I'm thinking of importing a car into Thailand (I can do so Tax-free through diplomatic channels). I could buy a Honda Jazz because they are obviously easy and cheap to service here (because there are loads of them around), or I could buy a VW Golf, which seems like a very rare car on the streets of Bkk.

Whilst I know that even at home in the UK VW parts will cost more than Honda parts, I don't know if there is a massive tax (as there is with imported cars) on parts, or other costs on parts/servicing that make VW prohibitively expensive here. Can anybody advise please?

Thanks

Niltava

Are you talking about a recent/near-new Golf? The shop I use specializes in VAG cars (except Porsche).

Know what they are doing and good price. Parts are not too bad, unless it is a high price item. Expect to pay the same for parts as in Europe, plus 10-20%.

Where are you planning to buy it? If I could import a car tax tree I would not waste the opportunity on a Jazz.

Scirocco seems to be more popular than Golf. Buy the most expensive one you can afford.

The VW of choice for the really connected is the Caravelle, light blue with black windows.

Or buy something really unique like a Corvette.

Scirocco seems to be more popular than Golf. Buy the most expensive one you can afford.

The VW of choice for the really connected is the Caravelle, light blue with black windows.

Or buy something really unique like a Corvette.

+1

Are you talking about a recent/near-new Golf? The shop I use specializes in VAG cars (except Porsche).

Know what they are doing and good price. Parts are not too bad, unless it is a high price item. Expect to pay the same for parts as in Europe, plus 10-20%.

In any case this is correct, older or new not much difference and parts are readily available..

Nice to get sensible comments since you-know-who gave a whole new meaning to the term "parts bin"

EDIT: Don't know the price but how about a BMW 330D? They are not available here. So...

Thanks for the comments but I'm no petrolhead, just looking for something simple and reliable (perhaps this means the tax free status is wasted on me!).

I can get a Japanese-imported three year old Jazz for circa US$10,000 which is significantly less than I'd pay for something similar in LoS, but the temptation of a VW is there.

Thanks

N

I would not buy anything that was not right hand drive from the factory. I would buy new, or a low mile 3 year old. You could not go wrong with a Benz or a BMW. If it were available in left hand drive I go with the SLK350, it’s only $54K in the US.

Making light of a murdered woman and motherless children?

I think a lot depends on where you are being posted from and what is available there. I don't know how long you have to keep the car here before you can sell but this sort of scheme is or used to be popular with the UN guys. For vehicles like Land Rover Discovery etc.

^^^Yield to the temptation....

If you have the ability to import a Volkswagen without the excessive taxes, I'd say go for it.

Personally I like seeing a VW or Audi here because they are so rare. It makes either one a unique car in Thailand.

Which engine are you looking at for the Golf you'll buy? Will engine size matter with your 'diplomatic channels' ?

I think a lot depends on where you are being posted from and what is available there. I don't know how long you have to keep the car here before you can sell but this sort of scheme is or used to be popular with the UN guys. For vehicles like Land Rover Discovery etc.

5 years before being able to sell without ridiculous taxes. I was trying to buy a Pajero from someone really cheap but ran into this problem as they had only been here 3 years..