Importing car advice?

[JOHN G]

I am looking at purchasing an Alfa from South Africa all advice would be appreciated from members who have imported a car from za.

I have searched the net and read a mixed bag of stories and costs involved in importing from za.

All advice appreciated.

John.

[John Hanslow]

Have a look about this AR155 thread which has some info.

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=2494.0

[JOHN G]

That link was good for importing a race car from Japan.
Anybody else can help with advice please?

Thanks
John.

[aggie57]

John - the rules seem to vary state to state.   Given you are in WA have you looked through this sort of information?:

http://rac.com.au/Motoring/Motoring-advice/About-my-car/Importing-a-car.aspx

Alister

[John Hanslow]

Sorry, John, I have have been a bit more precise.

In looking down the thread which deal witha 155 query, some general issues are thoroughly covered, although by VIc members in this state.  there is a link provided by Victor Lee that should be of some assistance.

As local Australians living here, the options for importing a post January 1989 car is difficult -

See this website:

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/general/EligibilityCriteria_2.aspx#four

I'm believe that the 155 that was at Spettecolo last year was a Personal Import when the original owner moved to Australia  (Section 5 Personal Imports in above website)

Jim brought his 155 as a race car, never to be registered for road use.  (Section 8 Racing Vehicles)

What you mean by "sign off" is incorrect.  See section 4 "Letter Of Compliance" on the above website.  Dealers & Distributors have no authority to "sign off" on a car that was never imported as full volume into Australia.  You can get the manufactuer themselves to issue a Letter Of Compliance; but I have previously spoken to the engineering company that certifies all the Ateco cars for ADR's before entry to Australia and he would not certify a car that was not brought into country officially.

The only option is Section 10 "Importing, Modifying and having an Australian Identification Plate Fitted by a (RAWS)".  It seems that firstly you have to have the car accepted under the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS).  Then you have to get a Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) to comply the car.  The RAWS workshop must satisfy to the relevant authorities that they are able to comply the vehicle in question so as they can attach that ID plate.  This costs them lotsa money and it is unlikely that a RAWS workshop will go through the papaer work and audit for just one car.

[meizhak]

John,

speak to ed helsten he will be able to point you in the right direction(pm me if you dont have his number) or speak to these guys,

http://www.import-usa-boat.com.au/home.html

they imported a boat for someone i know and were very good.they also do cars, machinery etc.

meizhak

[Craig_m67]

I imported my 156 from the UK when we returned to Aust. two years ago.  It's fairly straight forward, as are working out the costs to determine if it's economic (versus some emotional purchase based in no fiscal reality.. like most Alfas).  All up it cost me A$6.5k to bring my 156SW from London to Brisbane.

How old is the car (what is it)?  Anything older than Dec'89 is easy, anything younger (like my 156) will require you to have owned and operated it continuously for more than 12 months.

Details can be found on the DoTARs website. You absolutely must get their permission to import before you do anything, which means giving them them you and the vehicles details (VIN etc) and $50./

Cheers
Craig

[Craig_m67]

I should add, i did all this myself (importation, customs clearance, ADR approval, etc).
It's not difficult, it just means reading and understanding a bunch of forms.

Permission to import into Aust. is controlled by DoTARs (facilitated by customs, aqis etc)
Registration and ADR compliance is down to each state, ie.your states tequirments may vary from another

[JOHN G]

Hi Craig
The car I would like to import is a '84 GTV6 From South Africa.
Your post was very helpful and encouraging to attempt  the import process unassisted.
Thanks
John
 

[Mark Baigent]

I would counsel that the importation of cars to Australia since the recent change in federal regulations is now fraught with dangers and significant expenses if you fail to follow or comply with all the requirements. May I recommend a friend by the name of Marc Berard who has a full time business importing Italian cars for individual clients. Good advice from someone who does it professionally goes a long way. His contact number is 0425 350 950 and he lives in Sydney. All the SZ's in Australia came in through him !!! Best wishes MARK

[Steve S]

I have been reading this tread with interest.

However I dont think it's a good idea to post someone's private phone number on a forum. Plus I dont think Mark will appreciate a flood of calls from anyone that does a search for importing an Alfa (google will probably bring up this thread).

[massiveluvbuddy67]

I would like to reinforce Mark Berard as an excellent and passionate Italian car buff who will be able to assist with any importation queries.
He is very professional and honest in my personal experience.
Best Regards
phil

[Craig_m67]

I would counsel that the importation of cars to Australia since the recent change in federal regulations is now fraught with dangers and significant expenses if you fail to follow or comply with all the requirements. May I recommend a friend by the name of Marc Berard who has a full time business importing Italian cars for individual clients. Good advice from someone who does it professionally goes a long way. His contact number is xxxx xxx xxx and he lives in Sydney. All the SZ's in Australia came in through him !!! Best wishes MARK

Hi Mark,
What changes have they made, and when, do you have any detail or links?

When we brought our car in everybody i spoke to (DoTARs, Customs, AQIS) were very helpful, the DoTARs guy drove a 156GTA and was quite excited about bringing in a diesel 156 (much loved and perfect family workhorse, only one quiet lap of the Nürburgring.... honest).  

Unless they've changed the legislation surrounding personal imports, the minister responsible has no choice but to approve importation of a vehicle/situation that meets the legislative requirements.  They're very clearly listed.

That said, Alfa imported the GTV6 didn't they? - shirley it would make sense to get one of these and spend the difference on a 3.7l upgrade

In any case the cars are little changed between markets, if it is a model originally imported then it makes the ADR process even simpler, the only ADR requirement I had to attend to were the installation of rear child seat anchor bolts (as Australia doesn't accept isofix mounts yet, use of them may invalidate your insurance).

[Mark Baigent]

Don't worry Steve S - Marc is ok with his number being on the thread - it's his business and all contacts are worthwhile ...
Craig each and every car presents potential concerns and problems with importation especially private importations ..
Best to speak with the experts such as Marc - I'm certainly not, in this area, so will refrain from comment....