LHD Conversion?

[m2srt]

I've been offered the chance to work in Europe and we are greatly tempted to relocate. I'm rather smitten with my XC60 D5 Geartronic and was just wondering if a LHD conversion along with homogenisation would be possible? I don't want to be stuck with a RHD car but neither do I want to be selling a 16 month old car (20 month old by the time we move). Any ideas?

[tem]

Originally Posted by m2srt

I've been offered the chance to work in Europe and we are greatly tempted to relocate. I'm rather smitten with my XC60 D5 Geartronic and was just wondering if a LHD conversion along with homogenisation would be possible? I don't want to be stuck with a RHD car but neither do I want to be selling a 16 month old car (20 month old by the time we move). Any ideas?

If you do not want to use masking tape/deflectors, then I think that you will have to buy new light units from Volvo. They are expensive, somewhere in the region £300/£350 each?

Last year while returning from German, I meet a couple who were also returning to the UK, after 2 years in Spain.
They had used plastic deflectors (Halfords), during there visit and experienced no problems.

tem.

[Ninja59]

Frankly put bluntly that is loopy idea.

It is going to cost you thousands to do this (if you can find someone that even will do it), and then depending on where you are going the additional agro of getting it registered and certified elsewhere I could understand if it was something special but a 2013 XC60 D5 is not "special" enough to be doing serious conversion work to (even if you can).

Far more sensible in my view to:
1) Sell it here then get a LHD version over there (or buy new)
2) Sell it over there and get a LHD version.

I cannot even see the financial sense in doing what you are proposing.

[m2srt]

Originally Posted by tem

If you do not want to use masking tape/deflectors, then I think that you will have to buy new light units from Volvo. They are expensive, somewhere in the region £300/£350 each?

Last year while returning from German, I meet a couple who were also returning to the UK, after 2 years in Spain.
They had used plastic deflectors (Halfords), during there visit and experienced no problems.

tem.

I have Xenons so I can switch to European mode. My question related to moving the steering wheel to LHD

[m2srt]

Originally Posted by Ninja59

Frankly put bluntly that is loopy idea.

It is going to cost you thousands to do this (if you can find someone that even will do it), and then depending on where you are going the additional agro of getting it registered and certified elsewhere I could understand if it was something special but a 2013 XC60 D5 is not "special" enough to be doing serious conversion work to (even if you can).

Far more sensible in my view to:
1) Sell it here then get a LHD version over there (or buy new)
2) Sell it over there and get a LHD version.

I cannot even see the financial sense in doing what you are proposing.

I'm thinking of ordering a LHD car here as I could have uk spec.

[tem]

Originally Posted by m2srt

I have Xenons so I can switch to European mode. My question related to moving the steering wheel to LHD

Sorry, my mistake.
Need new glasses.

tem.

[Flux]

You have made me chuckle - classic - what a great thread.

Think on the face of it it is probably easier to convert the lights and keep the RHD.

Think someone has had too much 'fruit juice' over lunch.

[Lippy r design]

I have lived in holland for three years and I have had no problem with a RHD car, but if you must I would agree with ninja

[Ninja59]

Originally Posted by m2srt

I'm thinking of ordering a LHD car here as I could have uk spec.

Why the focus on "UK specification" if you are not even going to be here?

Additionally, I believe if I am correct that part of that UK specification is RHD. So what you are actually after is completely impossible (assuming that is correct).

The only time RHD will become a real issue is overtaking on single carriageway really. But, ultimately should you want to go LHD then it makes more sense to do one of the above.

If it were me though you will find the vehicle easier to sell here than over the other side as the vehicle is obviously on the correct side. The only issue then is getting over to the other country although with the time you have surely you can get yourself setup and sorted quite comfortably.

Edit it might be worth contacting the VUK Diplomatic and expat sales - http://www.volvocarstaxfree.com/

[bongodave]

There's just too much banter to resist not joining in........

Turn the car upside-down and get some bigger wheels and cushions!