Importing a car to Australia - All the facts... Hopefully!
Discussion
Hmmm I'm not particularly intimate with the compliance rules for the Eastern states but I would think it is up to you to find a workshop able to do the compliance work...unfortunately I have never been able to find a government list of which workshops can do what compliance work.
Maybe someone else the has done a personal import can comment but maybe any workshop can do the work.
Maybe someone else the has done a personal import can comment but maybe any workshop can do the work.
deviant said:
Hmmm I'm not particularly intimate with the compliance rules for the Eastern states but I would think it is up to you to find a workshop able to do the compliance work...unfortunately I have never been able to find a government list of which workshops can do what compliance work.
Maybe someone else the has done a personal import can comment but maybe any workshop can do the work.
No worries, I will see how it goes...I will update once the car gets there next year Maybe someone else the has done a personal import can comment but maybe any workshop can do the work.
Thanks for all the info guys 
SDS,
There are plenty of replies in this thread you need to read through the entire thread first. We've solved and documented the issues many times and you need to read this thread first. Sorry but it's too much a PITA to restate what those of us being successful have done. Brusque sure but have you read?
And given the youth of you car bring a rather large tube of anal lube for the kind of bills you're going to get hit with!
There are plenty of replies in this thread you need to read through the entire thread first. We've solved and documented the issues many times and you need to read this thread first. Sorry but it's too much a PITA to restate what those of us being successful have done. Brusque sure but have you read?
And given the youth of you car bring a rather large tube of anal lube for the kind of bills you're going to get hit with!
Edited by Steve-B on Thursday 10th June 13:29
Rob,
Think you're not quite on there, Shannons will insure no worries for in many cases a BETTER rate than what you've paid in the UK. Having moved back to Blighty with our Caterham SV it is more expensive here than even Shannons there.
Think you're not quite on there, Shannons will insure no worries for in many cases a BETTER rate than what you've paid in the UK. Having moved back to Blighty with our Caterham SV it is more expensive here than even Shannons there.
robm3 said:
Oh, don't forget the normal insurance companies won't touch an import so it'll be 'unique' insurance every year as well.
Firstly what a great and informative thread this is, one of the best I've ever read...don't get out much!
I REALLY HOPE someone may be able to answer a question or two for me.
I own a 1971 BMW 2002 tii, have done since 2000. Currently it has a carburettor on it as the injection was playing up. I actually plan to fit 318i injection to it,(got an old one of those as well)
I only use it in the summer or if it's sunny, so virtually never then!!!
We have been planning to move to NSW for a while but my wife has had a job offer which means we could be off within 6-8 weeks.
Would I be right in thinking all the costs detailed in the original thread apply except for the duty?
The car has been SORNed through the winter, but could have been used if I had to, does this affect the 'avialable to drive rule'. The MOT is about to run out does this matter when you get the other end.
What happens if it fails a test the other end, say brake caliper sticking or servo playing up, do they ban you from removing it or can you sort it at your leisure and take it back to the testers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and here's hoping someone can give me an insight.
It is my pride and joy but it doesn't have aircon so I'm really in a dilemmaas to whether to take it. There's a limit to how much spending money she'll give me for this..
I REALLY HOPE someone may be able to answer a question or two for me.
I own a 1971 BMW 2002 tii, have done since 2000. Currently it has a carburettor on it as the injection was playing up. I actually plan to fit 318i injection to it,(got an old one of those as well)
I only use it in the summer or if it's sunny, so virtually never then!!!
We have been planning to move to NSW for a while but my wife has had a job offer which means we could be off within 6-8 weeks.
Would I be right in thinking all the costs detailed in the original thread apply except for the duty?
The car has been SORNed through the winter, but could have been used if I had to, does this affect the 'avialable to drive rule'. The MOT is about to run out does this matter when you get the other end.
What happens if it fails a test the other end, say brake caliper sticking or servo playing up, do they ban you from removing it or can you sort it at your leisure and take it back to the testers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and here's hoping someone can give me an insight.
It is my pride and joy but it doesn't have aircon so I'm really in a dilemmaas to whether to take it. There's a limit to how much spending money she'll give me for this..
