At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

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detourer
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At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby detourer » Thu Feb 06, 2014 3:16 pm

This could be in the motoring section, but also fits nice In the fun of living here in Spain……..

I have a Nissan Navarra 4x4 that was due for it first ITV a few months ago. The vehicle is used exclusively in the Moroccan desert region so was fitted with a snorkel air intake.

The snorkel was not available here in Spain without a massive delay/wait, to say nothing of the 4 times UK cost. So it was shipped from there together with all the paperwork etc. The snorkel was then professionally fitted and paperwork issued.

ITV centre at Malaga refused ITV pass but could NOT give good reason other than paperwork and purchase was from UK. But it is a Nissan part.

They will NOT except vehicle for pass if snorkel is removed [we tried that] as it leaves a 2inch hole in wing.

They will NOT except professionally filled hole as “We know you will just refit snorkel later”.
Of course we could have new wing fitted at around 500e, but what is the difference between that and repair……as yes, they know we will just re-fit unit later.

I am thinking that the fine for no ITV is much cheaper than and involves lesshassle…….so will probably do that.

Sad thing is that the vehicle has been off the road for over two months now so the Spanish employee who it was for has not worked since……….

With that and all the other business hoops I have to endlessly and constantly seem to be jumping through do I really need all the crap........!
Go to the grave in an attractive and well preserved body? Rather skid in sideways, women on each arm, champagne and credit card in each hand, body thoroughly used, abused, totally worn out and screaming …."WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE"

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dxf
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby dxf » Thu Feb 06, 2014 9:10 pm

Hi

When you say "with all the paperwork" does that include homologation? A piece of paper from a Spanish engineer? In my experience, it is possible to get the correct paperwork - but it takes time and more time !!!

Davexf

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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby Lavanda » Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:07 pm

dxf is not so far off a course of action that usually works best in situations like this ... take some Spanish friends along, get them to do the talking non-stop, preferably about the football last night (whenever), and let the ITV jobs worth see that you've got Spanish mates - lots of them, and that should do the trick.

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scampicat
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby scampicat » Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:47 am

This sort of thing is a great example of why I found it increasingly stressful living in Spain. I am a law-abiding person and want to do the right thing. But they often go out of their way to make it almost impossible to do the right thing. It pays to break the law. 'Two words, 'shooting' and 'foot' spring to mind.

It is not the job of the ITV examiner to predict what you will or won't do in the future. If you have the correct paperwork for the snorkel, or had it professionally removed and made good, then they should pass it.

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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby TorreDelAguila » Sat Feb 08, 2014 12:53 pm

If you are fitting an original manufacturer's approved/supplied part, have it professionally fitted by an approved person (a requirement here in Spain), and have paperwork (part receipt, fitter's report*), then you should not have a problem with ITV. An Engineer's sign-off might be necessary before the ITV test.

* A blank form is available from an ITV test centre, on which details of the additional part/accessory/approved modification can be entered, and signed-off and stamped by the person fitting it.

This exact-same procedure is required for the fitting of an accessory like a towbar. Engineer's report not needed for this.

If you are having difficulty with getting the legals done, speak with Adam Rutter at Secure Solutions, Nerja. [email protected]. For mechanical assistance, speak with Glenn on 690 744 371 (4x4 specialist, Nerja).

Also some ITV stations are more helpful/realistic than others. The one at Malaga La Cala (Rincon area) is known to be helpful.
Chris

detourer
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby detourer » Sun Feb 09, 2014 4:32 pm

Thanks Chris/Torre for excellent info...........and other posters for comments.

I have calmed-down somewhat and sitting here in 32deg sunshine at Erg Chebbie Dunes/Morocco helps :D

As mentioned, what right do the test centre have in anticipating what I may or may not do with my vehicle after a test. Also how can they refuse a re-test after a professional refill/repair of a 2inch hole in the wing........a crash repair would involve a more extensive repair :shock:

What also gets me going is the suggestion from a friend "in the know" who can get it passed on a retest without a problem......with snorkel fitted ........ so much for the rules :?

The snorkel is a listed Nissan part for which I presented receipts, specification etc. etc. I suspect that the tester was having a bad day and was not keen on a Brit presenting a vehicle with parts bought from the UK.

Interestingly the test was so well carried out that nothing was said about the full under-body protection plate and up-rated suspension kit. I would not have expected them to notice the upgrade in the engine management system. Wheels and tyres are changed once in Morocco.

Never mind......it all pales into insignificants given the continued hassle of having a company based in Spain, catering for a non-Spanish client group and working 100% in Morocco.

We are seriously looking at the possibility of re-registering back in the UK, even if it costs more :clap:
Go to the grave in an attractive and well preserved body? Rather skid in sideways, women on each arm, champagne and credit card in each hand, body thoroughly used, abused, totally worn out and screaming …."WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE"

olive
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby olive » Sun Feb 09, 2014 5:54 pm

Registered in Gibraltar? Gib MOT's

You have my sympathy.It must be like running through treacle

eazbak
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby eazbak » Sun Feb 09, 2014 6:04 pm

Maybe it would be simpler and cheaper with a moroccan based company.To base your company in the uk would give you even more difficulties.

detourer
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby detourer » Sun Feb 09, 2014 7:30 pm

Now there's a thought...........I will look into switching to Gib.

No eazbak, we were operating in the UK for nearly 30 years. Moving to Spain 12 years ago all was OK for 2 years [we kept UK reg etc] until I naively thought that I would do the right thing and pay tax etc here........

In fact I sometimes wonder why I am bothered and working at all......... :roll:

..
Go to the grave in an attractive and well preserved body? Rather skid in sideways, women on each arm, champagne and credit card in each hand, body thoroughly used, abused, totally worn out and screaming …."WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE"

eazbak
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Re: At times I wonder, is it worth all the hassle

Postby eazbak » Sun Feb 09, 2014 7:47 pm

Working is becoming a pastime that only the very wealthy can afford to do these days.


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