SVA - HELP!! confused...

[andyh]

1999 Bongo enroute and am getting confused about SVA... Though I had it sussed... Current rules say any import under 10 years old needs an SVA. Apparently there is no standard model report for a 1997 on Bongo which means they cant be used as a people carrier (unlees you want to crash test it!!) but there is an exception for camper conversions. Reliabaly informed by UK SVA specialist that provided its a proper conversion then it doesnt need an SVA - and the DVLA apply a common sense approach (apparently in the past people have stuck beds and a camper stove into a nissan skyline and called it a camper!!!) Rang local garage (Hallem Imports) and they think it needs an SVA at £600+

Has anyone crossed this minefield before?

Andy

[andyh]

Waited for hours on hold but finally got through to DVLA. They confirmed that under 10 years old needs SVA - EXCEPT for a FULL conversion. That means fixed cabinets, hob, sink and seats that convert to a bed. Then no SVA required.

Just need to sort fog lights and speedo for MOT. Time to find a Madza 6 methinks


Andy

[Veg_Ian]

I'm pretty sure that the SVA model report applies to vehicles produced up to 1999. Mine's a Feb 97 and I had no hassles when I bought it a year ago. I'm pretty sure this is covered in one of Ian's FAQs isn't it?

[andyh]

Aaaagh - now as a new boy i didnt think to look at FAQ's.... Bleeding obvious really.... Time to think of some more already answered questions...

[Ian]

The problem with the FAQ section is that many of the links were damaged during the recent accidental deletion of the techie section. It will take a while to repair the damage.

The best summary of the SVA situation can be found in the fact sheet in the members only area. Here is the current situation on Model Reports:

At the time of writing (April 2007), apart from Noise Tests, model reports are available for the following models:

Report Number Date of Manufacture Description Frame
000/002/00155 01/01/97 to 30/09/97 Manual Diesel 4WD KD-SGLR/SGL5
000/002/00114 01/01/97 to 30/09/97 Automatic Diesel 2WD KD-SGLW/SGL3
000/002/00146 01/01/97 to 30/09/97 Automatic Diesel 4WD KD-SGLR/SGL5
000/002/00163 01/01/97 to 30/09/97 Manual Diesel 2WD KD-SGLW
000/002/00159 01/11/99 to 31/08/01 Automatic Diesel 4WD KH-SGLR/SGL5
000/002/00176 01/11/99 to 2005 Automatic Diesel 2WD KH-SGLW/SGL3

Other reports are expected to become available in the near future. However, the Bongo/Freda is available in a huge range of Japanese specifications, and each model will require its own report.

[andyh]

Thanks for this... have just Pay Pal'd the dosh to join the club...

Then I can paas the time reading all the fact sheets while my Bongo sails this way...

ta Andy

[Ian]

Andy, have sent you a PM.