I have inherited a Russian Town Ace Royal Lounge 4x4 2.2 litre automatic which is still in Moscow. I have not seen the vehicle so I have no idea what condition it is in but I have been told that it is a diesel and that it is running and is a '6 million limited edition' 6 seater painted in mettalic green. Is it worth me going to Moscow and driving the Ace back to the U.K.? Would I be able to sell a left hand drive Russian Ace here in the U.K. and what price can I expect to get? It is a 1989 model. Would I be able to get insurance? Would it be a Russian or Jap import and what value should I put on it for import duty etc when I bring it in to the U.K. bearing in mind that I paid nothing for it due to the fact that I inherited it.
- (#7394) Linda, 31 Dec 03 09:07
Dunno. Definitely left hand drive Linda? If an 89 model with 2.2 litre engine then it sounds like something aimed at the Russian market. Considering:
the hassle of driving it back (customs, time, expense etc)
the hassle and expense of getting it through the SVA test and import duty for the UK
the low resale value due to age and being lefthand drive
I would say sell it in Moscow and buy one that's already been imported from Japan to the UK.
- (#7394) Ian Dunse, 31 Dec 03 09:36
Wow, this sounds like an incredible adventure to me. Fly to Moscow and drive home a limited edition Ace, something to tell the grandchildren about, and could be the star attraction at an ace jam as well! If you do, you should be able to drive it straight in to the UK. A neighbour recently returned from Lithuania with a Previa, and he had no problems, and he was given 6 months to register it and tax it.
When I met Mervin in London, we compared the prices of our Townies and in Russia they are very, very cheep. Like $700 believe it or not!
Its probably worth checking the right or left hand drive, if it is a lefty it would be quite rare, and there may be a market in Europe, as some expats are having problems setting the lights.
If you do set out on this adventure, as a precaution I would take a float type radiator cap, and plenty of antifreeze just in case.
Good luck
Dave Bright
- (#7394) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 31 Dec 03 10:27
As DB says, quite an adventure, but probably econimically a non starter. Do Easy Jet fly there yet??? But even if you did fly out to drive it back, you don't know the condition, particularly of the engine to know if it will even make it back!
Good luck.
Rob.
- (#7394) Rob Drinkwater, 31 Dec 03 16:36
Thanks for you help and tips lads. From what you have told me and from what I have discovered I have deceided to go to Moscow and bring home the Townie. I have managed to contact the current keeper of the Ace in Moscow and with a litle bit of language dificulty I have found that it is a left hand drive 2.2 litre diesel automatic 4x4 Royal Lounge in green. It has front and rear nudge bars, nerf bars, 6 skylight roof, cruise control and purple tint windows. The air con does not work because it requires gassing and the radio is missing. The body is rust free but has a small dent in the tail gate and the chassis has been greased and oiled regulary. The engine has done 85,000kms and work that has been done is new heater and radiator hoses, new cam belt and new alternator. The interior is needing a good clean and it is missing the glove box and two headrests. The Ace was the property of my boyfriend who tragicaly died in an accident while working in Russia so I know that he would have kept it in good running order. Since he was tragicaly killed in April 2003 the Ace has been looked after by one of his work colleagues.
I am not driving the Ace home to the U.K. because of the distance and the risk of a breakdown. I have enlisted the help of my Father who has a friend with a car trailer which we will borrow and hitch to the back of my Fathers Audi (a A6). My Father and I will drive to Moscow and bring the Ace back home on the trailer. I will keep you posted on how things progress. Linda.
- (#7394) Linda, 2 Jan 04 18:36
Linda. There are, of course, some negative aspects regarding the commercial viability of your proposal but,you are to be congratulated on your decision. The whole adventure sounds quite splendid and in keeping with the thinking of all who choose to run these "different", "quirky" but, satisfying vehicles. Good luck on the trip and please let us know how you get on.
I cannot answer your original queries except that surely, it must be worth it to go to Moscow to recover the vehicle and, when you are back in UK, and need a few answers, somewhere on this BOK there will be the information and help which you require.
You might like to know that there is a contributor to this BOK, who lives in Moscow and who runs a Townace.
No doubt, if he reads your posting, there could be some helpful advice forthcoming.
- (#7394) John Davis, 3 Jan 04 03:58
Hi Linda.
I'm so sorry to here of your sad loss last year. May this be the start of a much better year for you.
Good luck on your most excellent adventure to Moscow.
