General Have any of you imported a Panda to the UK? Experiences?

[benabbiopanda]

Hi there,

I've been living in the Lucca region of Italy up until recently and I've moved back to the UK to have a baby and settle in an English speaking country, as I don't speak Italian well and Italy is - beautiful but mental.

Basically, I've been doing a little research on my transfer of residence and it appears cars older than 10 years old are easy to import, even as left hand drives - so I'm basically considering importing my little 1997 (beautiful) Panda 4x4 into Blighty.

I was just wondering what people's experiences have been on sourcing parts in the UK, and also if there are any hidden costs or factors that one might be discouraged by having known them before importing. I believe I pay no import tax on a Transfer Of Residence application.

This sounds like sacrilege too but has anyone done a LHD RHD conversion here in the UK? Are there any specialists?

Thanks so much for your time, and I hope to see you at a meet or out on the road!

 

[The Panda Nut]

Im not an early Panda expert but as 0 replies thought I would respond so you feel wanted. There are lots of Panda 1& 2 owners on here and I have not heard any horror stories re parts. A simple web search will reveal a number of good suppliers. Take a look at www.Gov.uk and DVLA websites for importing info. I dont think there should be impossible barriers.You will need to do a RH drive job on the lights for an MOT. An early car may have adjustable lights new ones need RHD lamp units.

 

[andyholli]

I was just wondering what people's experiences have been on sourcing parts in the UK, and also if there are any hidden costs or factors that one might be discouraged by having known them before importing. I believe I pay no import tax on a Transfer Of Residence application.

This sounds like sacrilege too but has anyone done a LHD RHD conversion here in the UK? Are there any specialists?

Some parts are getting harder but between us we can usually find everything at the moment. RHD headlamps are a challenge but a couple of bits of tape will get you through the MOT.

You're right about ToR but HMRC and the DVLA need to talk to each other before you can get a UK reg. number and V5 issued so that may take a while but the forms aren't too complicated. Maybe start early and be as patient as you can.

Personally I wouldn't convert it. - Brake pedal to master cylinder set up is compromised in RHD cars and they're so narrow it only moves the driver across a little bit. Judging gaps/reaching to pay tolls occasionally is all part of the fun and quite easy compared to a conversion.

Welcome.

 

[binhoker]

i have done a conversion. its here, https://www.fiatforum.com/threads/panda-4x4-lhd-to-rhd-conversion.440423/ i had a donor rhd car and still needed extra parts bigger job than i expected when i started, for exampled, i changed the wiring loom.

 

[Bubble Trouble]

Hi there,

I've been living in the Lucca region of Italy up until recently and I've moved back to the UK to have a baby and settle in an English speaking country, as I don't speak Italian well and Italy is - beautiful but mental.

Basically, I've been doing a little research on my transfer of residence and it appears cars older than 10 years old are easy to import, even as left hand drives - so I'm basically considering importing my little 1997 (beautiful) Panda 4x4 into Blighty.

I was just wondering what people's experiences have been on sourcing parts in the UK, and also if there are any hidden costs or factors that one might be discouraged by having known them before importing. I believe I pay no import tax on a Transfer Of Residence application.

This sounds like sacrilege too but has anyone done a LHD RHD conversion here in the UK? Are there any specialists?

Thanks so much for your time, and I hope to see you at a meet or out on the road!

Just back on the FiatForum after a couple of years 'mincing about' working etc. I have a Fiat Seicento..kind of jealous that you have a 4X4 but love these great cars..My Seicento is from Spain its over 10 years old etc. I'm going to be going through the same process so will be following any progress with interest and also will bounce in with any advice I can give etc..