Anyone with experience of importing a car to HK?

HKNewBi · 18-02-2006, 06:47 AM

Hello forumfolk

Does anyone here have hands on experience of importing a car to HK? I have recently left my car with a shipping agent in the UK and the car should be arriving here in the next couple of months.

I have a few questions, mainly regarding the documentary evidence required for the calculation of First Registration Tax and also for work required to pass the local vehicle inspection.

I would appreciate a bit of advice if someone can help. I have read all the govt web pages regarding this and spoken to the local Automobile Association but it has left a few questions unanswered.

Thanks

MaxWonga · 18-02-2006, 08:55 AM

Just out of interest, what made you decide to bring your car to HK ?

Used cars in HK are usually cheaper than the UK

I know the emission testing used to be quite expensive.............but that was almost 10 years ago

HKNewBi · 18-02-2006, 09:25 AM

A few reasons:

1. I was offered space in a container to get it over here.

2. It has sentimental value and being over 20 years old gets around the emmission tests.

3. Having paid a small sum for the car and having owned it for 14 years, the first registration tax for the car is, oddly, actually very cheap. For the car itself it works out at $400 but need to calculate the tax on the shipping and insurance costs and any work needed to get it past the inspection.

4. Being a classic, the insurance costs were very cheap - under $900.

5. Having a small engine, the yearly license costs were very cheap too.

6. I live in a remote village in south lantau. Nearest bus stop is 30+ minutes walk away, depending on time of day (there is a short cut but can only be attempted when it is light).

7. If I tax it for Lantau only, I get a 75% discount on the road tax. I never drive to HK, takes 1 hour and costs about $200 in fuel and tolls.

I need a cheap runabout just to get me to the ferry and back. In light of all the points above, it worked out cheaper than buying some old banger here and it means I don't have to get rid of the car!

jimbo · 18-02-2006, 09:35 AM

Would of been cheaper and less hassle to get a mountain bike or even a scooter!
Oh and also chances are it will get damaged during shipping and will spares be readily available?

HKNewBi · 18-02-2006, 09:40 AM

Lantau is pretty hilly to say the least. Not really possible to ride up 2 very steep hills in a suit to get the ferry in the summer!

Also not really convenient to try to get home with visiting friends, shopping or the kids on a bike or scooter. Every spare required for the car can be bought online from the UK with worldwide shipping so that isn't an issue.

And besides, why not?

MaxWonga · 18-02-2006, 01:18 PM

Ok, be interested to learn how you get on with the emission test,
I was involved with the sale of 350 non registered vehicles here for the British forces prior to the handover, probably 10 or less ended up on the roads of HK as it wasnâ€™t worth the hassle getting them registered and tested

Max · 18-02-2006, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by HKNewBi:

A few reasons:

1. I was offered space in a container to get it over here.

2. It has sentimental value and being over 20 years old gets around the emmission tests.

3. Having paid a small sum for the car and having owned it for 14 years, the first registration tax for the car is, oddly, actually very cheap. For the car itself it works out at $400 but need to calculate the tax on the shipping and insurance costs and any work needed to get it past the inspection.

4. Being a classic, the insurance costs were very cheap - under $900.

5. Having a small engine, the yearly license costs were very cheap too.

6. I live in a remote village in south lantau. Nearest bus stop is 30+ minutes walk away, depending on time of day (there is a short cut but can only be attempted when it is light).

7. If I tax it for Lantau only, I get a 75% discount on the road tax. I never drive to HK, takes 1 hour and costs about $200 in fuel and tolls.

I need a cheap runabout just to get me to the ferry and back. In light of all the points above, it worked out cheaper than buying some old banger here and it means I don't have to get rid of the car!

Okay....this has gotten me curious....what exactly is the make and model if this 'cheap runabout'

HKNewBi · 20-02-2006, 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by MaxWonga:

Ok, be interested to learn how you get on with the emission test,
I was involved with the sale of 350 non registered vehicles here for the British forces prior to the handover, probably 10 or less ended up on the roads of HK as it wasnâ€™t worth the hassle getting them registered and tested

You can apply for an excemption if the car is over 20 years old.