Shipping Cost Increase from 1 Jan 2020
Changes to marine fuel regulations will increase the cost of all shipping – including shipping vehicles from Japan to Australia – from the 1st January 2020. This is expected to increase the shipping cost by about $150 AUD per vehicle. Below details are provided courtesy of Dolphin Shipping and the International Marine Organisation (IMO). The IMO is implementing a new regulation (IMO20...
November 11, 2019 / General News
Left Hand Drive Car Registration in Australia & the 25 Year Rule
Please note that the information below was current at the time of posting. Regulations may change over time so please check directly for the latest requirements with the registration authority in your State or Territory. With the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia comes the next issue – what about left hand drive car registration in Australia ? Well, this is handled differently b...
October 31, 2019 / Classic cars, General News
Now Sourcing 25 Year Old Cars
Some important points to bear in mind when selecting vehicles to import under the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia which STARTS on 10 Dec 2019: – Prices are rising fast on all classic vehicles The USA has their own 25 Year Rule which allows the import of RHD vehicles. Unlike Australia, American buyers have no reference point for pricing of Japanese imports so are prepared to sp...
October 16, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, Import Regulations
25 Year Rule CONFIRMED !
Just confirmed – the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia WILL START on 10 December 2019. Quick summary from today’s official update received today from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development: – The 25 Year Rule will start on 10 December 2019 (applications for import approval won’t be accepted before this date) – Vehicle...
October 3, 2019 / General News, Import Regulations
Import Car Insurance
Looking for import car insurance ? Companies that handle import car insurance can be a little hard to find, particularly if the model is unusual. There are a number of choices for import car insurance depending on your location in Australia, including NRMA (NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS), SGIC (SA), SGIO (WA) and Shannons (Australia-wide). View current list of companies for import car insurance...
October 1, 2019 / General News, Insurance
Nissan Leaf Gen 2 Import NOW
Nissan Leaf Gen 2 40kW 2017 to 2019 model (AZE1) compliance is now available in QLD, NSW and VIC. Be one of the first to import the Nissan Leaf Gen 2 40kW, with greater range and improved technology and safety features over the previous model. Eligible import date range is 2 Oct 2017 to 25 April 2019 (Nissan Australia is approved to sell the Leaf for models built AFTER 25 April 2019). Secondhand ...
September 19, 2019 / Australian Compliance, General News, Hybrid electric
UPDATE – New Vehicle Import Regulations Delayed up to 18 months
The Road Vehicle Standards Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 was passed today and gives the Govt. a new flexible deadline to implement the vehicle import regulation changes of up to 1 July 2021 (rather than 10 December 2019 as originally legislated). Behind the scenes the Govt. is indicating to industry stakeholders that it will implement parts of the changes early, such as allowing additional model...
September 10, 2019 / General News, Import Regulations
2001 Mazda RX-7 RZ #273 / 325
This rare 2001 Mazda RX-7 RZ was sold on 8 August 2019 at USS Tokyo auction for approx. 5,000,000 Yen FOB ($85,000 AUD complied @ 72 Yen to the dollar), plus tyres and on road costs. Type RZ build #273 / 325. VIN: FD3S-601459. 280HP; 5 speed manual; 2 Seats; Seat style: STC; Interior: FF2; 17 inch wheels; Bilstein dampers; Normal suspension. 66,230 km with service records. Grade 4.5 B. ...
August 8, 2019 / Classic cars, General News
Japan Auction Dates Obon 2019
The Japanese annual “Obon” holiday is coming up again at the end of this week. Most Japanese businesses close for up to a week and this includes the Japanese car auctions. The Japanese car auctions will be closed for Obon 2019 from Saturday 10 August to Sunday 18 August. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the return of the spirits of ancestors. During this time many Japan...
August 5, 2019 / General News
New Vehicle Import Regulations – Implementation DELAYED
Well… we suspected this was coming from the lack of progress updates from the Govt. in recent months. Before going on, it has to be said – they’ve ONLY had 5 years to prepare for this. * Deep breath * OK, so moving on… Here is what we are dealing with -> the Govt. has officially announced it is unable to meet the 10 Dec 2019 implementation deadline and needs more time. W...
