VVT-i IMPORT QUESTION

Apparently since 1 April 2004 no more VVT-i Supras made after Jan 1997 will be allowed to be legally imported to the UK for road use. Since I'm looking to get one, does this mean I cannot get any Supra made after Jan 1997? Are all TT Supras made after Jan 1997 VVT-i?

I think this means that VVT-i Supras offered for sale at the moment (ie imported BEFORE the deadline) will be attracting a premium price, cos when they are gone they are gone and no more will be around. Not good for the customer. How long is this 'ban' gonna last? Help please!

There is a long thread about it here.

:link fixed:

link doesn't work fella

I thought some of the models (including the TT VVTi) would still be coming in as the necessary (and costly) tests etc had been done?

Apparently this is correct.

Lucky me.

"Are all TT Supras made after Jan 1997 VVT-i?"

Nope, Im getting a facelift non VVTi manufactured in Jan 1997. I think the VVTis started around 6-8 months later.

Re importing a VVTi, you can.... but if it is manufactured after 31.12.96 it has to have a model report.

These can cost a fair bit, though I believe there are some for the NASP (correct me???) Supra, but not for the TT. I believe the Skylines have a fair few model reports about at the moment.

The problem with model reports, is that the report is good for THAT CAR ONLY. For example, if you imported three supras. Two were standard, no mods at all. They would be fine providing you had a model report you can present the testers of untouched, standard TT supras. However, if the third one had an aftermarket nose and alloys, then the model report could NOT be used for that as it has two mods from the manufacturers original specification. Therefore, a new model report must be done, using the same spec car, with the same wheels and nose. Once done, that model report is only good for a car with the exact same altered nose and wheels! Not cost effective for importers to get one done for EVERY different "flavour" of Supra!

Therefore, if you can find a model report on a standard VVTi then you should be okay, providing the car you want to bring through conforms to the exact same specification as the one on the model report.

AFAIK, "bigger" importers are able to get these done and "rent" them out for ESVA tests, but as I wrote earlier, I am unsure exacly what model reports have been done for the Supra.

If you want my advice, Id go for a 96 supra (pre 97 anyway) as AFAIK these dont have to go through the ESVA and you can buy them already modded them up (though I stand to be corrected here)

Another reason to go for an earlier one:

e.g. Insurance on a 93-96 Supra through Admiral - £1390

e.g. Insurance on a 97 Supra (car now purchased) through Admiral - £2900

Same policy, I just asked them to change date of vehicle... some change huh? I have 0 NCB, but I had that on the 93-96 Supe as well!

Im getting mine imported at the mo, and have been informed that even if we did manage to get Post 97 Supra's through, under the new tests etc. they would fail on emissions anyway... (dont shoot me, just what I was told by my importer), so its prolly best to go for one of them, unless you can find someone over here with a VVTi willing to sell, or unlesss you know someone who can get hold of/carry out/lend you a model report.

I stand to be corrected here, though that is the way I understand it!