European Car Parts

[HARRIS]

Hello everyone,

I am a Sri Lankan living in London doing a lousy 9 to 5 administrative job & was surprised when I stumbled across this web site to see all you motoring enthusiasts in active communication about motors. I straightaway registered myself as I am a very big fan of cars & spend whatever free time available under the bonnet or under my vehicle doing it up. (As much to my knowledge).

Anyway, as I need to break from this vicious cycle & finally do something I like I intend to return to SL & start up an import business importing parts for makes such as Volvo,Renault,Peugeot,Citronen,Ford & Mini etc. Before this I need to do some ground work as to what makes & models are more in demand. Could the motoring community in this forum shed some light on this issue? I need some advice on customs regulations as well in importing parts. Also I have a very good contact that deals with minor accident damaged cars, which can surely be repaired. (Within 3 years of manufacture with very low mileage). Can I ship these in damaged condition as I have seen some really good young talent in Sri Lanka who can sort these motors out. Also it will help them out in terms of employment as well. What are the import regulations for this & can they be registered once professionally repaired.

Hope I get some or any feedback on these issues as it is getting a bit frustrating & I think I am really loosing it over here.

Thanks

Warren

[The Don]

Hello everyone,

I am a Sri Lankan living in London doing a lousy 9 to 5 administrative job & was surprised when I stumbled across this web site to see all you motoring enthusiasts in active communication about motors. I straightaway registered myself as I am a very big fan of cars & spend whatever free time available under the bonnet or under my vehicle doing it up. (As much to my knowledge).

Anyway, as I need to break from this vicious cycle & finally do something I like I intend to return to SL & start up an import business importing parts for makes such as Volvo,Renault,Peugeot,Citronen,Ford & Mini etc. Before this I need to do some ground work as to what makes & models are more in demand. Could the motoring community in this forum shed some light on this issue? I need some advice on customs regulations as well in importing parts. Also I have a very good contact that deals with minor accident damaged cars, which can surely be repaired. (Within 3 years of manufacture with very low mileage). Can I ship these in damaged condition as I have seen some really good young talent in Sri Lanka who can sort these motors out. Also it will help them out in terms of employment as well. What are the import regulations for this & can they be registered once professionally repaired.

Hope I get some or any feedback on these issues as it is getting a bit frustrating & I think I am really loosing it over here.

Thanks

Warren

Hi Harris,

There is quite a lot of mini's running arround but when it comes to other european makes there aren't as many cars running arround and thus if you had a spare shop catering to them I asume you would be serving a very niche market,

I am sorry I have absolutely no idea about importing spares into the country, but maybe you can call up or write to the import export control department to get more information.

Importing damaged vehicles I think can be done provided they can be driven away from the dock, since customs officials seem to be ill interested in the condition of the imported vehicles apart from what affects taxation, and quite a few of the jap vehicles coming to sri lanka have minor damage, mostly cosmetic, or something that can be sorted out by replacing a body part,

Remember you would be also serving a niche market when it comes to selling european vehicles and thus I am not sure if the potential european car buyer might be interested in buying something repaired as such, though I am sure some would not mind, and as far as the car market is concerned I think Mercedes is certainly the european car most in demand, and possibly BMW coming second, followed by Pugeot and Volkswagen which are the most I have seen hovering our streets, and the others being Opel and Citroen with a few renaults and quite a few Volvo's as well though I am sure there are many more,

I work in the UK too, if you want to drop me an email its [email protected]

Regards,

The Don

[xXx]

warren,

that is a untapped market segment you have your eyes on but IMO most of the european car owners go to the agent to get their repairs done. as Don said it is a very niche market. few years ago lot used european cars (pevgot 406 and BMW 3 series) were imported to SL and it was a major failure and as far as i know lot of car sales has given up in bringing these cars now.

there are few technicians in SL who are expert in european vehicles like osanda and milroy. best thing is to get in touch with them and get an idea what type of parts are in high demand or may be become a supplier to them.

my personnel opinion is car market is flooded in SL and the future is looking very grim with the rising fuel prices and insane taxation. i think you are better off investing your money in something else.

good luck and do keep us posted

[HARRIS]

Thanks Don & xXx for the info. How is the modification & performance sector doing in SL at the moment? I guess because of the economic conditions it must be really slow as well.

Another quick note while I am here. Last week I had a time to find an electric window mechanism for my intercooler. One is that Jap parts are very rare in this part of the country & if available would cost a lot. Also there is no point buying this part used because it would be worn anyway & fail at any time. I finally managed to find a brand new replacement part on ebay where I occasionally buy items from at bargain prices. I have seen loads of these items & many more similar parts in Colombo at rock bottom prices. Any chance of importing them over here as it will surely help loads of jap vehicle owners.

Cheers

Warren

Edited September 7, 2006 by HARRIS

[GTAm]

Hello everyone,

I am a Sri Lankan living in London doing a lousy 9 to 5 administrative job & was surprised when I stumbled across this web site to see all you motoring enthusiasts in active communication about motors. I straightaway registered myself as I am a very big fan of cars & spend whatever free time available under the bonnet or under my vehicle doing it up. (As much to my knowledge).

