Having just taken out residence in Spain, I now have to register my Townace for Spanish plates. The first requirement is for a complete specification in Spanish. This was applied for last Feb via the Toyota dealer in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz and a deposit of 50 euros paid (total cost is 120 euros). They duly asked Madrid and I have been waiting ever since despite numerous requests. I must have the specification in order to get the Spanish equivalent of the MOT, an ITV and I have to have these 2 bits of paper to start the ball rolling on re-registering the car. If it is possible to get the specification in English I could get it translated into Spanish and coerce the dealers to rubber stamp it. Can you please help as my MOT runs out at the end of next month and I would like to keep the car legal.
regards
Tony Randall
- (#10807) Tony Randall, 24 Sep 03 6:25
A bit of a tall order Tony. What's the format? What details? and then there's the problem of knowing what the full spec is for your model. There are many variations to the Townace/MasterAce models. It's the nature of buying cars in Japan, they all look similar but it's difficult to find any two exactly the same. If you could get an example of the Spanish authorities' idea of a full spec, you could then try and create your own based upon that. Most of the info should be on your VIN plate. Sorry if that doesn't sound terribly helpful.
- (#10808) Ian Dunse, 24 Sep 03 6:46
Sorry about the delay in replying, I have been looking around Portugal this last week and would you believe spotted several Townaces with the same body type as mine (Super Extra Model Q CR21G-MEZX diesel 2ltr 2C-T). What was interesting was that I spotted a comment from France asking about headlights for the Continent and there they were. Unfortunately I think I would of created a bit of a stir if I had chased after the car shouting like a demented idiot for him to stop. Next time I will try to find out more info and see if I can get a copy of their specs in Portugese. Meantime with reference to importing to Spain someone has suggested that I try a bit of backshish at the testing station and if this doesn,t work try else where! If all else fails I have to go to a back street garage and have them arrange it! It has also been suggested that I ask the British Consulate in Madrid to help matters along. All details have been sent to Toyota Madrid, but I think their manana is all day, everyday! However I will keep plugging away at it, legally if I can, and keep you in the picture. Thank you for your help.
Regards
- (#10951) Tony Randall, 29 Sep 03 5:29
Not easy, but I think I have cracked it. First of all there is an order of priorities and the best thing I did to start with was get a good "Gestoria" - the guy who does all the running around for you. He has the right forms, knows the wrinkles and has the contacts. Costs around £50 for the complete deal - change of registration and driving licences. Unless you already have a V561 export form from the DVLA do not return your registration papers until you have passed the ITV (MOT). Get an authorised engineer to examine and write the specs for the car. (contact me for a copy and if I can I will post here on the web). Get prove of residence (NIF), registration papers and engineers spec and present them at the ITV station. If all is well you will get a slip of paper to report back in one week (the stage I am at now). Once the gestoria has the ITV papers it is just a matter of formalities to get the number plates.
What about the lights!! The testing station were not happy that the lights dipped to the left and that I had just stick on beam benders. My argument was they do not manufacture lights that dip to the right and the beam benders met their specification for the test. Although the tourist has stick on beam benders I do not as I had superglued them on!! I challenged the inspectors to remove them and they conceded the point. I also pointed out that if some louts removed the superglued benders I also had a spare set. It was a sticky moment but the inspectors seem convinced.
Regards
Tony Randall
- (#11211) Tony Randall, 16 Oct 03 7:21