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  #1  
Old 13 May 2009
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UK - Russia 2WD
Hi all,

Just looking for some sensible advice - my other half and I are have the inkling of an idea to drive from the UK to the east coast of Russia. We'd prefer to do it on an old 2WD (not a complete banger but not far off) although a 4WD is an option, especially considering how cheap they are at the moment.

So, anyone ever done a trip like this? Is selling the car in Russia possible (with or without a little bribery)? I heard green cards now cover Russia - true?

We've both done a few banger rallies before and currently live in Africa so have experience of dodgy roads and dodgier officials.

Thanks,

Rich
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Old 13 May 2009
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haven't ever tried to sell a foreign vehicle in Russia, but from what I've read it will be difficult, especially on the Far East, where many used cars are brought in in good condition from Japan.

Also, as far as I know green card insurance does not cover Russia (just tried to do this in the past couple of weeks). But you can get third party liability insurance for Russia just before/after crossing into Russia.
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Old 13 May 2009
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2wd is fine. Russians do it all the time. Over 90% of the cars crossing siberia on the main road over are 2wd. Mostly japanese imports heading west

Selling it there? I guess everything is possible, but remember you will have a car on your customs form when you enter, and if you dont have it when you exit, they will want to know why.

Green cards now cover Russia, and seem to be accepted there. I was asked for a green card 3 weeks ago when I entered near Krasnodar. I had to buy insurance because I didnt have one. Its relatively new (2008), but technically yes, Russia now takes green cards. Just a question of whether or not the border official wherever you enter is up to date or not.
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Old 13 May 2009
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Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
...technically yes, Russia now takes green cards. Just a question of whether or not the border official wherever you enter is up to date or not.
maybe I'm confused, but I thought the main issue was which green card issuers would cover Russia? I got a green card a few weeks ago in Europe, and it did not cover Ukraine or Russia (even though I asked if it was possible to do so). Maybe I'm talking to the wrong green card issuer?
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Old 13 May 2009
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If this guy can do it, so can you

Dad Dwight Wood drives family from UK to Singapore and back in a £300 car | The Sun |News
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Old 13 May 2009
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Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
maybe I'm confused, but I thought the main issue was which green card issuers would cover Russia? I got a green card a few weeks ago in Europe, and it did not cover Ukraine or Russia (even though I asked if it was possible to do so). Maybe I'm talking to the wrong green card issuer?
maybe that issuer is not up to date

I also noted on Safran's green card (Safran rode with me from Montenegro to Romania) that his green card had Ukraine and Russian named on it. He got the green card in March
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Old 13 May 2009
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Old 13 May 2009
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Actually, how could I forget? I drove from Vladivostok to Europe. If you want to see what Russian road conditions look like, have a look at the Eastern Russia section of my website.

overlandcruiser.net

Also see this

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...cription-20878

But it is also true that most of the cars on the Trans-Siberian Highway are 2WD and they manage just fine. Bear in mind, however, that 90% of the traffic on the TSH is heading west.
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Old 14 May 2009
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I have managed to sell my motorbike in Moscow, I have been meaning to post a step by step process... ill try and remember to do it shortly.

2WD are crossing the country all the time. You will end up meeting the people who transport them from Vlad to through out Russia.

I got pulled over a few times by the police who wanted money, I always managed to talk them out of it. You really only have to be concerned in western Russia. As soon as you pass the Ural Mountains they stop being greedy.
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Old 18 May 2009
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Originally Posted by maximondo View Post
I have managed to sell my motorbike in Moscow, I have been meaning to post a step by step process... ill try and remember to do it shortly.

2WD are crossing the country all the time. You will end up meeting the people who transport them from Vlad to through out Russia.

I got pulled over a few times by the police who wanted money, I always managed to talk them out of it. You really only have to be concerned in western Russia. As soon as you pass the Ural Mountains they stop being greedy.


That would be great if you could let us have that information. Thanks!

Any idea whether selling a RHD car will be a problem? We're not looking to make money but just want to be able to leave the country without the car.

We're hoping to carry on with the road trip in the US (buying another car there and driving it around for a while before finishing up in NYC). Any ideas for getting from Vladivostock to the US?
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Old 18 May 2009
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Originally Posted by straggler View Post

Any idea whether selling a RHD car will be a problem?
After Irkutsk I would think no ... all the second hand Japanese cars that come in are RHD. Half the cars in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok are RHD
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