The only note of caution is that the Townace is very heavy, so you need to ensure that the trailer and its tyres are up to the job. If you work on a weight of two tons, that should cover it. It may be that you will need to hire a low loader transport for this weight, so phone around some recovery people first.
regards
dave Bright
- (#7394) dave Bright (Bournemouth), 3 Jan 04 04:51
After an eventful trip to Moscow the Townie is now home. My father and I hitched up the trailer to his Audi and set of to Russia on the 5th January. We drove day and night having only one night stop in Germany with a friend. We had a uneventful trip out but the trip home was a nightmare. We arrived in Moscow late on the 8th and found the address that we were given. Early the next day (Friday the 9th) we went to collect the Townie with the person who had been looking after it since my boyfriends death. We arrived only to discover that the keys were not with the Townie. After much phoning we had the keys after about a 3 hour wait. We loaded it onto the trailer, made sure we had all the documents in Russian and English translation and after saying our goodbuys set of back home to England. We had driven about 5 miles accross Moscow when we noticed a lot of drivers were pointing and waving at us for us to stop. Knowing the dangers of being car jacked we drove on until we reached a busy area where we stopped and getting out to see why people had been pointing and waving we saw that the Townie was sinking on the trailer. The weight of the Townie had broken the trailer. We managed to find a garage where we got the broken trailer repaired and we set of again. We had no more problems that day but the next day as we entered Poland we were held up by Customs for about 2 hours while they checked the Townies documents. Then while driving through Poland we had two punctures. We had no more problems until we were in Belgium. We had parked up for the night at a roadside Motel and had left the Townie on its trailer in the carpark. When we came out the next morning we found that my fathers Audi had been broken into and all his CDs, maps and some of our luggage from the boot had gone. The morning was then wasted waiting for a windscreen repair guy to come and fix the broken door window. We then continued on and having traveled about 60 miles we had our third puncture. After repairing the puncture we stopped for the night and then the next day we continued on and caught the late ferry to Hull. However, for some reason only known to them selves the ferry guys insisted that we drove the Townie of the trailer during the ferry trip. This meant extra costs to pay. We had no problems with customs in Hull and after only half an hour we were on the Motorway heading for home. The Townie is still Moscow registered and is a European Vehicle according to customs. I can drive it for up to 6 months on Russian plates and after that I can either register it British or take it out of the country after which I can bring it back into the UK still on Russian plates and use it for another six months and so on. I have driven it since I got it home and because it is a left hand drive it takes a little getting used to it. I went to Morrisons in it today and returning to it with my shopping I went to open the 'drivers' door forgeting that it was a left hand drive and that I was opening the passenger door. It is certainly an eye catcher and looks very different to other vehicles. I have seen other Townies but I have never seen a Townie like this one. My Townie is a nice light green mettalic and it has front and rear bull bars and it also has side protection rails (nerf bars). The purple tint windows look odd but add character. I feel like a celebrity. The engine is very responsive but it looks to be a nightmare for routine service work because a spaggetti junction of pipes and wires runs accross the top of the engine. In a couple of weeks a mechanic friend is going to take the Townie and give it a full service and safety check. I will let you know more as it happens. Linda.
- (#7394) Linda, 17 Jan 04 20:20
Well done Linda, what an adventure. This is the stuff of a gripping novel so, perhaps, we soon might see your book on the shelves. Many authors have made a fortune with far less exciting content than that which you describe above. It makes my regular journey from Leicestershire to Norfolk look a little less glamorous now, though I too enjoy the looks I get at my own "eye catcher" Masterace.
- (#7394) John Davis, 18 Jan 04 03:59
Linda
I take my hat off to you,wish you all the best for the new year.
dennis
- (#7394) dennis, 18 Jan 04 05:40
HELP. I took the Townie out last night and while driving I noticed a few drivers were flashing me from behind. This morning I got my father to check the rear of the Townie and he found that the amber indicator lights come on dim with the side lights and when indicating the red side lights flash with the amber indicators. Also at the front the indicators in the amber light bar light up when the side lights are on but don't flash with the indicators. Can I continue to drive with the lights like this (remember that it is Russian registered) or will I have to have the lights changed? I have fitted Halfords headlamp convertors to the headlights to alter the beam. I am not planning to get it UK registered because I will use the Townie for the yearly European holiday and a once yearly Xmas shoping run to Paris.
Lastly, will a Ford CD player fit in the Townie? It is the double din size and what can I use to remove what looks like a rust stain from the rear seats? LOL Linda.
- (#7394) Linda, 18 Jan 04 10:05
Linda,
What an adventure. Now if your dad is up for it I have a car in Cyprus....
Rear lights and indeed front lights, you need to get them sorted out, even though it's on Russian plates, you are not a Russian resident, and therefore not subject to exemption from UK/Euro traffic laws. To extend the 6 month rule you have to have the car ourside of the UK for 3 months before you bring it back for another 6, email me if you want more info.
How have you got it insured?
- (#7394) Clive (Bristol), 18 Jan 04 12:07
lina,
it sounds like you have lost the earth connection on the rear lght unit or the earth could be a bad connection,maybe it would be best to put this problem on a new post,i am sure dave miller,john,clive will have some good advise on the matter
dennis
- (#7394) dennis, 18 Jan 04 12:45
Hey Linda, any chance you could post a picture of your Townie? I would love to see it!
Tom
- (#7394) Tom, 18 Jan 04 18:00
Sounds a bit like you should have towed the Audi back with the Townace. But seriously well done on your 'adventure' & I hope you enjoy it, even if it is a left hooker.
Regards Rob.
- (#7394) Rob Drinkwater, 19 Jan 04 17:59
Hi Linda
I had a feeling that the trailer was a bit ambitious, but congratulations on getting it back. This could be the star attraction of many an AceJam perhaps?
From your description of the light problem, a faulty earth could be the cause, but it also sounds a bit like an American set up to me. Maybe this is a Japanese/American hybrid?
