Can I import a lhd car to Sydney?

[TVP993]

Hi Good people,

As per the title. Seen a lovely porker that I would like to 'take a closer look at' but it's a lhd. Few questions.

1, Firstly can I import a lhd to Sydney?
2, I would prefer it to be rhd so how hard/much are we talking to change over?

Cheers

[TVP993]

Here is the car in question so any advice appreciated

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3754632.htm

[vetrof]

Bit of a minefield here I think.

You'll have to comply with the Federal regs regards importation. It may be a pre '89 car, but if significant mods (engine?) were carried out later than that it may not qualify.

If you jump all the hurdles, it looks like a car imported with the pre 89 scheme can be registered in NSW with LHD if under 4.5T. (see table on pg 8)

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/v...

EDIT,

I see you are in UK. So would you plan to own it in UK for over a year then emigrate? If so it could be imported under the personal import scheme. In which case the mods would be less of an issue (if at all).

Edited by vetrof on Thursday 22 March 11:30

[Colonial]

vetrof said:

Bit of a minefield here I think.

You'll have to comply with the Federal regs regards importation. It may be a pre '89 car, but if significant mods (engine?) were carried out later than that it may not qualify.

If you jump all the hurdles, it looks like a car imported with the pre 89 scheme can be registered in NSW with LHD if under 4.5T. (see table on pg 8)

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/v...

EDIT,

I see you are in UK. So would you plan to own it in UK for over a year then emigrate? If so it could be imported under the personal import scheme. In which case the mods would be less of an issue (if at all).

Edited by vetrof on Thursday 22 March 11:30

Ya beat me to it!

I did some digging and found out the same thing re pre 89 cars.

The mods are the only concern I have

[TVP993]

Thanks guys. Think I have to let this one go as its going to be too complicated. Shame

[TVP993]

vetrof said:

Bit of a minefield here I think.

You'll have to comply with the Federal regs regards importation. It may be a pre '89 car, but if significant mods (engine?) were carried out later than that it may not qualify.

If you jump all the hurdles, it looks like a car imported with the pre 89 scheme can be registered in NSW with LHD if under 4.5T. (see table on pg 8)

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/v...

EDIT,

I see you are in UK. So would you plan to own it in UK for over a year then emigrate? If so it could be imported under the personal import scheme. In which case the mods would be less of an issue (if at all).

Edited by vetrof on Thursday 22 March 11:30

Cheers for this. I'm now based in Sydney so would look at importing it. Really need to speak to an expert on this so if you know anyone please give me a shout.

[vetrof]

Sorry, not really.

I've been talking to a guy in the BMWCCV regarding my M5. For a club plate in Victoria I just need an approved person to certify that it'll be safe and roadworthy. That bypasses the 30yr LHD rule and the need for RWC (VIC MOT).

But my car is unmodified (effectively), so it should pass the Federal import regs, whether I bring it as a 'Personal Import' or a 'Pre89 Import'.

It's the Feds who will cause you problems I think. I have found them to be helpful whenever I've mailed them.

[e-mail]

Good luck.