LHD Conversion

Hi Gang,

Does anyone know if it is possible to convert a UK RHD Mondeo to LHD?

Spoke to the local dealer, parts department and body shop, they didn't seem to know exactly what was needed and how much, but they didn't say it wasn't possible.

Reason I ask is that we are moving to Spain and the 2nd hand cars out there are very expensive. Also, what LHD cars that are available here in the UK aren't much cheaper than those in Spain! 

Any help most appreciated.

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Being an automotive mechanical engineer by profession I can tell you that it IS possible but you just wouldn't want to go there!  Apart from the fact that the entire dashboard would have to be swapped over there are many mechanical components such as the steering rack, possibly exhaust system, pedal box, etc.

It would cost you a huge amount of money and it just wouldn't be worth it.

Many people drive around for years here with RHD cars so you could just leave it as it is.  It's only things like tolls and sometimes overtaking which can cause issues.

Second hand cars here ARE expensive, you just don't get the same deals as you do in the UK.

Justin

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Bit awkward to press the old button and stick the ticket in when entering/leaving car parks, as well. 

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Oh Well, having read what both of you have said .....

Have decieded to sell me beloved UK Mondy

And buy a super, sexy Spanish Mondy

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Have you looked to see if there is anywhere in the UK you can buy a LHD car? I am sure they wil be cheaper than the RHD counterparts as there is no real market for them here in the UK. Although it will be UK registered, if it has already come from mainland Europe, a change of headlights should be all that is needed to re- register it in Spain.

Just a thought.

Mark

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Hi Mark,

Yeah! There are quite a few companies offering LHD cars here in the UK.

However, on an interesting note, as LHD cars are becomming more and more in demand, and less in quantity, the price you pay seems slightly higher than a RHD counterpart vehicle.

Having said all this, they are still cheaper than in Spain .... but then you have the cost of re-registering the car in Spain!!??!?!?

There is only one major pro for buying a LHD car here in the UK, and that's only if you intend driving to Spain!

And that's what we are going to do, because we need to go via ferry, Plymouth to Santander, as we are bringing our dog with us. And Yes! I've got a new Sat Nav system (toy, ahem!) to guide us down to Duquesa.

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I think LHD dealers in the UK have always charged a bit of a premium, because although their market is limited it is still a "specialist" market. Unfortunately the same does not apply in reverse, and selling a RHD in Spain, you'll probably get far less than it's value in the UK. 
Nevertheless, I still think in the long run you'll be best buying a Spanish reg LHD vehicle. Perhaps you''ll be able to make a return trip to the UK sometime to sell your faithful Mondy? Meanwhile, have a look at autoscout.es to get an idea of what might be available in your area (do you know the post code?) I'm not totally convinced that second hand cars are so much dearer here. My 5 year old Mondy (very sexy by the way) has done just 34,000 kms from new (all mine) and it makes me weep to think how little I'd get for it now.

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Well .....

I think I've found a very, VERY good LHD Car dealer here in the UK.

Will post their details on here if they are as good as they seem .....

Having said that, I will post thier details on here in any case, if you know what I mean!


This message was last edited by TechNoApe on 6/4/2008.

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I bought a lhd Landcruiser 11 years ago here: www.lhdplace.co.uk The fact that they're still going must be a reasonably good sign. The Landcruiser, on the other hand, I very much doubt is still going. Nothing to do with the quality of the vehicle - more to do with the moron I sold it to! He worked for our gestor, and made a complete mess of our accounts, as well as my dear old 'cruiser.
I had a quick glance at their homepage, and noticed a tasty looking Volvo XC70 wagon - a perfect load swallower for the trip over, and looks like a fair price. Just out of interest, I'll try to work out how much the matriculation cost would be to change it to Spanish plates, and post back here.

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Roberto,

It is the Left Hand Drive Place that I've taken the plunge with.

They seem very good, the cars they advertise ACTUALY belong to them and are ON-SITE at theie garage, and I must say that the staff are very courteous and well informed.

I will keep all informed as to what transpires, however from what you have said, I think I'm onto a sure fire winner with this company.

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** EDITED - Advertising **

 

This message was last edited by EOS Team on 04/01/2010.

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** Edited - Advertising **

This message was last edited by EOS Team on 28/02/2011.

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 I am quite used to driving left hand steering cars in UK

Can be quite awkward sometimes but I find it more easier interestingly enough

A few of years ago we started selling left hand drive cars and now specialise in selling left hand drive conversion parts since cars are much cheaper to buy in Uk and the cost of converting can make up for the same factory produced left hand drive car

The problem is that if you want the car to be exactly as if it was factory made after you have done the conversion the cost and time you would have spend will be quite significant compared to buying a left one from the on set

For commercial purposes it may not be too bad but if you are taking it up as a hobby it can be one of those that is not for the faint-hearted!!

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This message was last edited by lefthanddrivespecialist on 28/02/2011.

This message was last edited by lefthanddrivespecialist on 28/02/2011.

This message was last edited by EOS Team on 28/02/2011.

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Be careful guys as converting your RHD to LHD would be absolutely pointless for Spain as it would not pass the technical report as it has to match the details of the C.O.C document and that clearly states if the car was originally left or right hand drive.

Best to just buy a LHD car and not have all this nonsense in my opinion.

Even if you fit after market wheels that are different in size they would have to be put back to original (in most cases) before being granted Spanish registration so they're going to look at you and laugh when you've converted a car from R to L hand drive. :)

This message was last edited by delza on 28/02/2011.

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