Date:         Thu, 16 Jul 1998 15:02:11 -0400
Reply-To:     DavidM <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         DavidM <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Organization: .
Subject:      Re: Importing a Vanagon from South Africa etc.
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Reinhold, Matthias wrote:
>
> Has anybody ever looked into the possibility of importing a Vanagon from
> South Africa?
> What are the problems other than that the whole vehicle is 'mirrored'?
> What about a T2 Bus from Brasil?
> Or how about EuroCampers from Germany (not to talk about the
> EuroSynchro)?
> Any other thoughts?

Here are my thoughts (somewhat pessimistic):
Assuming you mean buying a new vehicle, the cost would be high, since
you would have to pay for the vehicle, plus shipping, plus import and
customs duties. You might also have complications in registering it.
Then where would you get spare parts? I assume many parts would be
different to the models over here.
Also, there would be no warranty in the USA even though you would pay
for it in the price.
You might have problems insuring it, since it would not be listed in the
insurance companies records.
What about fuel requirements and emission controls, do they still use
leaded gas in SA? Would it pass an exhaust emissions check?
I would imagine it is possible, but you would have to be a true VW nut
to do it and the expense and trouble might not be worth it.