no sooner had we decided on a general theme for our fund-raising than those cheeky scamps in the Mongolian government have apparently scuppered our library-driving exploits. It would appear that the only cars that are import tax-exempt are those which are no older than 9 years old, with no more than a meagre 65,000 miles on the clock.
This bumps the price we'd have to pay up by a few grand, and makes it unlikely anyone will see fit to donate a vehicle for us. The rules for 'working vehicles' aren't necessarily as strict in terms of age, but have all sorts of other pre-conditions such as 'there can't be any seats in the back'. So either we try and find the cash for a car that would instantly be probably in the top 50% of vehicles on the road in Britain, or we try and squeeze our threesome into the cab of a Ford Transit or similar for 10,000km.
Needless to say, enthusiasm has taken a bit of a bashing in the last 24 hours. I remain positive and confident we'll find a way round it - a new set of emotions for me - but not entirely sure what that will be.
Just an idea, but you could contact a few car hire places (international ones like eurocar would best suit) and let them know your plans. All their cars/vans are marked up with their logos etc. sell it to them as good advertising being seen all over the place in aid of a charity. No harm in asking and since they would be getting the car back at the end they would only be out the hire for the duration of the trip.
ReplyDeleteYou could even stick some charity decals on their to show the company next to the charity.
Anyway just and idea, if I have any other ones will let you know :)
cheers dude, good call...
ReplyDeleteunfortunately, it turns out we can't even take a flippin car! I tell you, adventures are meant to be more, well, adventurous than this. We're supposed to leave the vehicle in Mongolia to be sold for charity, and the government are all uppity about what they want...
Good thinking on going for the big international companies though - keep up the good work!