Comparitive Values for Pre89 and Post89 Imports

[randomwalk]

I can see where profit can be made under the personal import plan for bringing a relatively new car from UK into Oz however looking at values of pre 89 cars for import into Oz for profit that same price disparity does not seem to be there. I was looking at values of pre 89 Porches, MGs, Pagoda SL Mercedes for example and I cannot see any profit in the exercise even with the favourable exchange rates.

Any experiences with importing of pre 89 cars into Oz that show it is worthwhile from a business perspective ? ie profitable.

[custardtart]

I don't think so anymore. For example, 911 prices in the UK have got the point where it's probably not viable.

[james280779]

custardtart said:

I don't think so anymore. For example, 911 prices in the UK have got the point where it's probably not viable.

no, my 1985 911 was $40k to door, with the work I had done since it arrived- If it sells for the current advertised ($43k)it will still owe me about $1k.

I might make a little on the Esprit but thats because when I bought it , it needed ALOT of work and nobody wanted to take the risk. I might make a couple of grand tops- thats not worth the hours spent sorting/ phoning etc.

I imported mine as I wanted the best I could afford and they were simply not available in Australia at the time I wanted them, with the lotus I wanted the more modern look but couldnt afford Australian Prices. Answer was to buy an '88 and heavily upgrade.

[randomwalk]

Thanks guys you have confirmed my observations. I have a mate in the classic car biz in Australia, I was looking at opportunities to import pre89 cars but could not see much upside for profit, except of course for very rare vehicles.

However relatively new cars like Porsche GT2s, GT3s, Turbos, Astons, do command a much higher price in Australia, why is this, is it because they are are only available in limited numbers through the personal import program as they are post 89 cars ?

[james280779]

randomwalk said:

Thanks guys you have confirmed my observations. I have a mate in the classic car biz in Australia, I was looking at opportunities to import pre89 cars but could not see much upside for profit, except of course for very rare vehicles.

However relatively new cars like Porsche GT2s, GT3s, Turbos, Astons, do command a much higher price in Australia, why is this, is it because they are are only available in limited numbers through the personal import program as they are post 89 cars ?

supplied in Australia in limited numbers by the manufactorers. Dont forget on all of those cars is the LCT which would also be applicable if importing as a personal car. (33%) That plus the taxes, compliance etc doubles the price of any car almost immediately. My general rule of thumb is when buying a car to import- double the cost of purchase. You will get back a little change but not much. I have shipped probably somewhere between 2000-3000 cars all over the world, including several personal.

[randomwalk]

Thanks James for the info. As I am returning to Australia next month its too late to bring something nice back and sounds like it would not be a viable option anyway if the main reason was for profit. I have applied to bring my Mitsubishi 3000GT back (not for profit reasons), just waiting on the approval now although I have my fingers crossed since in last 12 months I have been in Australia 3 times for total time of about 2 months. BTW your Lotus looks amazing, I love the colour.