The Rules

The main rule is that if you want to leave your vehicle in Mongolia you should expect that your vehicle will raise at least US$1000 (or £500) at the auction in Ulaanbaatar. This isn't hard to achieve as vehicles picked up for much less than this on eBay have been known to sell for more in Mongolia. We'll explain what makes a car worth more on the next page, and there is also a wish list of the most desirable vehicles for Mongolia.

1) Why is the US$1000 rule necessary?

This rule is part of our import agreement with the Mongolian Government and the CDPF. The Government do not want Mongolia to be used as a dumping ground for scrap cars from Europe.

The CDPF have a small operating budget, and we do not want to waste their limited resources and time by relying on them to hold car auctions where the proceeds of sale barely cover the costs of importing and selling the vehicles.

The rule also ensures that this rally doesn't turn into a Jack Ass does demolition derby all over the Mongolian countryside.

2) What's the deal with the returnable deposit?

A deposit of £400 is payable immediately prior to departure. This money will be returned in full at the end of the rally provided that teams have either handed over their vehicles in good condition to the CDPF in Ulaanbaatar or to CDPF representatives who will be stationed in several towns along the way in Mongolia. You'll receive full details of this after sign-up.

The deposit is important to ensure that teams do not abandon their vehicles in the Mongolian countryside or sell them privately in Mongolia. If your vehicle enters Mongolia it must be donated to the CDPF. The CDPF can get a waiver of the import taxes only for vehicles that are donated directly to them. You can not simply sell your vehicle and give the money to the CDPF as this breaches the terms of the agreement and CDPF could be liable for up to US$4000 in import tax, which if you dont pay could leave you having great difficulties leaving the country! It is also a waste of CDPF time and money retrieving abandoned vehicles from across the Mongolian countryside.

3) Do I have to pay a deposit if I am not intending to even leave my car in Mongolia?

All teams must pay the vehicle deposit, even if they are only transiting Mongolia. Once you can confirm to us that you have exited the country we will immediately refund your deposit in full.

4) What condition should my vehicle be in when I give it to the CDPF?

You car needs to be in the best possible condition when you hand it over to the CDPF in Mongolia so that it can raise the most amount of money at auction. Obviously 10,000 miles will put a lot of wear and tear on the car, but just imagine that you're trying to sell your own second-hand motor. What would you do to make it worth the most to a buyer - a decent clean inside and out and a thorough check of the general condition will up the amount raised. Also keep in mind when preparing and driving your vehicle whether any mods you are making will knock the value. Ripping out the back seats and dancing on the bonnet can be fun, but it can also really devalue the car at auction. Another example is spray painting logos rather than using stickers for sponsors. The amount your car raises will go straight towards your overall team fundraising total on the site. So think of this as just another part of your fundraising endeavours.

5) What are the exceptions to the rules?

a)Novelty Vehicles

One exception to the basic US$1000 rule is for novelty vehicles that are quirky, interesting, funny, or different. A milk float or a Reliant Robin may not fetch US$1000 at auction but we'll allow them for simple comedy value.

If you want to take one of these vehicles, we will ask that you raise over £1500 before you leave for the Mongolian charity you have selected. The reason for this is that as the car has no resale value in Mongolia the CDPF will be out of pocket and the Government will question the decision to waive the import duties. If we can show that you are helping the country in a significant way with lots of fundraising, we can get the vehicle approved.

b) Motorbikes

If you intend to take a motorbike to Mongolia, then you should work on the basis that the value of the motorbike should be in excess of US$700 on arrival in Mongolia.

6) I'm taking a really good car, do I still have to raise money for charity too?

The CDPF would be delighted if you're planning to take a great vehicle worth more then US$3000. In these cases we will of course waive the minimum target that you have to raise.

7) Is there anything else I need to know?

Probably plenty, but that will do for now. The only thing to remember is that this rally is only possible through a good relationship with the Mongolian government and a great respect for their people. You're an ambassador for the event and your country - look forward to a warm welcome!