how do you know if you got a import

[onpoint productions]

i was wondering how do you know if you got a import 172 mk2 also would it be quoted on hpi and be quoted on v5

 

[LegoHead]

no alarm would be a good indicator.

 

[geordieclio]

no etching on rear windows or no locking wheel nuts

 

[MRBILLYUK]

As said above ^^^^^

No window etchings , no locking wheel nuts and alarm . Exactly the same otherwise , made in the same factory .
From what i've read on here the renault alarms ain't that good anyway so getttin an aftermarket alarm is better , you get to choose if you want any extra features .
I think the vin number might be slightly different , cos the insurance company knew it was an import from the vin number . Hpi will only know of you car if there has been a major claim on it iirc .
Nothin wrong with imports imo , i'm on my second .

 

[thedoc]

imports are quicker..

 

[TheCake]

A HPI check would be a sure fire way of telling.

 

[Ali]

CD changer under the seat.

 

[rory182]

window etchings, locking wheelnuts

 

[Lee]

CD changer under the seat.

That has nothing to do with it, they were fitted at the factory up to around March 2003 in all of them, then it was removed.

It's the etching, locking wheels nuts and the alarm that give it away most obviously. You get a certificate of fitment from the import centre showing it had the alarm fitted there, if it hasn't then it was fitted by the company that sold the car on, in which case it will most likely be an import.

Also Renault UK can tell you which country the car was originally to be sold in.

 

[kully]

imports are quicker..

less weight from the alarm , locking nuts etc ................lol:quiet:
how about the steering wheel on the left .lol

 

[Ally]

no etching on rear windows or no locking wheel nuts

Not true! I've fitted both on my mk2 import, so externally it's identical to UK cars. Etching kit cheap and easy to do, locking wheelnuts not expensive either.

A local Renault dealer (not where I bought mine) was able to tell mine was an import by their computers - must be something linked to VIN/reg/Renault UK.

 

[thedoc]

A local Renault dealer (not where I bought mine) was able to tell mine was an import by their computers - must be something linked to VIN/reg/Renault UK.

Vin plate IIRC, tells 'em where it was "born"

 

[Maz]

Ring any reno dealer give them the VIN and they can tell you if UK car or not..

Maz

 

[Lee]

Not true! I've fitted both on my mk2 import, so externally it's identical to UK cars. Etching kit cheap and easy to do, locking wheelnuts not expensive either.

A local Renault dealer (not where I bought mine) was able to tell mine was an import by their computers - must be something linked to VIN/reg/Renault UK.

I also had an alarm on my import 172, but it wasn't the same as the one they fit at the import centre.

It's not just normal etching though, it's placed on the Vehicle Security Register.