July 4, 2019 / General News, Import Regulations
Sydney Electric Vehicle Expo 2019
The Sydney Electric Vehicle Expo 2019 is coming ! FREE entry. Sat 26 / Sun 27 Oct 2019. Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Showground. Website: http://www.theevexpo.com/ Browse Electric Vehicle import options for Australia here The easiest way to monitor auction vehicles in Japan – Set up FREE auction alerts to receive daily email updates....
July 2, 2019 / General News, Hybrid electric
PlugShare – Find EV Charging Stations in Australia
Running low on battery bars in Australia and looking for your nearest EV charging stations ? Better download the PlugShare app ! The electric car revolution is quietly happening here in Australia with thousands of EV charging stations already available around the country and new ones added in different locations every week. PlugShare lets you find free and paid charging stations with the most comp...
July 2, 2019 / General News, Hybrid electric
Super Cute Cube Ute
This quirky 2004 Nissan Cube Ute was sold on 6 June 2019 at USS Tokyo auction for 650,000 Yen ($8,700 AUD @ 75 Yen to the dollar). Just one example of the unusual cars we see auctioned in Japan on a weekly basis. Even had Alpine speakers for the rear deck ! ...
June 21, 2019 / General News, Uncategorized
Japan Car Owner History
Full Japan car owner history is now available through Japan Car History Check (JCHC). JCHC provides a range of great services to protect buyers of Japanese car imports worldwide. In addition to Japanese car auction and registration records, JCHC can supply comprehensive Japan car owner history – this is a full list of registration events from new right up to export. Japan Car Owner History O...
June 15, 2019 / General News
1993 Nissan Skyline R32 Gts-4 AUTECH 2.6L 4WD
This RARE 1993 Nissan Skyline R32 Gts-4 AUTECH 2.6L 4WD – sold today at USS Tokyo auction for 2,700,000 Yen FOB which would be approx. $45,000 complied in Australia plus tyres and on road costs (@ 75 Yen to the dollar). 80,300 km. Graded 4 B with records, books, NISMO documentation and spare keys. VIN: HNR32-034842. ...
June 6, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, GTR
1996 R33 GTR VSPEC N1
This RARE 1996 R33 GTR VSpec N1 (V-Spec Series 2 N1 #20/21) – sold today at USS Tokyo auction for 4,005,000 JPY (approx. $66,000 landed in Australia @ 75 Yen to the dollar). Graded 3 most likely due to general corrosion in various places and the rust holes in the right side step and right rear wheel arch… VIN: BCNR33-024522. ...
June 6, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, GTR
Garage-34 R32 GTR
Here’s another car that stood out on our recent visit to USS Tokyo auction in Japan. This heavily modified 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR by “Garage-34” was sold at USS Tokyo auction on 9 May 2019. VIN: BNR32-005346. 18,532 km on the odometer and not questioned by auction, but on a car like this we would say total km unknown. Repainted in original black. Modifications included 2...
June 3, 2019 / Classic cars, GTR
Pinnacle of Early 90’s In-car Entertainment !
We sourced this 1994 Toyota Hiace 3L diesel for a client recently. Super clean for age, with only 28,474 km and full service records. The owner had taken great care of it, right down to the classic 90’s TV entertainment unit for the rear passengers. ...
May 23, 2019 / General News
Classic Nissan Gloria could be yours for < $10K landed !
This 1985 Nissan Gloria 3L turbo Brougham passed in (unsold) at USS Tokyo auction on both 9 & 16 May 2019. The last bid price on this quintessentially over the top 80’s Japanese ride was just 265,000 Yen. It is probably buyable for less than $10,000 landed in Australia. ...
May 16, 2019 / Classic cars, General News
TINY Japan car park space
Think YOUR carpark space is tight ? We came across this one while in Japan last week. Parking space costs more than the van ! 😀 The easiest way to monitor auction vehicles in Japan – Set up FREE auction alerts to receive daily email updates....
May 16, 2019 / General News
1996 R33 GT-R VSPEC LM LTD @ $110K
This rare 1996 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R VSPEC LM Limited (LM #148/188; V-Spec LM #75/102) in blue was sold at USS Tokyo auction on 9 May 2019. VIN: BCNR33-023735. 126,556 km. Final price was equivalent to approx. $110,000 on road in Australia (@ 76 Yen to the dollar and including LCT). ...