They are getting real anal about modified pre- 1989 cars now, I hope to return to OZ with my 72 Lancia and this makes me wonder about non factory option alloy wheels. They only mention custom paint.
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
bmsteve said:
Firstly what a great and informative thread this is, one of the best I've ever read...don't get out much!
I REALLY HOPE someone may be able to answer a question or two for me.
I own a 1971 BMW 2002 tii, have done since 2000. Currently it has a carburettor on it as the injection was playing up. I actually plan to fit 318i injection to it,(got an old one of those as well)
I only use it in the summer or if it's sunny, so virtually never then!!!
We have been planning to move to NSW for a while but my wife has had a job offer which means we could be off within 6-8 weeks.
Would I be right in thinking all the costs detailed in the original thread apply except for the duty?
The car has been SORNed through the winter, but could have been used if I had to, does this affect the 'avialable to drive rule'. The MOT is about to run out does this matter when you get the other end.
What happens if it fails a test the other end, say brake caliper sticking or servo playing up, do they ban you from removing it or can you sort it at your leisure and take it back to the testers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and here's hoping someone can give me an insight.
It is my pride and joy but it doesn't have aircon so I'm really in a dilemmaas to whether to take it. There's a limit to how much spending money she'll give me for this..
I think you would really need to delve in to the ADR's regarding the injection / carbs thing...maybe because of its age you can do it.I REALLY HOPE someone may be able to answer a question or two for me.
I own a 1971 BMW 2002 tii, have done since 2000. Currently it has a carburettor on it as the injection was playing up. I actually plan to fit 318i injection to it,(got an old one of those as well)
I only use it in the summer or if it's sunny, so virtually never then!!!
We have been planning to move to NSW for a while but my wife has had a job offer which means we could be off within 6-8 weeks.
Would I be right in thinking all the costs detailed in the original thread apply except for the duty?
The car has been SORNed through the winter, but could have been used if I had to, does this affect the 'avialable to drive rule'. The MOT is about to run out does this matter when you get the other end.
What happens if it fails a test the other end, say brake caliper sticking or servo playing up, do they ban you from removing it or can you sort it at your leisure and take it back to the testers.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and here's hoping someone can give me an insight.
It is my pride and joy but it doesn't have aircon so I'm really in a dilemmaas to whether to take it. There's a limit to how much spending money she'll give me for this..
I don't think the MOT makes a difference...would it be capable of passing though?
You should be able to fix problems that come to light during any roadworthy inspection but it will be easier to just sort it before going.
MudGuts said:
They are getting real anal about modified pre- 1989 cars now, I hope to return to OZ with my 72 Lancia and this makes me wonder about non factory option alloy wheels. They only mention custom paint.
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
I wouldn't worry about it myself. It's hardly a major modification or conversion. What state are you moving to? There are rules about wheel sizes you are allowed to fit that differ state to state...you can go XX% bigger / wider than stock. http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
Steve-B said:
Rob,
Think you're not quite on there, Shannons will insure no worries for in many cases a BETTER rate than what you've paid in the UK. Having moved back to Blighty with our Caterham SV it is more expensive here than even Shannons there.
Sorry, I meant the big ones like Allianz, RACV etc...Think you're not quite on there, Shannons will insure no worries for in many cases a BETTER rate than what you've paid in the UK. Having moved back to Blighty with our Caterham SV it is more expensive here than even Shannons there.
robm3 said:
Oh, don't forget the normal insurance companies won't touch an import so it'll be 'unique' insurance every year as well.
Shannons has always covered specialists cars, I don't really consider them as a 'normal' insurance company.
I'll be going to them for the Disco and 6 Series I'm taking in Dec/Jan.
Hi Deviant, Thanks for replying.
We will be living in inner west sydney I'm told, my wifes office will be in Rhodes.
Being a bit of a collector I could choose to bring a Carb 2002 (1974) and forget the injection at this stage, could always stick it in a box in the container I guess.
A few more questions if I may.
