triffid Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 What are the basic considerations if one wants a car where the brand is well-established in Thailand but the particular model isn't officially imported? I'm not talking about expensive exotica, rather something like a Suzuki Vitara. Would the dealer co-operate / facilitate or not? Will dealer be reluctant to service and/or hour the warranty? Are there prohibitive taxes etc imposed as compared to the models on the dealers' official list to specifically deter such imports? There are probably many other considerations too. (I'm focussed just now on buying a Mazda CX-3, but the Suzuki Vitara looks to me a very tempting alternative). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaseTheBass Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 You'll probably have to use a company who specialises in grey imports. The local branch of the manufacturer won't be interested or able. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ardokano Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Are there prohibitive taxes etc imposed as compared to the models on the dealers' official list to specifically deter such imports? YES!!! But its not to mcu up. So if you want look not as another its can be option Look in internet as Jase say gray dealer price i see its 1050000 B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naam Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 You'll probably have to use a company who specialises in grey imports. The local branch of the manufacturer won't be interested or able. impossible to find a company that "grey imports" cars of that price category. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaseTheBass Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 You'll probably have to use a company who specialises in grey imports. The local branch of the manufacturer won't be interested or able. impossible to find a company that "grey imports" cars of that price category. Except for the one found above... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naam Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 You'll probably have to use a company who specialises in grey imports. The local branch of the manufacturer won't be interested or able. impossible to find a company that "grey imports" cars of that price category. Except for the one found above... link please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seedy Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Flaming post Removed. Keep the personal attacks off this Forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss1960 Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. The dealer WOULD be able to help, but most likely, he will not want to do it, as it is a pain in the ass for him and causes him loads of work for the sale of just one (imported car). Other considerations: Since the model would be imported, there would be - as others said - huge import taxes on it. Most car companies avoid them by having some kind of production plants within Thailand, if only for assembly. Look at the prices of all the German imports, I would love a BMW, but I am not willing to pay more than I would in Europe for the same car. Since the model would be imported, there might be another issue and that is getting the car certified by the land transportation office. The car might NOT have the certificates needed within Thailand in order to get a licence plate. Similar problem btw in Europe when you import a car from the US that has no EU certification. Depending on the make of the model, if ever you have a problem with the car (accident, engine issue), you might have to wait for weeks for the replacement parts (i.e. specially designed body parts) to be imported into Thailand and again pay extra taxes. Just an example from Mazda: Most models sold here (i.e. the CX3/5 models) are manufactured / assembled somehow here and are slightly cheaper than in Switzerland (where I know the prices). I have seen a MX-5 (roadster cabrio) which is imported and the price was around double what I would have to pay in Switzerland, but at least it is certified Was talking with the dealer about importing a RX-8 (as I have been driving that car in Europe), but he told me that the price would be at least 3-4 times what I pay in Europe with all import and certification needed - and specially for the RX-8, since it has a rotary engine ("Wankelmotor" in German), I would not find any mechanic able to solve problems. Therefore, stick with the available and certified models here in thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOTIRIOS Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 ...supposedly ...for a used one..... from an Asean country... you could arrange it yourself.... ...although you will probably be told otherwise every step of the way to dissuade you.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seedy Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 Nonsense post Removed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triffid Posted June 5, 2016 Author Share Posted June 5, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. It's the all-new 2016 Vitara that's very much caught my eye - the older models don't match up to the Mazda for me. But thanks for your comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triffid Posted June 5, 2016 Author Share Posted June 5, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. The dealer WOULD be able to help, but most likely, he will not want to do it, as it is a pain in the ass for him and causes him loads of work for the sale of just one (imported car). Other considerations: Since the model would be imported, there would be - as others said - huge import taxes on it. Most car companies avoid them by having some kind of production plants within Thailand, if only for assembly. Look at the prices of all the German imports, I would love a BMW, but I am not willing to pay more than I would in Europe for the same car. Since the model would be imported, there might be another issue and that is getting the car certified by the land transportation office. The car might NOT have the certificates needed within Thailand in order to get a licence plate. Similar problem btw in Europe when you import a car from the US that has no EU certification. Depending on the make of the model, if ever you have a problem with the car (accident, engine issue), you might have to wait for weeks for the replacement parts (i.e. specially designed body parts) to be imported into Thailand and again pay extra taxes. Just an example from Mazda: Most models sold here (i.e. the CX3/5 models) are manufactured / assembled somehow here and are slightly cheaper than