Anyway, as I need to break from this vicious cycle & finally do something I like I intend to return to SL & start up an import business importing parts for makes such as Volvo,Renault,Peugeot,Citronen,Ford & Mini etc. Before this I need to do some ground work as to what makes & models are more in demand. Could the motoring community in this forum shed some light on this issue? I need some advice on customs regulations as well in importing parts. Also I have a very good contact that deals with minor accident damaged cars, which can surely be repaired. (Within 3 years of manufacture with very low mileage). Can I ship these in damaged condition as I have seen some really good young talent in Sri Lanka who can sort these motors out. Also it will help them out in terms of employment as well. What are the import regulations for this & can they be registered once professionally repaired.

Hope I get some or any feedback on these issues as it is getting a bit frustrating & I think I am really loosing it over here.

Thanks

Warren

Hi Harris,

My little two cents worth.................come here with a technical guy (partner) from where ever you are. Set up a modern specialist work shop for three or four (or even 2) European brands. And complement this with parts new and used.

May I suggest,

1. Peugoet - The agents suck.

2. BMW - Agents are v expensive and Milroy is working at 110%

3. Volvo - Agents kind of suck and parts are very scarce and there are no outside specialists.

4. Mercedes - No proper outside specialists, Dimos are working at 110% and charging 300%!

I'll bet you you will not fail!

[xXx]

Hi Harris,

My little two cents worth.................come here with a technical guy (partner) from where ever you are. Set up a modern specialist work shop for three or four (or even 2) European brands. And complement this with parts new and used.

May I suggest,

1. Peugoet - The agents suck.

2. BMW - Agents are v expensive and Milroy is working at 110%

3. Volvo - Agents kind of suck and parts are very scarce and there are no outside specialists.

4. Mercedes - No proper outside specialists, Dimos are working at 110% and charging 300%!

I'll bet you you will not fail!

i agree with you, its a very good idea but you have to make a major investment to buy all the gadgets and gizmos isnt it? so harris if you can afford it go for it mate it cant go wrong

[asanka007]

i agree with you, its a very good idea but you have to make a major investment to buy all the gadgets and gizmos isnt it? so harris if you can afford it go for it mate it cant go wrong

hey XXX,

thankx for your comment about european cars and spare parts..actually i am thinking of doing something like this for a long time and i think this is the time to begin. Since it has a huge car market in sri lanka , european car specialists are very few. I know this mechanical engineer for a long time and he is really doing well in london. So any person who has a problem with vehicle can send me an email and i will sort out the matter with him. He will be coming to sri lanka 10 th of december with me.

[harshansenadhir]

Just to add my opinion on this regard.. there's only one used/dismantled spare part seller for EU brands.. and there are some shops at Panchikawatta who sells EU parts but again they aint original. To keep the price as low as possible they keep importing Taiwan made junk readily available @ Singapore on a cheap price. So if EU car owners had another choice they would definetely go for it.. and they don't care the price.. as long as the part is good and reliable. By experience I know that EU parts last longer and even you pay a bit higher its not a waste and again dismantled original (factory) part is much reliable than after market products. So there will be customers around colombo even though its sort of niche. By looking at the roads and comparing agents job I would suggest Peugeot (406,306,405), BMW and VW parts and not to forget Land Rover owners.. complete landrover 110 body goes arnd 1.5 mil here.. just to give you an idea abt the prices, I bought a 406 D8 gear box for 30k . and complete engine+gearbox & Axles+mounting available at the same joint for 275k .. engine pulley I bought for 7500/- .. parts are little scary but manageable. ..

I'm sorry I can't enlighten u custom and import regulations as am just another laymen for those areas. being in SL i know thats quite horrible.. unless otherwise if you have some good contacts @ customs..

[VWvortex]

Harshana,

Where is this place you buy spares from?

Cheers

[harshansenadhir]

Harshana,

Where is this place you buy spares from?

Cheers

Hi votex.. can you drop me a personal mail coz that publishing is not suppose to do here afaik ..

[email protected]

[VWvortex]

Hi votex.. can you drop me a personal mail coz that publishing is not suppose to do here afaik ..

[email protected]

mail sent

[HARRIS]

Hello everyone who replied to my message last time.Well its been some time since I made any contact.Almost a year.Since then I have been really busy planning & trying to get into the motoring scene in some part of the world.I have left my lousy financial advisor job for the british government & have started my life ambition in motors.I have taken a large workshop in London & have now 2 people working for me.We do all diagnostic work,repairs,serviceing,maintenance & body work which includes crash repairs for insurance jobs.I have also just purchased a vehicle transporter which safetly transports vehicles all over UK.I am getting a few jobs as well from the Sri Lankan community in Surrey & surrounding areas.I was in China last December & have a partnership with a large car accessory manufacturer & have just received my first container loaded with performance mufflers,performance wheels & other accessorys.I am hopeing to import some Lambo door kits in my next consignment.I have also taken the advise from members of this forum & have started breaking Peugeot,Volvo,Citroen & BMW cars.Due to high demand I have just put my hands into shipping a few cars to Uganda & Ghana.If there are any fellow Sri Lankans who need to contact me for any reason please do so on my mobile 07737030860 as I would like to come to know more people from this community.

