Author Archive: Geoff

2021 UPDATE – Sorry, we are no longer taking orders for the R35 GTR as the prices are now too high in Japan for viable import. For those wondering what a MODIFIED R35 GTR will cost (under new 2019 import regulations that will likely allow import of the 2007 to 2009 R35 GTR), take a look at this 2008 R35 GTR which sold on 27 April 2018 at USS Nagoya auction in Japan. Among other expensive bra...

The USA market has been hot for any early 90’s Japanese vehicles since their 25 Year Rule first started allowing the unrestricted import of RHD vehicles several years ago. This has combined with worldwide demand that is recognising the historic value of these models, and appeal that has never waned for driver’s across 3 generations now. As a result we are seeing some amazing prices pai...

The Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold on imported cars has been raised on regular cars for the 2018 / 19 financial year – but oddly NOT for fuel-efficient vehicles. In fact, the LCT threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles has only been lifted $526 between 2010 to 2018 as can be seen in the following table. The threshold for all other vehicles has been lifted by $9,151 over the same period, with t...

The VSpec 2 is leading the way on R34 GTR prices, particularly the rarer NUR models. This 2001 R34 GTR VSpec 2 (#929 / 1855) in Bayside Blue had only 19,113 km. It sold at USS Tokyo auction on 28 June 2018 for close to 8.8 million Yen FOB or approx. $142,000 complied in Australia, plus tyres and ORC’s (@81 Yen to the dollar and allowing for LCT). Oddly it was graded down to 4 C despite the...

Here’s one for the Mazda Collectors out there. Pristine 2001 Mazda RX-7 Type RS with just 5,793 km. Grade 4.5 A. VIN: FD3S-601512. Enthusiasts love low km, as can be seen by the sale price on this vehicle on 28 June 2018 at USS Tokyo auction in Japan. It sold for around the 5 million Yen FOB mark, which would be approx. $73,000 complied, plus tyres and ORC’s (@81 Yen to the dollar). R...

MR-2 import prices are heading rapidly upwards (like all other classic Japanese turbo cars up to the early 2000’s). This is one of the models we receive enquiries for every week so demand is strong. They will become eligible for import to Australia by mid to late 2019 under import regulation changes currently in progress. You need only look at recent auction prices of low km AW11 models to s...

What does a low km 2000 R34 GTR VSpec in bayside blue cost ? Basically, more every time one comes up for auction. View the full auction inspection pics and details for this 50,587 km 2000 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSpec in blue which sold today for 7.65 million Yen FOB or approx. $121,800 complied. Very few quality GTR’s are left in Japan now. Despite what’s still on offer for auction e...

We are asked on a daily basis when the vehicle import regulation changes will kick in. New legislation has been proposed now for about 4 years ! Everyone is waiting for a refresh of the existing import regulations for Australia which are becoming somewhat stale and uninspiring – considering the reduced availability and rapidly rising costs of most of the desirable models out of Japan that ...

Like all other classic Japanese models, the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 5 has jumped in price in recent years as collectors target the best, low km examples and supply has dwindled in Japan. You can use the Auctions page of our website to research the price and availability of any model. This provides a sense of how few good cars are actually left when you look closely at the condition of what’s o...

Shipping lines have implemented an “emergency bunker surcharge” this month in response to a rapid surge in fuel prices. According to a local customer advisory issued by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) last week, fuel prices have risen by over 30% this year and almost 70% since last June, with the cost in Europe exceeding US$442 per metric tonne. “With crude oil today hoverin...

Golden Week is a group of annual Japanese public holidays starting at the end of April and running into the first week of May. This year the dates are Sat April 28 to Fri May 4 2018. Most vehicle auctions will be closed during this period. Our automated auction alerts system will continue to run and send emails for any vehicles at auctions that are still operating (only a few small auctions), ho...

Only 23 submissions were made to the Committee reviewing the draft legislation for vehicle import regulation changes; 20 from affected businesses and industry bodies including 1 submission from the Govt. itself. Leaving just 3 submissions from individuals. With this level of apathy from Aust consumers it’s no wonder that Govt. and big business have gotten away with unfairly restricting our i...

The Road Vehicle Standards Bill 2018 and related bills have been referred by the Australian Senate to a Committee for enquiry and report back to the Govt. by 7 May 2018. The following is reproduced from an email received on 3 April 2018. Closing date for submissions if you wish to have your say, is 17 April 2018. Inquiry into the Road Vehicle Standards Bill 2018 and related bills On 28 March 201...

This 1976 Mazda RX 3 Savanna S124AB showing 64,587 km is currently available through a specialist classic car dealer in Japan called Classic House Vintage. The rotary-powered Mazda RX 3 has skyrocketed in value in recent years and is now highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This one lists “price on application” – we contacted the dealer and the asking price works out to...

While being the least popular of the Skyline GTR series, the R33 GTR is still rising in value almost as quickly as the R32 and R34. Clean and original R33 GTR examples with decent kms are becoming increasingly difficult to find out of Japan. Collectors sourcing these commonly ask for one or more of three main criteria: 1997 / 1998 model VSpec Purple On top of this of course, virtually ever...