in Switzerland (where I know the prices). I have seen a MX-5 (roadster cabrio) which is imported and the price was around double what I would have to pay in Switzerland, but at least it is certified Was talking with the dealer about importing a RX-8 (as I have been driving that car in Europe), but he told me that the price would be at least 3-4 times what I pay in Europe with all import and certification needed - and specially for the RX-8, since it has a rotary engine ("Wankelmotor" in German), I would not find any mechanic able to solve problems. Therefore, stick with the available and certified models here in thailand Thank you for your comments/info. I think I am going to give up on this idea - especially as I am quite happy with my present choice of the CX-3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza40 Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 A risk with the OP's stated objective,or a grey import, is there may not be a mechanic available to service it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roomuck Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 There were a few beautiful models at this years Bangkok motor show that I would have liked to buy that were not on the dealers lists. Seriously, I have two rare cars here and it is a pain getting parts, finding mechanics etc. luckily I have two as one always seems to be in the shop getting fixed or waiting for parts. There are lots of good forums to get information about my cars but they are not in Thai. If you order parts through the dealer it costs about four times more. They will only order genuine factory parts even when their is no difference and you also have to pay for shipping. They won't have parts in stock. I stock up on parts myself and also get friends to bring me parts when they visit. I don't regret it, but it does test my patience. Tomorrow I am off to the mechanic to attend to a problem that was "fixed" two weeks ago. The upside here is that mechanics hourly rates are very low. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. It's the all-new 2016 Vitara that's very much caught my eye - the older models don't match up to the Mazda for me. But thanks for your comments. Since Suzuki have long track history of selling Vitaras in this country, there is a fair chance if you hold off for a while, they will start bringing the latest model over from Indonesia. Try asking Head Office if they have any plans. Don't waste your time asking a sales person in a dealership unless you are trying to fill a blank looks album. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gandalf12 Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. The dealer WOULD be able to help, but most likely, he will not want to do it, as it is a pain in the ass for him and causes him loads of work for the sale of just one (imported car). Other considerations: Since the model would be imported, there would be - as others said - huge import taxes on it. Most car companies avoid them by having some kind of production plants within Thailand, if only for assembly. Look at the prices of all the German imports, I would love a BMW, but I am not willing to pay more than I would in Europe for the same car. Since the model would be imported, there might be another issue and that is getting the car certified by the land transportation office. The car might NOT have the certificates needed within Thailand in order to get a licence plate. Similar problem btw in Europe when you import a car from the US that has no EU certification. Depending on the make of the model, if ever you have a problem with the car (accident, engine issue), you might have to wait for weeks for the replacement parts (i.e. specially designed body parts) to be imported into Thailand and again pay extra taxes. Just an example from Mazda: Most models sold here (i.e. the CX3/5 models) are manufactured / assembled somehow here and are slightly cheaper than in Switzerland (where I know the prices). I have seen a MX-5 (roadster cabrio) which is imported and the price was around double what I would have to pay in Switzerland, but at least it is certified Was talking with the dealer about importing a RX-8 (as I have been driving that car in Europe), but he told me that the price would be at least 3-4 times what I pay in Europe with all import and certification needed - and specially for the RX-8, since it has a rotary engine ("Wankelmotor" in German), I would not find any mechanic able to solve problems. Therefore, stick with the available and certified models here in thailand I bought a BMW and they are great to drive but I could have bought 2 in the UK for the price I paid here for one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunAussie52 Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 Try this dealer http://www.one2car.com/suzuki/vitara/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozyjon Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 You might be the proud owner of ''a one of a kind'' beauty and proud to drive it but what to do if it breaks down or in a minor accident where you need parts and none are available locally. Let's think this one through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearpolar Posted June 5, 2016 Share Posted June 5, 2016 looking over one2car, the 2012 model is really clean. Put some nice wheels on it and you've got a really cheap nice car Do they have western safety features? all airbags? Is it the 138hp 185nm version? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triffid Posted June 6, 2016 Author Share Posted June 6, 2016 Try this dealer http://www.one2car.com/suzuki/vitara/ Thanks, but I'm less interested in the old second-hand vehicles and more in the 'all-new' 2016 model which apart from other things is more compact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triffid Posted June 6, 2016 Author Share Posted June 6, 2016 The dealer will very likely not be able to help you. You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request. It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale. It's the all-new 2016 Vitara that's very much caught my eye - the older models don't match up to the Mazda for me. But thanks for your comments. Since Suzuki have long track history of selling Vitaras in this country, there is a fair chance if you hold off for a while, they will start bringing the latest model over from Indonesia. Try asking Head Office if they have any plans. Don't waste your time asking a sales person in a dealership unless you are trying to fill a blank looks album. Thanks. I think I'll do just that - ask head office. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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