stubborn; I end up driving in manual mode anyways. However I miss a clutch.

    No rational reason perhaps, no more than anyone needs to own an uncomfortable Ferrari or Aston Martin... at least that's what I tell the wife, that I don't need to rationally justify it.

  10. #10

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    Update: Mini do accept MT orders. They are made to order, but at least they're willing to do it (unlike other dealers I called who weren't interested).

    No coincidence, given Mini now BMW anyways and they share the same dealer.

    So my problem is at least solved for now, and an FYI for anyone else looking for an MT car! The i118 is a bit small for me, but thankfully Countryman can be MT too.