Car Import Question

[Mustard1978]

Hi all, will be starting work in Melbourne on 1st Dec and am going to be bringing my car over (e46 M3 cab) as my employer will be providing a pretty healthy relocation budget.

I have read the previous posts on the subject, very helpful thank you however I have an additional question that i am hoping for some help with.

I may not be based in Oz for very long before my company moves me to another base in Asia, probably a max of 12 months.

I realise that the car will take approx 3 months to arrive however are there any rules regarding selling the car within a set period of time once its on the ground in Oz ie you must run the car for 12 months before you can sell it. Or are there any rules about re-exporting the car to another part of asia, Singapore, HK etc.

I LOVE my car but not sure its worth the hassle shifting it around the world if i am not going to be in one place long enough to enjoy it before it has to go back on a boat again... views appreciated

[Mustard1978]

PS. I have been reading further... I will be on a 457 visa, does this mean my import request will be rejected as I wont be applying for permanent residency?

[vinny1275]

There is a temporary import process - a carnet - which might cover you.

Take a look here: http://www.aaa.asn.au/touring/bringing.htm for more info.

HTH


Vince

[Mustard1978]

Thanks, looking at that i cant sell the car when i leave Oz so it would have to leave the country with me. Not sure if employer will conmtinue to pay for moving the car all over the place.

hmm.... starting to wonder if its worth all the hassle, but then i look at the sort of cars that are available on carsales.com.au for the money and it makes me want to shoot myself quite frankly.

Wouldnt mind going old school for a while ie E30 325i Sport, Cosworth, RS Turbo etc but even those options are pretty poor... closest thing i found was an OK 306 GTI6....

[Wanchaiwarrior]

May also depend where in Asia you could be going. loads of places drive on the left.
Might be worth asking for opinions from PH'ers in the know in the Asia section.

[NBTBRV8]

There is no time limit before you can sell the car.

[Bob the Planner]

I'm on a 457 and the car impot was no problem. I thought there was a 12 month in Aus before you could sell - could be wrong though. If you speak with the RTA (or equivalent if not in NSW), I'm sure they will give you the right info.