Hi everyone!

 

I moved to the UK from Hungary in November and my Octy is following me this Saturday. I'm importing it, of course. My following questions are:

1. Am I able to swap the LHD headlights with UK RHD ones, so that I don't have to use those uggo stickers?

2. Is it possible to replace the EU instrument cluster with a UK one?

 

My family and friends say that it would be easier if I just sold it and bought a UK one here, but they don't get that this car holds a special place in my heart and I just don't want to sell it

Thank you for your answers!

10 hours ago, ladislav_skoda12 said:

1. Am I able to swap the LHD headlights with UK RHD ones, so that I don't have to use those uggo stickers?

2. Is it possible to replace the EU instrument cluster with a UK one?

1. That depends on your headlights. Some models can be adapted from wrong hand to left hand dipping but others need replacing.
2. UK law demands that your speedo displays in mph. I'm not sure that you can do the adaption with a sticker.

You will, at minimum, have to have the car UK MoT tested, so why not talk to an MoT centre that suits you about the requirements?

If you are determined to import and retain your cherished car, I would swap the headlights and not bother with the instrument cluster, just be aware or mark off UK speed limits or equivalent Kmh on your speedometer. 

If you have the maxidot cluster then you can enable the second speed display and it will show a digital MPH.

Headlights are dead simple to swap and very cheap, its a shame because until quite recently I had my old RHD pair from where I converted my Octavia é, my last car, to LHD headlights, I sold the land my garage stood on so they went to the dump together with a lot of other stuff, no point in bringing them over to France with my tools etc.

to import the car once you have the headlight swap done you need to -

 

get it MOT tested

bring it to a DVLA Single Vehicle Assessment Centre where it is given a deeper going over than the mot in order to pay any import duties that may be due and then allow you get a UK registration plate for the car.

 

i know this as i looked into it when i was moving to Aberdeen for 2 yrs in Uni back in 08, so i have no idea on the cost now.

Edited 5 January, 20224 yr by mac11irl
typo

Are you sure about the SVA inspection assessing the vehicle for import duties?

 

Its been 20 years now since I regularly SVA'd vehicles but then as now it was about safety and conformity/compliance with EU and UK construction and use regulations, emissions etc.

 

In fact do vehicles with an EU certificate of conformity (available FOC from VAG) have to undergo an SVA test at all?

 

Unless it has been modified the only inspection would be for the headlights (MOT should cover that) speedometer markings for MPH and perhaps the position of the rear fog light.

Edited 5 January, 20224 yr by J.R.

double posting

Edited 5 January, 20224 yr by J.R.

Just now, J.R. said:

Are you sure about the SVA inspection assessing the vehicle for import duties?

 

Its been 20 years now since I regularly SVA'd vehicles but then as now it was about safety and conformity/compliance with EU and UK construction and use regulations, emissions etc.

 

its all of it from what i remember- safety, type approval and they would also assess it for any duty due. probably 0 given the age of the etc anyway pretty sure mine was going to be 0... i didnt bother doing it in the end, as i wouldve had to then re- register and custom clear etc when bringing the car back to ireland again after uni..