Best regards

Harris

[The Don]

Hello everyone who replied to my message last time.Well its been some time since I made any contact.Almost a year.Since then I have been really busy planning & trying to get into the motoring scene in some part of the world.I have left my lousy financial advisor job for the british government & have started my life ambition in motors.I have taken a large workshop in London & have now 2 people working for me.We do all diagnostic work,repairs,serviceing,maintenance & body work which includes crash repairs for insurance jobs.I have also just purchased a vehicle transporter which safetly transports vehicles all over UK.I am getting a few jobs as well from the Sri Lankan community in Surrey & surrounding areas.I was in China last December & have a partnership with a large car accessory manufacturer & have just received my first container loaded with performance mufflers,performance wheels & other accessorys.I am hopeing to import some Lambo door kits in my next consignment.I have also taken the advise from members of this forum & have started breaking Peugeot,Volvo,Citroen & BMW cars.Due to high demand I have just put my hands into shipping a few cars to Uganda & Ghana.If there are any fellow Sri Lankans who need to contact me for any reason please do so on my mobile 07737030860 as I would like to come to know more people from this community.

Best regards

Harris

Good for you harris good for you

incidentally which part of surrey are you based, I am bases not too far from surrey I guess with kew and kingston quite close by

[xXx]

Bravo harris, i'm happy for you. Any plans to expand your business to SL????

[HARRIS]

Good for you harris good for you

incidentally which part of surrey are you based, I am bases not too far from surrey I guess with kew and kingston quite close by

I live in Croydon In Surrey & my workshop is in Thornton Heath, also in Surrey.

[HARRIS]

Bravo harris, i'm happy for you. Any plans to expand your business to SL????

I am expecting to come later this year.

[Nuwan B4]

All the best Harris............

I am expecting to come later this year.

[Iroshana]

Hello everyone,

I am a Sri Lankan living in London doing a lousy 9 to 5 administrative job & was surprised when I stumbled across this web site to see all you motoring enthusiasts in active communication about motors. I straightaway registered myself as I am a very big fan of cars & spend whatever free time available under the bonnet or under my vehicle doing it up. (As much to my knowledge).

Anyway, as I need to break from this vicious cycle & finally do something I like I intend to return to SL & start up an import business importing parts for makes such as Volvo,Renault,Peugeot,Citronen,Ford & Mini etc. Before this I need to do some ground work as to what makes & models are more in demand. Could the motoring community in this forum shed some light on this issue? I need some advice on customs regulations as well in importing parts. Also I have a very good contact that deals with minor accident damaged cars, which can surely be repaired. (Within 3 years of manufacture with very low mileage). Can I ship these in damaged condition as I have seen some really good young talent in Sri Lanka who can sort these motors out. Also it will help them out in terms of employment as well. What are the import regulations for this & can they be registered once professionally repaired.

Hope I get some or any feedback on these issues as it is getting a bit frustrating & I think I am really loosing it over here.

Thanks

Warren

Harris, Where u gonna buy european spares? I have my close friend in France who is doing a business there. Few days ago he told me that he can supply spares for european car with very less price. If you want I can introduce you to him.

However if you gonna start a car repair center in SL, I'll give my full support. Because still we dont have any proper place to get our repairs done. Most of garage people in SL are just "Bass" type. Most of them doesn't have a proper technical knowledge. If you can make "all under one roof" repair center in SL, still u have a virgin market.

-Iroshana

[maithri]

Guys,

I wish I was single I would have set up in SL instead of here in the UK. About breaking cars for spares-The cost of the car is managable but the labour to properly dismantle cars and box them up to ship seems to be the hurdle. The labour cost here is enormous. It is a shame that we can't ship the whole car-that way the dismantling can be done in SL providing employment opportunities as well as a necessary supply of perfectly usable parts for the needy european car owners.

Then again That would be too easy!

Any way to Warren good luck if ever you venture north on the M1 I am just 10 miles off J15 in Wellingborough-look me up,

[email protected]. The garage web site will be up and running very shortly. In the meantime to any European car owner in SL if you need technical data or info feel free to post here I always try to reply within a day or two. Please do not junk mail me!

Maithri

[Iroshana]

Guys,

I wish I was single I would have set up in SL instead of here in the UK. About breaking cars for spares-The cost of the car is managable but the labour to properly dismantle cars and box them up to ship seems to be the hurdle. The labour cost here is enormous. It is a shame that we can't ship the whole car-that way the dismantling can be done in SL providing employment opportunities as well as a necessary supply of perfectly usable parts for the needy european car owners.

Then again That would be too easy!

Any way to Warren good luck if ever you venture north on the M1 I am just 10 miles off J15 in Wellingborough-look me up,

[email protected]. The garage web site will be up and running very shortly. In the meantime to any European car owner in SL if you need technical data or info feel free to post here I always try to reply within a day or two. Please do not junk mail me!

Maithri

I may be mad to say this. Cant u employ some sri lankans there and provide some employment opportunities while making a good profit for your business?

-Iroshana