Hey
Iam hoping someone can give me some guidence on importing a h2 hummer into the uk. I have done research on the documentation required and cost but need to get a reliable agent from the states to the uk. I have nevr done any thing like this before and would know were to start. Were theres best place to find a used hummer iam looking to soarce a black 2005- 2008 h2 hummer lux edition, LPG Conversion .. (that reminds me whats the best lpg conversion available??)..air suspension,

 

An H2 in the UK? I know it is done, but I'd be afraid you'd squash something at the local Tesco and parking garages are going to be exciting.

I am with the military here in Germany and imported an H3; however, the military helped with a lot of the pain as part of their normal processing of soldiers. I never stepped a foot in the States to complete the process. I researched a lot of Hummer dealers close to shipping ports. I settled on Sewell Hummer of Dallas, Texas. They offered the best price and were willing to work with me (the later will be important). Salesman don't really make a lot of money on the sale of individual cars, so if it is too much hassle there won't be an incentive to work with you. The easier you make it for them to complete the sale the better. They get various bonuses as they reach a certain mark, e.g., maybe after car 5, 10, 15. Just find the one that will work with you. If you want to go to Sewell, let me know. The reason I went with Sewell--besides price--is my salesman drove the vehicle from Dallas to Port Dallas (about 30 miles) and turned over the vehicle to the shipper. I had a prepared paperwork package for the salesman to hand the shipper. However, due to an oversight on my part, there was a valid $350 additional charge by the shipper, which the salesman paid (thankfully) and I reimbursed.

Do as much prep work as possible before you begin the ball rolling:

- For an H2 consider having at least £50,000 at your disposal.
- The dealership will need payment to be wired to their bank. You won't have the financing options available to most.
- Find an auto shipper for the overseas voyage. For example, http://www.movecars.com/toc/find/index.htm#overseas. If you become serious in this plan, I will get you the civilian counter part to my military shipper.
- You will need to pay US State sales tax, but after you get the vehicle registered, you can apply for reimbursement with that State. I'd estimate around £2,000. It will, of course, be based on your sales price.
- I needed temporary tags (number plates) to get my vehicle from the dealership to the port. I do not know why the salesman could not use the dealership tags they use during car demos. If this is going to be the case, I would contact/email the State's Department of Motor Vehicles, explain you are exporting a vehicle, and what their license plate and vehicle registration process would be for a non-US citizen.
- You will need temporary car insurance to get the vehicle from the dealership to the port, and then insurance for during the voyage. I used an Internet-based company. I can get you these details. However, I am not sure if they will address non-US citizens, but I am sure there will be someone.
- You'll need to find a UK insurer who will insure the H2 / left-hand drive vehicle. Don't be fooled they all will not.
- You may wish to add the vehicle to you AA/RAC policy.
- Determine how you will address the light conversation. Bauer Millet (UK Hummer dealer in Manchester) can do it, but you'll need to allot about £1,000. I believe for the rear you can get replacement lens housings for amber indicators, so this alone will help. I have seen these on eBay, and at the various USA online parts places that sell Euro-style lens. You'll need a rear fog, front side amber indicators, and readdress the parking lights. It sounds worse than it is, but I believe the H2 will be a lot easier than say the H3.
- You'll need to pay VAT and import tax. HM Customs and Excise maybe able to give you an estimate. Their web site will probably have procedures too.
- You may wish to investigate a remailing service. These are used typically by folks driving around the country in motor homes. Your mail goes to them, and then they forward it on.

The other option is to find a UK-imported to do this above leg work. There are a few that I saw online. If they can make it hassle free, it maybe worth the c

 

Hey Mountainbiker,
That was one of the most informed/detailed responses I have seen. Way to help out fellow forum members. Sorry to hijack the thread but I thought it was worth mentioning.[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

whododat, thank you. I try to not make those posts that offer no value. I am on here for technical information that makes my HUMMER ownership more enjoyable and painless. Where I can, I would like to return the favor to others with accurate and real-life experiences such as the latter. Personally, I was rather surprised and amazed when I joined this forum and the other nameless forum that there were not (1) more members, and (2) more technical discussions. All the best.

 

and he's right.....

There are some reliable shippers in the Baltimore, MD area... Capitol Hummer would be the closest dealership... (I think)....