Buying cars in the USA...

[JerseyVics]

Just one month to go before I return to the States, and more and more I see American cars all over the place... Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne got more 1960's Mustangs than I've ever seen in the NYC area... (granted we get far fewer warmer months for cruising) So I'm wondering who are these cars imported through?

I've met a few people that claimed they've gone to the US to find a car they wanted to import but I can't imagine everyone doing it. Could be a nice hobby to get involved in when I go back to check out and possibly assist in Aussies getting American cars shipped this way.

I realize putting this idea out in the open will probably generate a lot of negative responses and probably shut down any chance of actually doing something, but am curious to see what people suggest.

--Russ :

[bigdude1011]

Originally Posted by JerseyVics

I realize putting this idea out in the open will probably generate a lot of negative responses and probably shut down any chance of actually doing something, but am curious to see what people suggest.

I don't see any problems, firms already do it for Japanese cars, the only issue is that you would need to find a workshop (either in the US or in Australia) to convert the cars to RHD, so you can incorporate all the costs of compliance into the one bill.

[Yellow_Festiva]

I'm pretty sure that 1960's LHD cars can stay that way for Aussie roads.

As to who imports them? There are several companies on ebay that offer "pick up there and drop off here" service.

Having said that, you being there will greatly help if you are thinking to do this for a bit of extra cash.

[The Yeti]

theres a few places around,

Just be carful and make sure its a GOOD car some of stuff goes on the international market becasue the locals have seen that its nackerd

I know of many cars that onece they arrived the owenr has had to spend truck loads on the car to get it suitable to drive

[JerseyVics]

from what I've seen here, people in Australia find cars on ebay, but take a chance buying a cat in a bag.

I used to work for a company in the US that regularly bought cars for clients in Europe, without handling any money transactions at all (the buyer and seller dealt directly) my boss only went to check the car out on the buyer's behalf, took pix and videos... and then when the car was purchased me and him would go pick it up and drop it off at the port to be put in a container.


simple enough

[ebxr8240]

I Inquired some back to import a Drag [of road] Mustang ..
It would have cost me $3200 freight..

[paule11]

http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/today.php
A few importers on this forum Shermatt has a real good rep converting to Rhd should be done here as different states have different rules as to lhd driving and compliance

[Franco Cozzo]

In Victoria if the car is 30 years or older it can be driven as LHD on our roads legally.

[JerseyVics]

I'm sure there are people that do this for a living in the US... but with my travel experience and the ability to travel on a budget, it might be more cost effective for those seeking a good deal on an import.

I wouldn't worry about RHD conversions as it generally should be the responsibility of the buyer... similarly I wouldn't want to be a middle-man with the seller either, don't want to be responsible if something goes wrong with the car.

I could be useful in providing an independent opinion on the condition of the car to the buyer and transporting it to the nearest port to be put in a container for shipping... which again can be arranged directly by the buyer since most sellers don't want to be bothered with paperwork and the inconvenience.

[Buzz Box]

Grab a copy of 'Unique Cars' magazine theres at least 1/2 dozen that advertise in there

[jaydee]

My brother is importing 2 cars from Texas as we speak. He searched and searched various collections/garages and private sales. Had a few tested and reports submitted before finally settling on a Shelby and a Mach 1. He spent many hours talking to prospective sellers on the phone at midnight here and to the examiner.

He's pretty much arranging everything himself but it would be handy to have a local contact I suppose in the States. bear in mind if you arrange it you've gotta come up with the goods and deal with shipping companies, tax, damage etc.

[JerseyVics]

with the value of OZ/US dollar nearly 1 to 1, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunity to come, and not just to ship cars over either.

[JerseyVics]

Originally Posted by Buzz Box

Grab a copy of 'Unique Cars' magazine theres at least 1/2 dozen that advertise in there

too many people treat it like a business

I'd be happy to help out for FREE, just have the interested party cover my expenses

a lot of people helped me in Australia, and continue to do so, so its the least I can do

[ebxr8240]

Be aware they are not cash for clunker cars where they are filled with
sodium silicate and run till they cease..
Like this poor G.T Mustang..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvkLrVXBIk