Importing / Has anyone imported a Puma Defender 110 Utility Wagon form UK?

[abbztract]

Sooo.

I’m looking to import a second-hand 2012 Land Rover Defender Utility Wagon from the UK to Aus and was hoping to get some assistance with the process.

As you all know, the Defender was not made available in Australia in the Utility Wagon model but was in the Station Wagon model. The UK and European models were also launched with greater safety features having ABS and Traction Control and Stability control as standard unlike the local models which weren't.

The compliance plate approval issued to Land Rover for the Defender in 2008 (linked below) mentions the “chassis-cab” model being non-compliant but not the Defender Utility which falls in the compliant models.

MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARDS ACT 1989

Additionally, the 2009 Road Safety Committee’s Inquiry into the Process of Development, Adoption and Implementation of Australian Design Rules has VicRoads and the then Minister for Roads and Ports quoted as stating that the EU vehicular safety standards exceeded those of the ADR and that Australia should accept those standards into the ADR for better safety suggesting that EU specced vehicles meet and exceed ADR requirements. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/pa...06-10No259.pdf

The simple quiz on the Infrastructure GOV website says I may be eligible under the Letter of Compliance or Discretionary Approval methods.

Does the approval issued to Land Rover linked above count as a Letter of Compliance or is there an alternative pathway I must follow to continue this process?

Would I be able to import this under the SEVS scheme? This applies to all vehicle models than 25 years where at least 3 months have passed since the model was first made available in another country.
Certain models that were sold here new can still be imported if they are “significantly different” versions of the locally sold model. So if the manufacturer decided not to offer all variants for sale in Australia or a special commemorative model, you may be able to import one of those, either new or secondhand.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has tried or has knowledge of anyone who has successfully imported a modern vehicle withiest already owning it overseas prior to import.

[cripesamighty]

There is a green one driving around near my work, so someone has definitely done this already. If I get the chance to see the owner, I will ask them for you. Maybe a longshot, but could you ring a dealership and ask them how they would go about importing one, given one is driving around in Perth?

[abbztract]

There is a green one driving around near my work, so someone has definitely done this already. If I get the chance to see the owner, I will ask them for you. Maybe a longshot, but could you ring a dealership and ask them how they would go about importing one, given one is driving around in Perth?

No way! I'd really appreciate it if you were able to find out anything!

Haha I thought about that too. Not sure they'll be keen on helping me buy their products for cheaper but who knows? I'll give it a try.

I think I might have to look to apply via the Letter of Compliance pathway where I might ask LR to say the car is compliant.

[cripesamighty]

The first time I saw it, I was in traffic and only caught it out of the corner of my eye so thought I was just seeing things. Over the last month or so I have seen it around half a dozen times so it is definitely the real deal. Will keep an eye out for you.

[101RRS]

Sorry what is the difference between a Land Rover Defender Utility Wagon and a Land Rover Defender Station Wagon.

Googling seems to show the same basic 5 door - so I guess the inside is more utility.

[gromit]

Sorry what is the difference between a Land Rover Defender Utility Wagon and a Land Rover Defender Station Wagon.

Googling seems to show the same basic 5 door - so I guess the inside is more utility.

No rear side windows & rear small windows ?

2012 (62) Land Rover Defender 110 XS Utility Wagon 2.2 TDCi (Sorry Now Sold) - YouTube

Land Rover Defender XS Utility Wagon TDCi (2.2) for Sale at Listers Land Rover Hereford (Ref:051/U154871)


Colin

[abbztract]

No rear side windows & rear small windows ?

2012 (62) Land Rover Defender 110 XS Utility Wagon 2.2 TDCi (Sorry Now Sold) - YouTube

Land Rover Defender XS Utility Wagon TDCi (2.2) for Sale at Listers Land Rover Hereford (Ref:051/U154871)


Colin

Yeah spot on. Also not available as the 7-seater.

I guess the problem is more that I can’t find any Defenders here with similarly low kms and also in a trim level or with features like the XS level.

[101RRS]

Seems hardly the effort - just modify a wagon here to suit.

[gromit]

Yeah spot on. Also not available as the 7-seater.

I guess the problem is more that I can’t find any Defenders here with similarly low kms and also in a trim level or with features like the XS level.

Difficult to find info on the XS level, what are the extra features ?

You'd have to weigh up the cost of transport to port, shipping, duties etc.etc. then with that figure work out what could be done to a local model for the same money. In terms of Kms it would be a case of waiting till one comes up or putting some feelers out. There must be low km Defenders out there in Australia although some of the prices are getting silly here, is it the same in the UK ?

Colin

[scarry]

Seems hardly the effort - just modify a wagon here to suit.

Probably have to be engineer plated,but maybe still easier.