A major crisis of the brown stink-buggy kind sees several vessels turned back to sea in a holding pattern after Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) were discovered lurking on board and in vehicles on those shipments. The BMSB is a pest that could destroy New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable industries, including the lucrative kiwi fruit industry. It also infests homes, ruins gardens (and of course s...

Convenient, safe and cost-effective Japan car storage is now available for those who wish to buy ahead of import eligibility. This is particularly suited to collector vehicles where the total storage cost is likely to be considerably less than the market price rise during the same period. Japan car storage also allows more time to source hard-to-find vehicles, then have them ready for immediate ex...

The new (Draft) vehicle import legislation was introduced to Parliament yesterday. The Govt. has also released a 32 page draft Cost Recovery Plan setting out proposed costs for the new SEVS. On first glance, some costs seem unreasonably high – particularly application fees of between $700 to $3,500 to evaluate a model for addition to the new SEVS list. Submissions from stakeholders are due ...

This RARE 1993 Toyota Supra GZ AEROTOP Twin Turbo (we believe 1 of only 352 produced) is currently available through one of our agents in Japan for approx. $54,500 complied, plus tyres and on road costs (for Australia @ 87.5 Yen to the dollar). Auction grade 4.5 B B and having traveled only 47,052 km (< 2,000 km / year), it is in excellent condition for its age other than some minor faults des...

This 2001 R34 GTR VSpec II (#756/1855) in Bayside Blue is up for auction on 2 February 2018 and should be buyable for somewhere in the $120,000 to $128,000 complied range (for Australia) including LCT. Unfortunately it is not suitable for export to New Zealand due to the odometer replacement but could be shipped to Australia, Canada, UK etc. This is one of the most popular spec / colour combinatio...

Good news for those wanting to direct import one of Toyota’s luxury Alphard or Vellfire hybrid people movers this year ! The removal of import duty from Jan 2018 together with a strong exchange rate has reduced the price of these amazing vehicles by about $3K on a $50,000 complied vehicle and over $10K on a $100,000 complied vehicle compared to 2017. Being classified as a fuel efficient ve...

This highly collectible 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6 TME (Tommi Mäkinen Edition) in red with 88,353 km sold for 3,795,000 Yen FOB, approx. $53,500 complied, plus tyres and on road costs in Australia (calculated at 87 Yen to the dollar). This is despite some faults including faded paintwork. View 30+ auction inspection pics and more details for this 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6.5 Tommi Mäkinen...

Importers of low numbers of used vehicles into Australia will now be able to import approx. 35 vehicles per year (up to 25kg of gas) without degassing or obtaining a license, thanks to recent amendments to the Degassing Laws. The rule was originally limited to no more than 5 units (in a single consignment) in a 2 year period per importer. This rule has been updated for certain aircon gas types: ...

From 1 January 2018 the 5% import duty will no longer apply to vehicles originating from Japan and the USA. A simple Certificate of Origin form must be submitted to Australian Customs at the time of completing the import entry. Removal of the 5% import duty represents a significant saving on the import of vehicles, particularly expensive ones such as GT-R’s for which the total price could en...

Import Regulation Changes will be delayed at least a further 6 months to around mid-2019 according to today’s Media Release from Minister Paul Fletcher: Stakeholder consultation period ending 28 Feb 2018 New legislation then to be passed through both houses of Parliament Reforms to commence 12 months AFTER the passage of legislation as the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) The change...

This one-owner 1995 R33 GTR VSpec with 34,048 km sold at auction today for $54,700 complied in Aust. View 50+ pics and more details for this 1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR VSpec. This 1995 R33 GTR VSpec was eligible for import under the SEVS import regulations for Australia. Not in Australia ?  No problem, we can source this or another GTR (or any enthusiast vehicle that is eligible for impor...

This low km 1990 R32 GTR sold for close to $60K AUD on road 2 days ago. We’ve seen a $10,000 to $15,000 price increase in 2017 for all R32 GTRs with no sign of demand slowing yet. View more pics and details for this 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR. Graded 4 B, it had a few minor faults but overall was in quite good condition for age. This 1990 R32 GTR was eligible for import under the SEVS ...

This 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R VSpec with just 48,185 km was inspected for a client at auction in Japan on 30 November 2017. View more pics and details for this 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R VSpec in black. Graded 4 B, it was a non-smoker’s car with maintenance records, spare key, books etc. Aftermarket parts included: NISMO front bumper and sideskirts NISMO Z-tune front fenders R-tune carb...

Looking for a late model Toyota Hiace 10 seater ? Lots are available every week. Allow approx. $39K to $50K complied for near new 2014 to 2017 models at the time of this post, depending on kms. View more pics and details for this 2014 Toyota Hiace 10 seater inspected for a client at auction in Japan in November 2017. To see what’s available at auction in Japan and research past prices yo...