27 replies to this topic

[CityEPete]

It's the world we live in, someone buys one of these cars in good faith for spares and then has an accident as a result if a failed part removed from one and they are the first people saying the cars should be crushed, without true provenience no one knows exactly what they are buying. The cost involved with deciding what is worth keeping and what is fit for scrap only combined with storing vehicles, organising them for auction, transporting them to the auction site etc etc etc would far out weigh many lambos and classic minis, remember those cars would not be market value without registration papers would they, do you think people who own new lambos care that much if a replacement bit of trim costs a grand after a shunt to the point where they would trawl the net looking for a bit or a dodgy scrap yard that breaks them? Or do you think they drop it in to lambo and go for a slap up lunch while a new part is fitted probably on their insurance?

Edited by CityEPete, 18 May 2015 - 08:50 AM.

[peter-b]

I know it won't change because change requires someone of importance to care and I cant see that happening. BUT

What I meant was the cars get sold to certain wreckers only, by online auction. they bid on them where is as is and organise pick up.

Here in Aus the wrecking yards have to account for all cars bought and dismantled, its the law. Also there is plenty wrecking yards that specialise in high end cars, do you think that when one get written off it just disappears? I know a few people that we dealt with that owned such cars and they only had 3rd party, fire and theft cover, it's cheaper and if they did crash it they just paid for the damages themselves.

[Archived2]

Its like watching a puppy getting a beating for something the owner did 

[mab01uk]

Rules are rules...but it makes little sense that the late Mini Mpi that was crushed had many of the pollution and safety features like airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that the USA authorities DON'T require on 25 year old imported Mini's and Land Rovers........so they are actually allowing in 'unsafe' old Mini's and Land Rovers while preventing the import of the newer safer updated models unless you wait the 25 years.

[spiguy]

Rules are rules...but it makes little sense that the late Mini Mpi that was crushed had many of the pollution and safety features like airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that the USA authorities DON'T require on 25 year old imported Mini's and Land Rovers........so they are actually allowing in 'unsafe' old Mini's and Land Rovers while preventing the import of the newer safer updated models unless you wait the 25 years.

When you look at it like that, it is a bit daft..

[CityEPete]

Not really, they are not stopping people importing newer classics, the crushing only applies to people trying to dodge the fee!

[peter-b]

I still think its a waste, not just because it's a Mini, any car. They harp on about wasting resources and energy, this exercise probably cost $500 to stage, it won't discourage people. The smart ones will just just get smarter and the dumb ones don't know any better. A publicity thing like this just highlights to the crims what needs to be done to get away with it.

Edited by peter-b, 18 May 2015 - 09:46 PM.

[mab01uk]

Not really, they are not stopping people importing newer classics, the crushing only applies to people trying to dodge the fee!

 

It is very frustrating for US classic Mini enthusiasts wishing to buy a later Mini, of which there are many more enthusiasts interested since the New MINI arrived in 2001 and greatly raised awareness of the Mini's history and heritage in the USA.

Even if you wanted to pay any fees I don't think it is possible to legally import a classic Mini (or Land Rover) younger than 25 years old into the USA due to non-compliance with FMVSS, see below:-

 

"It is not easy for US citizens wanting to bring a Mini into the US. Depending on the specific situation, can range from a mild hassle, to hard, to very difficult, to impossible. You will have to deal with Environmental Protection Agency emission issues and Department of Transportation requirements for safety equipment and standards. Of course, you will have to pay duty on the vehicle as well, 2.5% for a car.
This page provides information for importing a vehicle into the U.S. , including requirements of the U.S. Customs Service and those of other agencies. Since requirements are subject to frequent changes, contact information has been provided for the agencies mentioned. Be sure to contact these agencies (particularly EPA and DOT) before importing your vehicle."

"As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer.
Imported motor vehicles are subject to U.S. safety standards, bumper standards, and air pollution control (emission) standards. Most vehicles manufactured abroad that conform with U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards are exported expressly for sale in the United States; therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards. Be skeptical of claims by a foreign dealer or other seller that a vehicle meets these standards or can readily be brought into compliance. Nonconforming vehicles entering the United States must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed."

 

More Here on the NAM forum:-

http://www.northamer...d-contacts.html

Edited by mab01uk, 18 May 2015 - 11:03 PM.

[peter-b]

When you sit down and actually read the rules regarding importing vehicles it is a bit nutty. The different rules for different situations. I'm not clued up on other countries but hear in Aus there's a few different ones that apply. If you were to import a mini made after 1996 in has to be upgraded to comply, but if you bring in one made prior to 1988 it just has to be made roadworthy, then if you're moving to here as an immigrant and want to bring your car too, any model, you just have to make sure its road worthy. So basicly the same car, at least three different rules.

[Ben_O]

When you sit down and actually read the rules regarding importing vehicles it is a bit nutty. The different rules for different situations. I'm not clued up on other countries but hear in Aus there's a few different ones that apply. If you were to import a mini made after 1996 in has to be upgraded to comply, but if you bring in one made prior to 1988 it just has to be made roadworthy, then if you're moving to here as an immigrant and want to bring your car too, any model, you just have to make sure its road worthy. So basicly the same car, at least three different rules.

So if you move to Aus and bring your 99 Mini with you, that's fine??

 

What if you then sell said 99 Mini to a Native?

 

It's all a bit nuts

[peter-b]

You have to have owned it for 12 months and after getting it here, keep it for at least 12 months, doesn't say anything about doing anything to it to sell it. Never really when into the details because I've never even been overseas, let along bought a car there. So I suppose it's a 2 year process but can be done......oh and they only allow one car every 5 years.

Edited by peter-b, 19 May 2015 - 02:33 AM.

[CityEPete]

Ringing mpi Coopers on to 1988 v5s still isn't the answer though Mab01uk?
For the red tape it cuts there the possible damage here is massive, it's no wonder rotten 80s shells fetch nearly a grand on Ebay and any mpi that goes near Kent goes missing never to be seen again is it?!

[Carlos W]

Ringing mpi Coopers on to 1988 v5s still isn't the answer though Mab01uk?
For the red tape it cuts there the possible damage here is massive, it's no wonder rotten 80s shells fetch nearly a grand on Ebay and any mpi that goes near Kent goes missing never to be seen again is it?!

Spot on