Bakkies and 4x4s from South Africa
Hiluxes, Rangers and Land Cruisers built for South African roads, some in versions the UK never got. Here is what bringing one across involves, from the test to the tax.
The models we are asked about most
South Africa builds and buys pick-ups in large numbers. There is steady demand for good ones in the UK, and some versions were never sold here.
- Sold new in South Africa
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
The Land Cruiser 70 Series pick-ups are sold new in South Africa and are exactly the sort of vehicle people ask us to bring over. They are tough, simple and in demand.
A newer one under ten years old needs an IVA test, which we run on our own lane. Speedo, lights and emissions paperwork are the usual questions.
Get a quote for your Toyota Land Cruiser 79 - Built in Durban
Toyota Hilux
Toyota builds the Hilux in Durban, and South Africa has more versions and specs of it than the UK ever sees. Legend and Raider models come up often.
IVA if it is under ten years old, MOT if older. If you use it for work, read our note on how double cabs are taxed in the UK first.
Get a quote for your Toyota Hilux - Built in Pretoria
Ford Ranger
Ford builds the Ranger in Silverton, Pretoria, for South Africa and for export. Many South African Rangers are close to UK spec, which can help at the IVA stage.
IVA if it is under ten years old, MOT if older. Bring the full spec sheet if you have it.
Get a quote for your Ford Ranger
The Land Cruiser 79 was never sold new here
Toyota sells the 70 Series pick-ups new in South Africa, in single and double cab. UK buyers could never walk into a dealer and order one, which is why so many people ask us to bring one over.
A newer one under ten years old needs an IVA test before it can be registered. We run those every week on our own lane in Castle Donington, so it is not waiting for a government test slot. Speedo, lights and emissions paperwork are the usual questions, and we will go through them with you before it ships.
Testing, and what to tell us first
Like any South African vehicle, a bakkie already drives on the left, so there is no steering or headlight conversion. The age decides the test: IVA under ten years old, MOT from ten years, and no MOT before registration once it is over 40.
What most often catches people out with pick-ups is what has been added. Many South African bakkies are kitted out for the bush, and some of that kit can matter at the test. Tell us about it in the quote and we will plan for it.
- Roof tents and racksHeight and fixings.
- Bull bars and winchesCan matter at the test.
- Lift kits and big tyresSpeedo and ride height.
- Extra lightsSpotlights and light bars.
- Engine or exhaust changesAnything off the factory spec.
Single cab, double cab and tax
Since April 2025, HMRC treats double-cab pick-ups as cars rather than vans for company car tax and capital allowances.
That matters if the bakkie will be a company vehicle. It does not change the import itself: duty and VAT are worked out on the customs value, and we will confirm how your vehicle is classified in the quote.
On payload and towing, the answer depends on the exact vehicle and how it ends up registered here. Send us the spec sheet and check the figures on the UK documents before you rely on them.
We are not tax advisers. Speak to your accountant before you decide.
How your bakkie might be treated
Pick both to see a plain-words summary.
For personal use, company car tax does not come into it. For business use, a double cab is treated as a car since April 2025. Your accountant has the final word.
Bakkie and 4x4 questions
Can I import a Land Cruiser 79 from South Africa?
Yes. The 70 Series pick-ups were never sold new in the UK, which is exactly why people ask us to bring them over. A newer one under ten years old needs an IVA test, which we run on our own lane.
Does a newer bakkie need an IVA test?
If it is under ten years old, yes. Ten years or older, it takes an MOT instead. Either way the usual work is the speedo to mph and a rear fog light if it has none.
How is a double cab taxed as a company vehicle?
Since April 2025, HMRC treats double-cab pick-ups as cars, not vans, for company car tax and capital allowances. That can make a big difference if you run one through a business. Speak to your accountant before you decide.
My bakkie has a roof tent and a bull bar. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily, but tell us about every modification when you ask for a quote. Some add-ons can matter at the test, and it is much easier to plan for them before the vehicle ships.
Can I tow with an imported pick-up?
Towing and payload limits depend on the exact vehicle and how it is registered in the UK. Send us the spec and we will tell you what we know, and check the figures on the registration documents before you hitch anything up.
Tell us about the bakkie you have in mind
Collection, shipping, customs, testing and registration, itemised in one quote. A person here writes it, and nothing is charged until you say go.
Ringing from South Africa? +44 1332 810442