Ok, I've been through the forum, and am halfway through importing my espace.

However, I have been unable to answer the following:

- I have my 13:20; do I need to wait for a letter from the relevant office before starting the process for registration, or can I just fired on myself? My Kanton is Zug btw.

- Will I get screwed for the emission/registration check? I've heard stories about foreigners getting charged over the odds.

- Is there a document available to show what is on the registration check? I'd like to ensure my car will pass first time.

(Given it's an Espace, I'll be surprised if it even makes it to the test centre...)

- I've read some threads about lots of insurance companies no longer insuring foreign cars (this one is French); is this still the case, as of Dec 2011? If so, who still does it? Green card expires mid Feb.

Oh, and I'm importing a motorbike as well. This one is a UK model, so I need to fix the headlight somehow. But there's no rush to register that ASAP.

same things apply as in the other posts.
Import the car at the border, get all receipts with the 13/20 they will give you all the docs you need. ( I assume you have the COC )
then go to a garage that does the inspection for your exhaust emissions. (you need to get the booklet first from a renault dealer. booklet 20 chf test at garage normally 50. )

then call into the OCN and make appointment. Best to call at 7 am to get an appointment same day. Make sure car is spotless, warmed up, and also clean the engine very well.

Pay , call your insurance (make sure to call beforehand so they have all your details and ready to just press the button) , get your plates, pay again and you now have a Swiss registered car

EDIT: registration check depends on the person. Mine passed fine even though not completly up to speck..... they check brakes, suspension, steering, tires, lights, and thats all I can remember

Kinda right but you are VERY unlikely to get an appointment in the same week let alone day in Zug. Depending on the age of the car / milage you will most probably need an engine steam clean to bring it to the required standard. It would be well advised to get a friendly local garage to address any areas pre MFK that need attention. The COC and AbGas forms are a must as Anthony says.



As far as this is concerned no Swiss company may insure the liability part of an EU green card agreement foreign registered car. We can top up the casco and accidental part of the cover and only take over the liability at the time of matriculation. However to get an MFK appointment the Swiss insurance must be "ready" and the electronic certificate sent to them; this requires the stamm number.

Sorry..but I don't understand a word of that. All I want in simple, TPFT style insurance after my green card runs out.

Not sure I know what a COC is either? No sniggering back there...

Also, not sure I understand this concept that I can phone the insurance, and they'll be "ready"? What does that mean? They will conditionally insure it?

EDIT - Found COC. Certificate of Conformity. I shall need to order one...

No, no, no!... The last thing you want is your French insurance to run out! When it does you will not be able to get a simple TPFT, you would have to get temporary customs insurance that would only cover the 3rd party liability then you would have to separately purchase the fire, theft bit from a company like us.

If you send me your contact details I will gladly give you a call and talk you through all the options and procedure. I can't really explain the full legalisation and discuss your case here.

Best,
David

Ok, CoC arrived, abgas test due imminently, and I've emailed the STVA in Zug for an appointment.

Car just had MOT and Renault inspection before departure from UK, so I'm planning on a pass. Insert references to the saying 'pride before a fall' now please...

Or at least I was...turns out I have no toolkit! Just found out by accident. Naturally, I shall be venting some steam at the garage I bought it from (It was there when I inspected it on the test drive, and had no cause to check it since), but in the meantime, some concerns arise:

- Is a toolkit required to pass the test? The spare tyre itself is top-top. Just the jack etc that is missing. I have the usual EU triangles, spare bulbs etc. All the usual stuff for a UK MOT is sorted too.

You must be kidding aren't you. Who gives a damn if the engine is clean or not, not to mention the car itself.

i guess you have never taken a car/bike for the MFK??

the engine MUST be clean as must the car UNDERNEATH otherwise they will refuse to inspect / stop the inspection

My car failed the MFK years ago. Basically, it was a clear fail, but a noted point (recorded on the sheet) was the missing ash tray (had left it at home to clean it!). Second time round it passed, despite the hot and smoking rear brakes (must be new brakes, will be OK)

Otherwise, last time I went to TCS (Brunegg) - perfect. No special cleaning required; standard carwash was sufficient. Had booked the car for a pre-test (as the car was due for a major service and I wanted to combine this with fixing the MFK-fail points before the full MFK). But the car passed and so the guy converted the pre-test into the fully-featured MFK :-)

Cheers,
Chris

I have not, but most likely will be shortly ....
Back where I am from we sip the free coffee offered and watch the inspector receive all the s**t dropping over him from the bottom of the car and if the inspector looks the engine compartment then he has to himself clean the dust off from the number plate he want to check.

But you know - every country has their own habits

We had the same where I come from(in some ancient years ago), inspectors were on the next level to God, but then the government sort of owned the inspection sites, now they are private companies. Well the downside, investors own the places and prices keep sky rocketing.... In here MFK is not private or is it?

Still these must be jokes, I cannot belive - a missing ashtray, no f*****ing way. The brake thing I understand, those are in heavy need here.

The Swiss MFK vehicle inspectors give a right royal Swiss damn.

If they cannot see the engine under the road muck, they cannot tell if it is leaking fluids or not, and they will fail you.

Clean the engine before inspection.

Honestly, comparing how different countries work may be entertaining but doesn't get you very far in trying to pass the Swiss inspection in Switzerland.

I could tell loads of stories about vehicle inspection in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Does it help get your car through the Swiss inspection?

Nope.

Well for a first timer to get a car inspected in Switzerland I am wiser now.
Well regards to my garbage letters I have wrote here - no quess you are right.