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Californian Prius going to Europe

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Alex PHV, Nov 12, 2020.

  1. Alex PHV

    Alex PHV Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    Hello Everyone,

    I'm here to seek information and advices concerning the importation to a PHV prius to Europe (South of France).

    -First, I'm Very happy to find this forum, I hope to get precious info from it and be able to help anyone in the future with my upcoming experience!!
    -I will do here the long story-short, but you have a bit more details in my presentation.

    So: at the end of November 2020, the car will ship from Montreal to Foss-sur-mer (France)
    "The car" = Toyota Prius Plug-In 2013

    as of now except for the front and rear light, i did not find many difference (i would be therefore be delighted to be lightened to whats has to change).
    - i might have to create the circuit for the rear fog light that is required in France
    according to the owner book (page with the fuse board) there is a place for it but its not connected.


    any recommendation or info would be much appreciated

    thanks everyone
     
  2. PA Prius

    PA Prius Active Member

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    I am assuming did the numbers on the cost of all this, including possible import duties, compared to selling here and buying there.
     
  3. Alex PHV

    Alex PHV Junior Member

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    Hello PA Prius,
    indeed i did, moreover, my visa situation does not allow me to sell the car in Canada unless i make the modification for Canadian road and i pay the import tax. Since i don't have address in the US and the border is closed for non essential travel, it would be pretty hard to sell back the car back there.

    all parameter accounted for, I rather take the car with me in Europe where i can Import it duty and tax free
     
  4. PA Prius

    PA Prius Active Member

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    Plug-in Advanced
    It sounds like you have a plan. Bon voyage!
     
  5. Alex PHV

    Alex PHV Junior Member

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    yes indeed, and this my me face so many question

    i need to change the tail lights mostly because the rear fog is missing:
    -Does anyone know if the circuit is already here? or do i have to make a full install?
    -I need to change the side mirror to put the one with the blinker, i was wondering the same, is the electric circuit already here?

    also looking for anyone with similar experience :)
     
  6. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    It's common to fit aftermarket rear fog lights on used Japanese imports coming into the UK as they are also a requirement there, they are often fitted down in the rear bumper as that meets requirements. I can't say specifically about what wiring is present in your car already.

    The front lights may also be of concern as the US is one of the few countries that doesn't comply with UNECE regulations for automotive lighting, so there may be other compliance issues. Things like amber front side marker lights may not be permitted in France, for example.

    The FM and MW radio won't work properly in Europe either, if you care about that.
     
    Alex PHV likes this.
  7. Alex PHV

    Alex PHV Junior Member

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    thanks a lot, indeed i am not concerned for the radio, but i was wondering if i can update the map?

    regarding the light i am already actively looking for a rear left light (That the one with the rear fog) all i am praying for is that i wont need to wire this in do it yourself way ahahah
     
  8. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    Well, I'm not sure just fitting a European light cluster is going to work. Your indicator stalk won't have the selector for the rear fog light, so you'll have no way of turning it on without replacing that or wiring up some switch...
     
  9. Alex PHV

    Alex PHV Junior Member

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    You are actually right and i did purchase the button control that goes to the panel left to the steering wheel,

    but most likely the connection wont indeed be here,
    does anyone has a picture of the read fog light?
     
  10. PMI

    PMI New Member

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    Hey Alex,

    I hope this message finds you - how did you manage with the rear fog light?
    I have the same issue, trying to register my American Prius in Germany, really wanna do it myself but with all these regulations kinda scary to mess up..
    Would appreciate hearing your story
     
  11. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    Alex PHV was last seen: Apr 11, 2022

    Did you buy the necessary equipment? Rear fog light? Switch?
    What connection problems are you having?
     
  12. PMI

    PMI New Member

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    Yes, I do have everything, and even found some instructions here (super helpful forum!) but as I am a newby it is a bit scary to "mess up", that's it :)
     
  13. vvillovv

    vvillovv Senior Member

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    #13 vvillovv, Sep 8, 2024
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2024
    PMI likes this.