Importing a car to Australia - All the facts... Hopefully!

[200bhp]

Mattt said:

I've heard it's cheaper to get Tyre rack or someone from the USA to send them than buy locally.

I heard that too but the same person also said to only ship them in pairs ???

[pikey]

200bhp said:

I heard that too but the same person also said to only ship them in pairs ???

four tyres = over $1,000 = import duty
two tyres = under $1,000 = no import duty

[pikey]

200bhp said:

I heard that too but the same person also said to only ship them in pairs ???

four tyres = over $1,000 = import duty
two tyres = under $1,000 = no import duty

[pikey]

200bhp said:

I heard that too but the same person also said to only ship them in pairs ???

four tyres = over $1,000 = import duty
two tyres = under $1,000 = no import duty

[custardtart]

I was looking into this but the shipping costs from the US meant it was about the same as buying here.

BTW shipping for 4 tyres from NY was around $400, disgraceful that tyres (and cars) cost so much here.

Do you think that when Holden, Ford and Toyota stop manufacturing here then the price of decent cars will come down?

[ariddell]

I brought in a set of 2nd hand Bentley wheels & tyres, 2 TVR seats, and all the kit needed to retro-fit aircon into my Chimaera in the boot and back seat of the 2 Bentleys I imported that arrived back in Feb.

No hassles or additional charges/duties were levied, other than they requested the aircon radiator and the wheels/tyres be unloaded and steam cleaned along with the cars.

Seem to recall if any of it is classed as "personal effects" then the extra customs charge and duty kicks in, if it's just car parts inside the car then it doesn't.

[vetrof]

verify said:

Hi - sorry if this has been asked before but does anyone know the rules on "the age of tyres" on an import?

My car has just passed an MOT in the UK, and although the tread depths are fine, I understand that there are more stringent requirements on the age of tyres when importing.

Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, what is the cut-off?

Also, are tyres generally much more expensive in Oz (therefore making it worthwhile replacing all four before I migrate anyway)?

I seem to recall seeing something about tyres when I delved deeply into this a while ago. But can't find anything now.

It may be worth researching the general requirement and roadworthy checks of the state where you will eventually register the car. Remember, permission to import a car doesn't necessarily mean it will be eligible for registration.

Edited by vetrof on Wednesday 17th April 11:33

Edited by vetrof on Wednesday 17th April 11:34

[ariddell]

I think the issues with tyres more applies to Japanese imports through the raws scheme, because they often don't have the same speed/load rating etc markings they have to be replaced with ones that do as part of the compliance process.

Shouldn't be an issue for a UK car so long as they are in roadworthy condition.

[vetrof]

That could be where I read it.

OT, I see TVR Sagaris and Tuscan are now on the SEVS list.

Edited by vetrof on Thursday 16th May 07:18

[robm3]

said:

200bhp said:

I heard that too but the same person also said to only ship them in pairs ???

four tyres = over $1,000 = import duty
two tyres = under $1,000 = no import duty

Guys guys guys, no need to import. Look up Tempe Tyres on eBay, they're the cheapest because they 'grey import' from Asia (swear they don't but they do).
Either buy them online and get your local fitter to fit or go to Tempe and get them to do it (beware they try to jack the price up though so be prepared to haggle).
Anyhow every local in Sydney worth his salt knows about 'Tempe Tyres'

[robm3]

Ps my mother in law is starting the emigration process so it looks like she's going to be buying a 997 turbo or cl amg (which incidentally gives the highest $ return).

[pikey]

robm3 said:

Guys guys guys, no need to import. Look up Tempe Tyres on eBay, they're the cheapest because they 'grey import' from Asia (swear they don't but they do).
Either buy them online and get your local fitter to fit or go to Tempe and get them to do it (beware they try to jack the price up though so be prepared to haggle).
Anyhow every local in Sydney worth his salt knows about 'Tempe Tyres'

Came across them, but I found Jax did the same tyres for less (with a phone call)

[custardtart]

I finally got my Mondial through compliance today, got it rego'd and stuck the plates on so I'm all ready to play.

Even with the great advice from people on here it did cost me a fair more than I expected.The shippers and the import agent did add a couple of $100 admin type fees that seemed to get tacked onto their bills but overall they were good to deal with.

However, I learnt sh*t loads doing it and it would be a much quicker experience next time.

All up it's taken me 3 months from the time it arrived in Sydney to this point and I learnt today that it's the only Mondial 3.2 Cab to be brought in so I feel like a bit of a pioneer!

I have probably ended up saving a small amount of money v buying one here but it's not the big savings it appeared when I first started the process. Having said that, the choice is limited here and I haven't yet seen one that's comparable in terms of condition and miles.

Oh, and the car is bl**dy great fun to drive!

Now I think an 80's photo shoot is on the cards with a nice, white 928 Mr Googlebot? I'll get my mullet out!

[200bhp]

robm3 said:

Ps my mother in law is starting the emigration process so it looks like she's going to be buying a 997 turbo or cl amg (which incidentally gives the highest $ return).

I just had a look on carsales and the pistonheads classifieds and was amazed at the potential money to be made on a 997 Turbo! Shame I diddnt have 50k to invest 12 months before we came over

[200bhp]

We had a UK Navara in the workshop last week and couldnt get the oil filter - Apparently it's a cartridge type on UK models and that cartridge isnt available in Aus - So Just be careful that silly things like that dont catch you out.

[Hitch78]

WeirdNeville said:

As far as I see it, you have a wealthy(ish) population, freely available credit and finance, and a similar interest in getting the "new" model. Where do all the old cars go?!

Nowhere near the personal credit exposure of the UK though.

[200bhp]

WeirdNeville said:

As far as I see it, you have a wealthy(ish) population, freely available credit and finance, and a similar interest in getting the "new" model. Where do all the old cars go?!

You've not been to Rockingham yet, have you ?

[WhereamI]

Hitch78 said:

WeirdNeville said:

As far as I see it, you have a wealthy(ish) population, freely available credit and finance, and a similar interest in getting the "new" model. Where do all the old cars go?!

Nowhere near the personal credit exposure of the UK though.

That's not true, the levels of personal debt as a percentage of income are pretty comparable with the main difference being that the interest rates paid in Australia are higher.

[custardtart]

WhereamI said:

Hitch78 said:

WeirdNeville said:

As far as I see it, you have a wealthy(ish) population, freely available credit and finance, and a similar interest in getting the "new" model. Where do all the old cars go?!

Nowhere near the personal credit exposure of the UK though.

That's not true, the levels of personal debt as a percentage of income are pretty comparable with the main difference being that the interest rates paid in Australia are higher.

Are you sure? I must admit my perception is the level of personal debt here is much lower than the UK but I have no figs to back it up.

[200bhp]

Its probably higher in Aus today compared to the UK but I think the UK would have been higher pre-2008. I think a lot of peopl ein the UK have learned their lesson and are paying off debts these days rather than getting new ones.

Meanwhile John Hughes is offering finance to anyone and everyone.