2008 Rav4 Usa Basic Model

[notonuksoil]

Hi

we are living in the usa at the moment and bought a new 2008 rav4 in November 07

we plan to be here for at least 2 years before moving back to the UK

i would like some opinions if you think it would be a good idea to bring back to the uk, and if you think we would be able to sell it in the UK

the spec is slightly different to those available in the uk, firstly we need to get rear fog lights fitted and a few other minor alterations as it is a left hand drive

spec (forgive me but i'm not a car person and i'm female! so am just copying this from the sales invoice)

year and model 2008/4432A

pacific blue

2.4 liter

4cyl engine w/VVT-i

4 speed ECT automatic transmission

elec on demand 4WD 4WD manual lock

17' steel wheels w/full whl cap P225/65R16

black roof rails and crossbars

daytime running lights

50/50 split and stow third row seats that fold flat (i know this option is not available in the UK)

i await your opinions

thank you

[chatman]

Hi

we are living in the usa at the moment and bought a new 2008 rav4 in November 07

we plan to be here for at least 2 years before moving back to the UK

i would like some opinions if you think it would be a good idea to bring back to the uk, and if you think we would be able to sell it in the UK

the spec is slightly different to those available in the uk, firstly we need to get rear fog lights fitted and a few other minor alterations as it is a left hand drive

spec (forgive me but i'm not a car person and i'm female! so am just copying this from the sales invoice)

year and model 2008/4432A

pacific blue

2.4 liter

4cyl engine w/VVT-i

4 speed ECT automatic transmission

elec on demand 4WD 4WD manual lock

17' steel wheels w/full whl cap P225/65R16

black roof rails and crossbars

daytime running lights

50/50 split and stow third row seats that fold flat (i know this option is not available in the UK)

i await your opinions

thank you

Welcome to the club notonuksoil (unusual tag name ;) ;) )

Being a left hooker you wont get as much over here...But as it's a seven seater and probably the first that will bee a good selling point. Also the UK dont get the 2.4 either so again a bonus....

I'm sure the dealers will be able to service it no problem, being a Toyota and all....

May cost a bit to get it shipped over though....Used to work near a garage that specialised in importing Mustangs...used too :drool: each time I went too and from work..never ventured in to find out the actual costs....After seeing the Transformer movie...makes me want a bright yellow one.... :eek:

[bothwell_buyer]

I guess the major advantage would be to folk who'd like a left hand drive for touring Europe - and so would be attractive to those living down south? Or even selling in Europe?

Also for someone pulling a caravan in Europe - ideal!

[Parts-King]

Difficult getting part numbers/parts for USA spec cars, no dealer holds the discs to part number them up!

Kingo

[notonuksoil]

thanks for the replies

i'd not thought about the advantages of selling to someone who travels to europe.

i have spoken to our local toyota dealer in the UK, the service manager was more than happy to look after the car, and as long as we supply him with the VIN number before we move the car to the UK he says Toyota will not have a problem with parts etc

we have had quotes from shipping comapnies and its not as expensive as people would think $950 (+taxes) from New York to southampton seems a bargin to me :D

[allycomet]

Hmmm. 2.4 litre. I would also consider bringing back a petrol tanker.............preferably full!! :D :D

[Parts-King]

thanks for the replies

i'd not thought about the advantages of selling to someone who travels to europe.

i have spoken to our local toyota dealer in the UK, the service manager was more than happy to look after the car, and as long as we supply him with the VIN number before we move the car to the UK he says Toyota will not have a problem with parts etc

we have had quotes from shipping comapnies and its not as expensive as people would think $950 (+taxes) from New York to southampton seems a bargin to me :D

Sorry to disagree with the service manager, but we dont hold the discs for USA vehicles in the UK. Whenever we need info on USA specs, it takes ages to get hold of. I'm sure there will be no problem with servicing and many parts will be the same, but it is something you should be aware of

Kingo

[druand]

Check all lighting regulations, all front facing running lights must be white, all rear red, all indicators orange and repeaters on side of front wing, brake lights separate from rear light and rear fog as you know, Also car will need a goverment inspection (SVO) before the end of 6 month period. If your car has latest technology wiring system these modifications can be difficult. There are garages in UK who specialise in preparing imported cars for SVO test.

I am 3 years retired from garage but that was basic requirements then.

All the best and welcome to club.

[notonuksoil]

Hmmm. 2.4 litre. I would also consider bringing back a petrol tanker.............preferably full!! :D :D

i guess its a good job we didn't go for the 3.5-Liter V6 option then :P