Is it worth importing??

[Viva la Mattner]

Im looking at importing a 1995 Toyota Supra from Japan and want to know if anyone has imported from Japan and what thier thoughts were.

http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan_car/toyota/supra/1675505/


The car itself costs around $5500, but how much should I expect to pay in total after the import fee and then getting it up to Australian road standards???

Is it worth it in the end??

any info/feedback will be much appreciated

 

[Tex_21]

I remember hearing something about much less taxes/duties on imported vehicles if they were owned overseas for a period of time-can't remember exactly what the go was though. WOuld be interested to find out though, would love to bring some American muscle over.

 

[Viva la Mattner]

found the following:


When a car is imported into Australia, if built after 1/1/1989 it needs a compliance certificate to prove that it meets Australian road safety standards. This must be issued by a RAW or Registered Automotive Workshop. Different RAWs comply different models, see www.raws.com.au The cost and amount of effort involved to ensure a vehicle meets Australian standards varies, but in general the following process is completed.

1. New seat belts are fitted
2. Child restraint anchorage points
3. Anti intrusion bars fitted (if not factory installed)
4. The filler neck for fuel changed
5. New filters are installed
6. All vehicle fluids are replaced
7. New tyres
8. An Engineer's inspection is carried out
9. Brakes Pads checked

how much would this set me back on average

 

[Hawkers]

Your best bet would be to talk to who registers the vehicles in your State.

Also check this out if you haven't already

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/index.aspx

 

[rdhopkins2]

I believe insurance on imports is hard to get and $$$$$. Repairs also cost more due to the lack of availability of spare parts here.

 

[PowerKat]

My Dad did this with a Sylvia. Takes a bit of time and effort, but it worked out OK - not a money making exercise.

 

[Barry Zuckercorn]

Im looking at importing a 1995 Toyota Supra from Japan and want to know if anyone has imported from Japan and what thier thoughts were.

http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan_car/toyota/supra/1675505/


The car itself costs around $5500, but how much should I expect to pay in total after the import fee and then getting it up to Australian road standards???

Is it worth it in the end??

any info/feedback will be much appreciated

A good mate of mine imported a Lancer Evo 7 when they first came out. Paid top dollar for it but he could not have been happier (came with some extras ). He sold it late last year for $35k!!! But obviously you need to do your homework, I dont know/remember most of the details.

One thing I found funny is that it had tiny seats (and I do mean tiny... something like 30cm of bum space) as they are based on Japanese men who tend to be smaller. My mate is 6 foot 3 but he got used to it quick smart.

I dont believe Toyota makes the Supras anymore do they? If so, it could be a worthwhile investment... They're still in demand a fair bit.

Another mate also imported a Doberman Pinscher from Germany once but I guess that's for a different thread

 

[Hawk Dork]

Had a friend doing it proffesionaly a few years back
They would buy cars in Australian students names who where living in Japan
Students could drive them and at the end of a year imported them.
Mainly did Celicas and did OK
Then moved onto 4x4
Laws changed and it got to hard
He looked into doing luxury stuff out of HK but the numbers wherent right
I also met a guy doing it in Glenhuntly, he would bring in what you wanted for a small fee
He went to Japan a few times a year.
Find some drifters and Ask around

 

[Herne Hill Hammer]

I remember hearing something about much less taxes/duties on imported vehicles if they were owned overseas for a period of time-can't remember exactly what the go was though. WOuld be interested to find out though, would love to bring some American muscle over.

Got a mate over there on hols at the moment and he'd been talking about doing it. He looked into it fairly extensively.

To buy and import a close to new Corvette was in the 60-70k range then double that to be converted to right hand drive.

 

[magic_johnson!]

how much would it be to import a brand newy from NZ?
http://www.hypercube.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/nissan-cube-hypercube.jpg
http://montrealstateofmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/nissan-cube-1.jpg