Would I be right in thinking the authoriries have there own testing facilities at or near customs, do you think they are the type that look for work? The car will definitely be up to MOT standard before we go, but then it's all opinion as you know. I don't suppose they see too many '02's.
How often do you run your car with the Air Con turned on? My car doesn't have A/C or a sunroof and I'm a bit concerned that I'm just going to melt 12 months a year, that said it will be only a second car as we'll have to buy a 'family' car when we get there.
I've been reading loads of RTA webpages since my post, apart from there being a lot of them, there also seems to be a charge every step of the way either called a fee (usually customs or quarentine) or a duty/test fee, pink slip, blue slip etc, do you have any experience of this or does it just look bad because it's all itemised??
Thanks again and any info or opinion back would be appreciated.
We will be living in inner west sydney I'm told, my wifes office will be in Rhodes.
Being a bit of a collector I could choose to bring a Carb 2002 (1974) and forget the injection at this stage, could always stick it in a box in the container I guess.
A few more questions if I may.
Would I be right in thinking the authoriries have there own testing facilities at or near customs, do you think they are the type that look for work? The car will definitely be up to MOT standard before we go, but then it's all opinion as you know. I don't suppose they see too many '02's.
How often do you run your car with the Air Con turned on? My car doesn't have A/C or a sunroof and I'm a bit concerned that I'm just going to melt 12 months a year, that said it will be only a second car as we'll have to buy a 'family' car when we get there.
I've been reading loads of RTA webpages since my post, apart from there being a lot of them, there also seems to be a charge every step of the way either called a fee (usually customs or quarentine) or a duty/test fee, pink slip, blue slip etc, do you have any experience of this or does it just look bad because it's all itemised??
Thanks again and any info or opinion back would be appreciated.
bmsteve said:
Hi Deviant, Thanks for replying.
We will be living in inner west sydney I'm told, my wifes office will be in Rhodes.
Being a bit of a collector I could choose to bring a Carb 2002 (1974) and forget the injection at this stage, could always stick it in a box in the container I guess.
A few more questions if I may.
Would I be right in thinking the authoriries have there own testing facilities at or near customs, do you think they are the type that look for work? The car will definitely be up to MOT standard before we go, but then it's all opinion as you know. I don't suppose they see too many '02's.
How often do you run your car with the Air Con turned on? My car doesn't have A/C or a sunroof and I'm a bit concerned that I'm just going to melt 12 months a year, that said it will be only a second car as we'll have to buy a 'family' car when we get there.
I've been reading loads of RTA webpages since my post, apart from there being a lot of them, there also seems to be a charge every step of the way either called a fee (usually customs or quarentine) or a duty/test fee, pink slip, blue slip etc, do you have any experience of this or does it just look bad because it's all itemised??
Thanks again and any info or opinion back would be appreciated.
No worries.We will be living in inner west sydney I'm told, my wifes office will be in Rhodes.
Being a bit of a collector I could choose to bring a Carb 2002 (1974) and forget the injection at this stage, could always stick it in a box in the container I guess.
A few more questions if I may.
Would I be right in thinking the authoriries have there own testing facilities at or near customs, do you think they are the type that look for work? The car will definitely be up to MOT standard before we go, but then it's all opinion as you know. I don't suppose they see too many '02's.
How often do you run your car with the Air Con turned on? My car doesn't have A/C or a sunroof and I'm a bit concerned that I'm just going to melt 12 months a year, that said it will be only a second car as we'll have to buy a 'family' car when we get there.
I've been reading loads of RTA webpages since my post, apart from there being a lot of them, there also seems to be a charge every step of the way either called a fee (usually customs or quarentine) or a duty/test fee, pink slip, blue slip etc, do you have any experience of this or does it just look bad because it's all itemised??
Thanks again and any info or opinion back would be appreciated.
The testing stations are spread all over the place and generally are not at or near the customs areas. Customs will be making sure your car is allowed to be here before releasing it and it is up to you to take it away. I am not sure if you will be allowed to get a movement permit for it or not, if you can this will allow you to drive between nominated addresses for a period of time.
It might be worth you trawling the Aus BMW / Euro car forums to see if there is a trusted mechanic you could have collect the car and use for the compliance work.
