pitfalls of buying a vehicle from another country

[Andrew]

Hi all.
Im looking at purchasing something armour, and since most of the good stuff isn't in Canada, im looking outside. I know how to go about importing, but what should a guy do when looking to purchase something, and not being able to be at the spot to see and pay for it? Any tips. Hire an appraiser in the area to confirm its actually there?
Thanks for any tips

[chris vickery]

Personally, I have never imported one.
This has been covered here on the MLU before as far as the ins and outs through the process. Remember though that things do change so yesterdays views may be different from todays realities.
If I were going to import as vehicle, considering the costs involved, I think it would be rather cheap insurance to take a quick trip to go see and play touchy feely.
Many airlines are offering $199 fares to European destinations right now. If it cost you even $1000 overall that would be relatively inexpensive considering the risks.
I think right off the top you should consider the converted dollar price and mulitply by two to cover all the extras. There are always hidden costs you weren't counting on and suffice it to say you don't want to be a dollar short when you really need it.
eg. British FV432 at 7000£, at 1.58 translates to over $11,000 CDN
Add international freight costs, loading, unloading, domestic and foreign trucking, sanitizing, export and import documents, customs brokerage fees, storage or impound fees, taxes etc etc. I'd have the better part of $25000 CDN on hand to be sure.
Using an experienced broker would probably be the easiest way with a one stop shopping experience. Have him name the price delivered to your door and thats it. Makes all the nuances his problem instead of yours. Dealing with a reputable company that regularily uses a site such as Milweb may be of help as well as asking for referrals from customers.
I believe that two local fellows have done plenty of this work, Willys Acres as well as Robin Craig here on MLU. Robin may even have some Brit armour kicking abour right here in Canada.

[Marc Montgomery]

I know Mike Calnan of the Swords and Ploughshares has imported armour and artillery from europe and the UK I think, and If I remember correctly perry Kitson imported a Sexton-from the US... and did a superb rebuild restoration.. Contacting them may provide some initial guidance.

However, as Chris points out since 9-11 and various world conflicts, the rules may have changed regarding importation of armour.

[Wpns 421]

The best person to talk to are Robin Craig in Kingston and Markus from Willy's Acres. If you decide to buy and import Robin knows all the ins and outs and probably has contacts to help you. Gilles

[Andrew]

Thanks guys, i may have worded my question wrong If i find a vehicle outside of Canada, what is the best way of buying it safely, making sure it actually exists and lesson the chance of getting scammed if i cannot see it in person. Have an appraiser look at it? How to pay for it?

[chris vickery]

I think we get what you are getting at hence the info given previous...
Putting out a whole lot of cash for something sight unseen is, in my opinion, foolish.
You ask a really good question. I would definately deal with a reputable dealer rather than an individual or a dealer from a less scrupulous country.
Sending a bunch of cash to an Eastern European fellow that uses a PO Box doesn't cut it. I would perhaps find something you like listed on Milweb and ask away right here on MLU! Surely pieces located in England could be inspected by one of our "own" located there. England has many dealers and I am sure some of the guys on this Forum would jump right in to give you unbiased opinions regrading this guy or that as well as fair values etc.
Remember though, buying something sight unseen or relying on another's opinion may or may not be in the best interest neither. One persons opinion of decent can be as far from another viewpoint as the moon is to the earth.
I would go and see it first, plane fare is cheap insurance. As far as payment goes, bank drafts and electronic transfers are the way to go.
Chris