Vehicle compliance inspection for new import

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ankit816

147 posts

Master Geek

#116516 1-May-2013 14:48

Hi,

I am importing a vehicle from Japan and would need to get it delivered to a compliance centre for inspection and certification before I can get it registered.

My question is - Does choice of inspection centre matter much? I.e. should AA / VTNZ / VINZ be preferred over other certified / authorized centres?

Do some of them potentially lay a trap by failing the car on some parts and making money be fitting in replacements that were not even required?

Do you have any good or bad experiences to share?

p.s- I am in Auckland

edit: fixed typos

TroyM

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#809629 1-May-2013 16:01

long time stalker first time poster but thought i might be of some help!

I've had a couple of car's go through compliance over the years, I've found it alot easier going to VTNZ for it as the compliance test can be very strict (all tyres have to be matching brand's, car must be as factory spec, lil things like that)

but the VTNZ guys are usually pretty helpful! they can suggest options if it doesn't pass or recommend certified workshops if work does need to be done. it all really come's down to if the car has been modified in anyway or is still factory but good luck! it can be a nightmare unless you've brought brand new!

ankit816

147 posts

Master Geek

#809630 1-May-2013 16:04

TroyM: long time stalker first time poster but thought i might be of some help!

I've had a couple of car's go through compliance over the years, I've found it alot easier going to VTNZ for it as the compliance test can be very strict (all tyres have to be matching brand's, car must be as factory spec, lil things like that)

but the VTNZ guys are usually pretty helpful! they can suggest options if it doesn't pass or recommend certified workshops if work does need to be done. it all really come's down to if the car has been modified in anyway or is still factory but good luck! it can be a nightmare unless you've brought brand new!

Thanks for your reply.

The car I bought isn't new but the seller has assured it has not been modified and in principle should pass NZ compliance. Fingers crossed though, as it's the first time I am trying this.

richms

28168 posts

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#809674 1-May-2013 16:52

They want crazy things like totally good brake pads replaced with new ones and get real picky on play in bushes that would pass a wof just fine.

Also the battery was the wrong type so failed for a friend, their excuse was that the bracket holding it in was modified to fit and wasnt stock. So another $400 wasted on that just to get compliance.

Richard rich.ms

ankit816

147 posts

Master Geek

#809682 1-May-2013 17:00

richms: They want crazy things like totally good brake pads replaced with new ones and get real picky on play in bushes that would pass a wof just fine.

Also the battery was the wrong type so failed for a friend, their excuse was that the bracket holding it in was modified to fit and wasnt stock. So another $400 wasted on that just to get compliance.

That's why I am nervous and wanted to pick up some advise.

Are you talking about any specific centres or they all do it that way?

richms

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#809688 1-May-2013 17:06

Im not sure what place it was that did it for him, it was arranged by the guys doing the importation for him. Was just an esoteric jap import, some oddball one that most of the importers wont touch. Not a cedric but looks pretty similar to that.

Richard rich.ms

BigMal

996 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#809770 1-May-2013 20:20

Out of interest where are people importing from? I've been checking out ibcjapan and they seem pretty legit. Anyone used them?

scuwp

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#809809 1-May-2013 21:43

richms: They want crazy things like totally good brake pads replaced with new ones and get real picky on play in bushes that would pass a wof just fine.

Also the battery was the wrong type so failed for a friend, their excuse was that the bracket holding it in was modified to fit and wasnt stock. So another $400 wasted on that just to get compliance.

The compliance guys are usually pretty helpful (disclaimer I am not in Auckland!). So if there is a problem normally a solution can be found. It is best to leave few $$$ in the back pocket to address any problems. One of the joys of importing over buying in NZ you will just have to accept.

Brake pads are commonly failed because the pad material does not meet the design standards for NZ, or has no markings at all so the pad material is a mystery. I don't see this as 'crazy' at all...I see it as a potentially serious safety issue (you want a car with bad brakes?). Likewise batteries if they are the wrong type for the vehicle, or don't meet safety standards need to be replaced with ones that do.

Entry criteria is a bit more strict than the general wof inspection.

You will also have to be sure that the car you choose meets the stricter frontal impact standards and emission standards. I have been told this rules out just about anything earlier that about 2009.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation