Importing a C5 ZO6

[keitht1]

So, having been through a big list of possible cars to get including M5 etc. I've decided a C5 ZO6 is the one I want (always knew that really)
Budget is £22.5k so looks like the best bet is to import one from the US - I think.

Can anyone give some advice on where is the best place to look for a $28k ZO6. Is this a fair price?

Then, do I buy unseen then go over there to view it, pay and put it on a boat or use an agent?

Finally, are there any options on a circa 2001 US spec. ZO6 that I should not be without?

Sorry for all the Q's, grateful for any advice.

Keith

[jellison]

FYI.

02 - 04 model had the later 85mm MAF and 405 vs 375 bhp

[LuS1fer]

If you can budget about $700 for an agent then look within 50 miles of 21122 on www,autotrader.com or www.cars.com. You can often recoup the cost of the agent by him buying the car and "selling" the car to you for a lesser amount so you have a lower invoice for importation purposes. There may be some difficulties with insurance for the car you buy to get it to the port too.

Don't forget to budget for marine insurance ($400), shipping ($820), bank fees (around £50), your bank's "tourist" exchange rate, a set of European rear lights from Ecklers (around $300) plus Docks fees, 10% import, 17.5% VAT, SVA (£150 for test) and registration(£38)and tax to get a true figure.

You can get a 2001 Z06 for $28000 but I think the Z06 price has now bottomed out in the US.

[keitht1]

Thanks LuS1fer - excellent advice. Time to start looking on stateside autotrader I think.

Keiht

[xyyman]

Do talk to your bank manager about a 'spot' rate, much better than a tourist rate of exchange.

Phil

[gtrclive]

Or you could import one from Japan ???? If you ask nicly.... Just add fog lights ...

[LuS1fer]

gtrclive said:

Or you could import one from Japan ???? If you ask nicly.... Just add fog lights ...

I don't think the Z06 ever went to Japan. I think it's US-only.

[kenski]

There are a few ways to get better rates on foreign currency. I'm no expert, but I use xetrade (www.xe.com) which certainly gives me a much better rate than the bank 'tourist' rate on amounts over £1500 or so. Most currency transfer companies take a while to set up, though (like a week), so if you're going that way it's best to plan in advance.

(Don't know about 'spot' rates. May be better still)

-kenski

PS What really got me with my last trip was that all the restaurants charged tips on a separate transaction and hence you got that damn £1 or £1.50 surcharge twice! Banks, eh? Grrr...

[LuS1fer]

There are some used Z06's on Corvette Forum including a silver 2001 for around $26500. However, some problems in that title is with the bank which means you have to pay him money to get clear title which you do need to insist on if you're going to export plus you have to get to the car and get it to a port. However, it shows they are out there if you look hard enough.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1180686&forum_id=52

There's also this 2001 yellow one: it has clear title but it's in ME wherever that is. $27500

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1182445&forum_id=52

[jellison]

keitht1 said:

So, having been through a big list of possible cars to get including M5 etc. I've decided a C5 ZO6 is the one I want (always knew that really) Budget is £22.5k so looks like the best bet is to import one from the US - I think. Can anyone give some advice on where is the best place to look for a $28k ZO6. Is this a fair price? Then, do I buy unseen then go over there to view it, pay and put it on a boat or use an agent? Finally, are there any options on a circa 2001 US spec. ZO6 that I should not be without? Sorry for all the Q's, grateful for any advice. Keith

get a 85mm MAF and get it to Wortec for beyond the 02 - 04 Z06 power. When you get it....

[LuS1fer]

jellison said:

keitht1 said: So, having been through a big list of possible cars to get including M5 etc. I've decided a C5 ZO6 is the one I want (always knew that really) Budget is £22.5k so looks like the best bet is to import one from the US - I think. Can anyone give some advice on where is the best place to look for a $28k ZO6. Is this a fair price? Then, do I buy unseen then go over there to view it, pay and put it on a boat or use an agent? Finally, are there any options on a circa 2001 US spec. ZO6 that I should not be without? Sorry for all the Q's, grateful for any advice. Keith get a 85mm MAF and get it to Wortec for beyond the 02 - 04 Z06 power. When you get it....

I think the idea was not to spend huge amounts on it and there's little difference between C5 and Z06 prices in the US...oddly.