What you could do is to get a set of LHD front lights from bbc spares, and sell the RHD lights to one of the many ace owners on the continent.
Regards
dave Bright (Bournemouth)
- (#7394) dacve Bright (Bournemouth), 20 Jan 04 05:39
Dave you've got your lefts & rights wrong, she has the LHD lamps & these could be sold abroad, perhaps our friend who has exported his Towinie to America, then Linda needs the RHD lamps from Bill.
Regards Rob.
- (#7394) Rob Drinkwater, 20 Jan 04 16:16
Hi Rob, Your right you know. I was wondering what that pain in the bum was.
- (#7394) dave Bright, 20 Jan 04 17:18
Had a lot of these in my Hiace.
Eventually went through the interior with a spray extraction carpet cleaner.
However, prior to this my solution was rubbing with 'baby wipes'
In the house, they have been more effective at removing spot stains than commercial products from the supermarket! Cheaper than things like 1001 foam cleaner (which I found didn't really work).
How a babies backside stands these 'industrial strength' cleaning cloths (the baby wipes that is), I'll never know.
The Johnson's 'top to toe' in the blue packet smell nice too!
- (#7394) chris turner, 20 Jan 04 18:15
Now I'm sorry I haven't checked the townie page in a while ( life is moving at about 200 miles an hour ). I would have been glad to meet you when you arived in Moscow and assisted you in some way, Linda.
Little update. Townie still running like a champ. Have new rad cap thanks to Dave Bright. Starts every morning like a champ. Only one morning would not start due to battery. It was minus 20 and the townie actually started the first time and I let it die.
All the best,
Mervin
- (#7394) mervin, 22 Jan 04 07:50
Thanks for all your messages lads. Clive, you are right about the registration. The Townie is now off the road awaiting new U.K. registration and I am getting the lights sorted, which, according to my mechanic friend is a few alterations of the wiring and bulb holders. He said that it is the U.S. lighting that it currently has fitted. The amber lights in the front light bar are marker lights and not indicators and the amber lights at the rear are called running lights and light with the side lights. The rear indicators are the amber running lights and the red side/brake lights. All this is to be changed to meet U.K. law. As for insurance.. I am covered to drive any vehicle with my fathers business, so no problems there. I had no luck removing the rusty looking stain from the seat. I will try again this week and if I still have no luck I will call in a carpet cleaning specialist. Lastly will the Ford double DIN CD player fit the Townie. Please answer quick because it is a new unit that is being sold cheap so it might go to somebody else unless I am quick. Linda.
- (#7394) Linda, 23 Jan 04 16:39
Wow Linda. You seem to have had a relativly easy job at getting your Ace from Moscow to the U.K despite your problems with punctures etc. My own Ace (a 1989 Royal Lounge 4x4 2.0 litre petrol) was exported to Jersey City via New York in December last year. If I had known beforehand how hard it was going to be for me to ship my Ace to the U.S.A. then I would never have done it. Because the Town Ace is not sold in the U.S. it is not stamped near the engine with a notice saying that it meets U.S. emission laws. Any vehicle of a certain age entering the U.S. must meet the emission laws and because the Ace is not stamped with the notice I had to get Toyota of Japan to give me a letter confirming that because my Town Ace is a petrol and because it is fitted with a cat it meets the U.S. emission laws. The U.S. also wanted to know if the Ace was the same or similar to any vehicle that is sold in the U.S. The Americans have a version that is a cross between a Town Ace and a Space Cruiser which they simply call a Toyota Van. These American vans have 4x4 and usualy a 2.2 litre petrol engine which I gather is the same engine as fitted in your Ace. I had to get a letter from Toyota of America saying that the Toyota Van is very similar to the Ace and that it uses the same running gear if your Ace happens to be a 4x4. Shipping costs to New York were not cheap. The Ace was containerised and filled with silicon gel. This was to stop dampness causing mold and rust. The Ace will have to be bonded in New York at more expence and tested by a certified U.S. government test centre to see if it passes all the U.S. vehicle laws. If it does not pass the tests it will have to return to the U.K. This is the reason why I have not yet followed my Ace to the U.S. because of the slim possibility that it might not pass the tests. Once it has passed it will then be U.S. registered and will be the first Town Ace in America. The head lamps were converted for the U.S. before it was exported by fitting a pair of lamps from a French Ace that had been in a serious rear and side shunt that I found in a breakers yard in Oldham. Regarding the Town Ace lights. Most Aces entering the U.K. from Japan need to have their lights altered to meet U.K. lighting laws. Look at the wiring looms behind the light units on most Aces and you will notice spare wires or wires joined with scotch locks. My own Ace still has the amber marker lights at the front like the ones you mention Linda. They are next to the front indicators and come on with the side lights like yours. Never failed its MOT while I had it in the U.K. I don't think you have a wiring fault with your Ace but I think that is how the lights are wired for Russia. Linda, I wish you all the best and I am sure that you will have much enjoyment with your Ace. Good luck with the registration and I hope you get your lights sorted.
Bill.
- (#7394) Bill, 23 Jan 04 17:46