Buying an imported vehicle

[El_Poochino]

Hi

Just a question, I am looking at a car that has been imported from Japan. It was build in 1988. Just wondering what I need to register it? It is currently registered in Australia.

Thanks.

[BPXR6T]

If its currently registered then its been complied I would imagine, check the details with the RTA. When I had a hard on for a Porsche 928 years ago I had to get side intrusion and other enhancements to meet certain ADR's. The compliance added serious $$$ to the price tag.

I also looked at importing a 94 Corvette when I was 21. The insurance on a powerful import made me change my mind. $5000+ per year was enough to turn me back to some home grown muscle.

[T_Terror]

It will be the same as any other car in Australia to register.

Just get a roadworthy certificate and book it in for rego.

[Mechan1k]

If it has been out of rego for more than 3 months (from memory) it will need a blue slip.

[VSSII]

When was it imported to Australia? If it was 15 years old or more the restrictions would have been much more relaxed. Don't muck about getting 3rd hand information. Go straight to the RTA they have tonnes of info on these matters.

Caveat Emptor

[Mechan1k]

But seeing as the vehicle has already been complied and register in Australia ... it's just a case of going for rego like a normal vehicle.

The only issue you will have is if "said" vehicle was registered in Vic or QLD and then moved to NSW and registered ... then there's more involved in getting it registered through the RTA.

[El_Poochino]

Thanks guys, starting to make more sense.

The current owner didn't import the vehicle, nor did the owner he brought it off, probally the one before. If I do get it I want to swap the rego from its current NSW to VIC, the car still has rego till november.

So I just need a RWC?

[T_Terror]

Originally Posted by El_Poochino

Thanks guys, starting to make more sense.

The current owner didn't import the vehicle, nor did the owner he brought it off, probally the one before. If I do get it I want to swap the rego from its current NSW to VIC, the car still has rego till november.

So I just need a RWC?

correct. Dont worry about compliancing and other crap its just like any other car in australia once its already been registered.

[El_Poochino]

Thanks.

Just one more question, I checked with RTA about the transfer of the rego and they said the 14 day period dosen't apply as I am transfering it over to Vic. It has me confused as the chick at the RTA wasn't thrilled, or really wanted to answer my questions.

[ebxr8240]

Don't tell the RTA too much.. Just get it registered.. There is a fed gov dept that STOPS vehicles at the ports if paperwork is not correct, trust me I know!!!...It should have an Austrailian "compliance" plate fitted ???
But anyway don't confuse RTA with stuff they don't want to know...
Blue slip and you are away....

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

But anyway don't confuse RTA with stuff they don't want to know...

Best advice EVER.

[VSSII]

If the vehicle complied with the RTA 15 year rule it DOES NOT need a compliance plate fitted.

[El_Poochino]

You'll have to bear with me, it's slowly sinking in.

Because the previous owner imported and made the car compliant with ADR to get it registered I don't have to worry about it. As far as I am concerned it works just like an Australian built car? I just need a recipt, get a RWC and pay rego, stamp duty and get my plates and stickers.

The car is currently registered in NSW. I want to register it in Victoria. Do I need to transfer it over within 14 days of the purchase date? Or can it be transfered over any time before the rego expires? Or do I have to get rid of the NSW rego so the car becomes unregistered, get an unregistered car permit and take it to get a new rego in Vic? I asked the RTA what I need to do to buy a NSW registered car and transfer it over to Victoria registration and they told me the 14 day transfer period dosen't apply as I want to transfer the rego over to Vic.

I'm confused at the transfer part :sm_drool:

[Polyal]

Ok. Firstly, ll you need to do is get it RWC and pay for the rego, then you are free.

As for how to swap the NSW rego over, you should be able to take it to VicRoads, they refund you whats left on that rego and then you just pay for 12 months.

But I would bet on it that they will charge you for it, because thats what they do; charge you for making any kind of effort.

[El_Poochino]

OK thanks guys. Makes sense now. But if vicroads knock me back I'll run back here crying like a little girl :nutsycuck

[VSSII]

If you were to stay in NSW with the car you'd have 14 days but technically if you move interstate you have 1 day to transfer the rego.

[new2ford]

There's a fair bit of discussion of the pros and cons of imported second hand cars from Japan in the 'Dog and Lemon Guide' (available newsagents). It happens a lot in NZ. Worth a check.

[exrtnz]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

If it has been out of rego for more than 3 months (from memory) it will need a blue slip.

what about if its L/H drive , does it have to be converted, and its a recent model.

[El_Poochino]

I know with the LHD if it is a certain number of years old it dosen't need to be converted to register. Remember cause there was an artical in the paper awhile ago about a guy holding out to register his deloran with it still in LHD conviguration.

Just wondering if there is anything else I can do. I'm gonna have a look at the car, get a reg check and a NRMA inspection before deciding. Is that about all I can do to make sure the car is on the up and up?

VSSII, what do you mean? I thought I had no limit on time (within reason) to get the car registered in Vic.

Don't know if this helps but I have a Victoria licence and address, but I'm in NSW for study. And I want the car registered in Vic, but it is currently registered in NSW and dosen't expire until November.