Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Mar 28th 2011, 12:11 pm
#1
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Joined: Mar 2011
Location: Sheffield UK
Posts: 12
Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Having a look at the cost of used cars in australia (especially european ones) is it worth buying a good second hand motor in the UK and getting shipped across? I think a good audi or bmw that you could buy for £20K ish in the UK would be about £30K - £35K in australia (taking into account the poor exchange rate). Anybody got any rough ideas on shipping, duty or any hidden costs?
Its just an idea at the minute
Its just an idea at the minute
Mar 28th 2011, 12:34 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: Brisbane Bound :)
Posts: 83
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
I am shipping my bmw over as its worth about $90000 over there shipping cost and duty charges are about 6k all in so worth it for me to do so. The problem you may have if you dont already have the car is you must own it for 12ths or more to export it over 
Paperwork for the export cert is a pain in the ass they need so much info bank details visa type ect but worth it if the car is worth more over there
Paperwork for the export cert is a pain in the ass they need so much info bank details visa type ect but worth it if the car is worth more over there
Mar 28th 2011, 1:27 pm
#3
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Mandurah
Posts: 2,269
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Having a look at the cost of used cars in australia (especially european ones) is it worth buying a good second hand motor in the UK and getting shipped across? I think a good audi or bmw that you could buy for £20K ish in the UK would be about £30K - £35K in australia (taking into account the poor exchange rate). Anybody got any rough ideas on shipping, duty or any hidden costs?
Its just an idea at the minute
Its just an idea at the minute
Mar 28th 2011, 1:54 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 191
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Having a look at the cost of used cars in australia (especially european ones) is it worth buying a good second hand motor in the UK and getting shipped across? I think a good audi or bmw that you could buy for £20K ish in the UK would be about £30K - £35K in australia (taking into account the poor exchange rate). Anybody got any rough ideas on shipping, duty or any hidden costs?
Its just an idea at the minute
Its just an idea at the minute
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ABSOLUTELY-SUP...item230f2e09bb
Mar 28th 2011, 4:13 pm
#5
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,157
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
A British complianced Car is no way near worth the same out in Australia even if it's the same make, model and year.
Generally the answer is no, It's not worth it. If it was worth it then everyone here would be importing cars to make money.
Generally the answer is no, It's not worth it. If it was worth it then everyone here would be importing cars to make money.
Mar 28th 2011, 4:39 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: Brisbane Bound :)
Posts: 83
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Well with the current costs of buying a car in Australia some cars are worth bring over, All Bmw come from the same factory so i dont see what the difference is between a Uk spec and a Oz spec car if someone would tell me that would be great
Mar 28th 2011, 4:41 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 191
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Knowing what I know now...
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/...seot=1&__N=834 1216 1247 1252 1282 4294963638 4294963765 1557 4294931292&silo=1011
Mar 28th 2011, 4:46 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: Brisbane Bound :)
Posts: 83
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Worth in UK money £65 625
Mar 28th 2011, 4:59 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 191
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Mar 28th 2011, 7:33 pm
#10
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Joined: Mar 2011
Location: Sheffield UK
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Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Thanks for the advice, I was thinking of buying a a BMW coupe to take across, but the owning it for a year bit would probably catch me out. I would have to buy now (when i don't really need one). Will probably just have to adjust my aspirations car wise if (hopefully when) we get across. Looks like hondas, toyotas and the local gm and fords are not too badly priced?
Mar 28th 2011, 9:12 pm
#11
Spud
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Avoca Beach
Posts: 565
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
It really depends on the value of your car in each country and what it's worth to you in terms of reliability, sentimental attachment etc.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
Mar 28th 2011, 11:22 pm
#12
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 576
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
Luxury European cars and sports cars (think Lamborghini, Ferrari etc) are worth bringing in as they are a rip off here. Even high end Beemers and Audis can be worth it as well.
Anything else is not worth the hassle.
Anything else is not worth the hassle.
Mar 28th 2011, 11:54 pm
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 20,821
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
It really depends on the value of your car in each country and what it's worth to you in terms of reliability, sentimental attachment etc.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
I imported my car and it was worth it.
Mar 29th 2011, 12:08 am
#14
has lost The Game
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Chippendale, Sydney
Posts: 8,735
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
It really depends on the value of your car in each country and what it's worth to you in terms of reliability, sentimental attachment etc.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
That's a great story - I was looking at doing the same with a pre-89 Lotus Esprit myself. I have taken heart in your story and am now thinking about it again.
Did you go for the white Roger Moore 'Spy Who Loved Me' model?
S
Mar 29th 2011, 1:43 am
#15
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 576
Re: Cost of Cars - Worth Importing?
It really depends on the value of your car in each country and what it's worth to you in terms of reliability, sentimental attachment etc.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.
I have imported two cars to Australia, one when I first moved here ( Mazda RX7 series 5 in 1994) and two years ago a Lotus Esprit. In both cases importing worked out very well for me. The Mazda I had owned for 3 years in the UK and then a further 4 years in Australia and was a 'personal import'. When I sold it, the price I got was more than I paid for it 7 years before in England.
The Lotus was imported under the pre-89 vehicle scheme in 2009, and cost me UK7000 pounds. Importing costs were UK3500 pounds including taxes, duty etc.. The exchange rate at the time meant the car's total cost was just under AU$21,000 on the road. It is currently insured at an agreed value of AU$32,000. A similar condition Australian Esprit would have cost me well over AU$30k so it was well worth the effort importing it.
Both of these cars had been well cared for, no rust, great condition and low mileage. If you research the market and import a car which can hold it's value here, then it's worth while. I am sure there are horror stories too, but I would certianly do it again if the right car came up.