I am in WA so don't really know much about pink and blue slips. I believe in your state that inspections and testing are done at a registered workshop and not carried out by the authorities.
Yep there are lots of fees as you go. I imported a car from Japan a few years back and the local charges, fees and taxes made a silly long list that totalled more than the car cost to buy! It was just a case of jumping through the hoops and putting my hand in my pocket.
You won't use the AC all year round..well maybe your first year you will because you will still think 20 is warm
Through the middle of summer when it is at it's hottest you wont want anything to do with your car, a closed body car with no AC is a deeply unpleasant place to be in the summer. I'm guessing it has vinyl seats to?!
Either side of summer you will use the car lots and enjoy a windows down drive beside the coast. It will be like a barmy English summer.
My MX5 can get a little bit warm if it is parked with the sun on it but at this time of year it doesnt take long to cool down with the window open a crack. I find being such a small car that when I have used the AC I tended to just knock it on for 5 minutes to get the heat out of the car and then switched it off again. I have not had it long enough to have used it in full summer heat and I dont really intend on it being my daily by then, I think it actually would not be very nice in the proper heat.
My last car was an Impreza WRX with climate control so I just set that to 22 on the day I picked it up and never touched it again.
Hi,
I have read every post in this thread and do have a question however; I will be moving to Perth in June and really want to take my Lotus Elise 135R with me as it is a limited edition.
Now from reading through this post I am a little concerned about the 12 consecutive months of owning / driving the car, I can prove the ownership (has been four+ years) however with my job I work away for a month at a time and travel all over the world, if they looked at my passport they would see this so would this really be an issue?
If it would be an issue can I import it in my wife's name?
I actually have 2 x UK passports, one with no stamps in it and one with dozens. Could I just use the empty passport or would this be seen as flying close to being illegal?
Regards
I have read every post in this thread and do have a question however; I will be moving to Perth in June and really want to take my Lotus Elise 135R with me as it is a limited edition.
Now from reading through this post I am a little concerned about the 12 consecutive months of owning / driving the car, I can prove the ownership (has been four+ years) however with my job I work away for a month at a time and travel all over the world, if they looked at my passport they would see this so would this really be an issue?
If it would be an issue can I import it in my wife's name?
I actually have 2 x UK passports, one with no stamps in it and one with dozens. Could I just use the empty passport or would this be seen as flying close to being illegal?
Regards
Not a issue at all
Submit the relevent forms and as you have had the car for so long and you are a uk resident it will be a non-issue
The rules got tightened to stop people bringing cars in they just bought
Good luck with the move and I hope hope you and the car are up for a bit of motorsport as we have a great series over here in WA with a few lotus drivers very competitive
http://www.speedeventseries.com/
Submit the relevent forms and as you have had the car for so long and you are a uk resident it will be a non-issue
The rules got tightened to stop people bringing cars in they just bought
Good luck with the move and I hope hope you and the car are up for a bit of motorsport as we have a great series over here in WA with a few lotus drivers very competitive
http://www.speedeventseries.com/
Was an issue for me.
I had to provide a photocopy of every page of my passport to show that I was in the country during the 12 month qualifying period. Also had to show evidence of insurance,servicing, road tax and registration. Again - all in my name. If your wife has been the registered keeper I guess you could import the Elise in her name.
I had to provide a photocopy of every page of my passport to show that I was in the country during the 12 month qualifying period. Also had to show evidence of insurance,servicing, road tax and registration. Again - all in my name. If your wife has been the registered keeper I guess you could import the Elise in her name.
Was an issue for me.
I had to provide a photocopy of every page of my passport to show that I was in the country during the 12 month qualifying period. Also had to show evidence of insurance,servicing, road tax and registration. Again - all in my name. If your wife has been the registered keeper I guess you could import the Elise in her name.
I had to provide a photocopy of every page of my passport to show that I was in the country during the 12 month qualifying period. Also had to show evidence of insurance,servicing, road tax and registration. Again - all in my name. If your wife has been the registered keeper I guess you could import the Elise in her name.
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