May 15, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, GTR
Import Nissan Leaf Gen 2 to Australia
September 2019 update – Nissan Leaf Gen 2 compliance now available Be the first to import Nissan Leaf Gen 2 to Australia – the 40kW 2017 to 2019 model (AZE1) was added to the SEVS eligible import list on 9 May 2019. Eligible import date range is 2 Oct 2017 to 25 April 2019 (Nissan Australia is approved to sell them new after 25 April 2019). Secondhand and new Gen 2 Leaf’s are av...
April 24, 2019 / Australian Compliance, General News, Hybrid electric
Nissan Note ePOWER import now for Aust
The 2016 to 2020 Nissan Note ePower hybrid electric (HE12) is available for import to Australia. Full details for Nissan Note e-Power HE12 import. Related models: 2020+ Nissan Note e-Power 1.2L (E13, SNE13) 2021+ Nissan Aura e-Power 1.2L (FE13, FSNE13) A range of factory options are available including the sporty NISMO version featured above. The ePower petrol-electric hybrid technology is Nissan&...
March 26, 2019 / General News, Hybrid electric
Limited Edition Mazda RX-7 Type RZ sells for $68,500
This Limited Edition 2000 Mazda RX-7 Type RZ with 38,660 km was sold at USS Tokyo auction on 21 March 2019. VIN: FD3S-600196. It sold for around the 4,500,000 Yen FOB mark, or approx. $68,500 complied in Australia, plus tyres and on road costs (@ 79 Yen to the dollar). ...
March 21, 2019 / Classic cars, General News
2001 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSPEC II sells for $123,000
This January 2001 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSPEC II (V-Spec II #316/1855) with 57,102 km (odometer replaced with records) was sold at USS Tokyo auction on 21 March 2019. VIN: BNR34-400648. It sold for around the 7,500,000 Yen FOB mark, or approx. $123,000 complied in Australia, plus tyres and on road costs (@ 79 Yen to the dollar and including LCT). ...
March 21, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, GTR
Nissan Fuga HYBRID now eligible for import
The 2010 to current model Nissan Fuga HYBRID 3.5L (HY51) / Infiniti M35h is now eligible for import to Australia. Skyline sedan’s big brother. Featured here with Aimgain VIP GT bodykit. Power rated at 268 kW at 1840kg = 145.65 kW per tonne. 0 – 100 in approx. 5.2 sec. Fuel economy ~ 5L / 100 km. Prices from about $20K to $50K complied depending on year, spec and km – please cont...
March 21, 2019 / Australian Compliance, General News
2002 R34 GTR VSPEC2 NUR Sells for $287K complied
This 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSPEC2 NUR (Nür #161/1003; V-Spec II Nür #120/718) with just 4,170 km was sold at USS Tokyo auction on 14 March 2019. VIN: BNR34-403071. It sold for around the 16,400,000 Yen FOB mark, or approx. $287,000 complied in Australia, plus tyres and on road costs (@ 78.3 Yen to the dollar and including LCT). Low km and rare model examples like this are very attractive ...
March 14, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, GTR
Import Honda NSX under 25 Year Rule
2021 UPDATE – Sorry, we are no longer taking orders for the NSX as the prices are now too high in Japan for viable import. Want to import Honda NSX to Australia under the 25 Year Rule and not sure where to start ? YES – The new 25 Year Rule has been confirmed and will allow the import of vehicles – including the NSX – that are over 25 years old, from 10 December 2019. Thi...
March 6, 2019 / Classic cars, General News, Import Regulations
Import Regulations 2019 RELEASED
So, the new import regulations 2019 were finally released with some major improvements bound to put a grin on enthusiasts’ faces. YES – We have secure indoor storage available now for anyone wanting to get a jump on the market prior to 10 December 2019, which is only 10 months away and will be on us before we know it. Bear in mind that some classics may take months to source so it̵...
February 27, 2019 / Australian Compliance, Classic cars, General News, Import Regulations
2014 Nissan Leaf X Gen 1 available now
This vehicle has now been sold – thank you for your enquiries. This 2014 Nissan Leaf X Generation 1 fully electric vehicle with 84,713 km is available through one of our agents for 802,000 Yen FOB. Non-smoker’s car with cruise control, heated seats and almost 80% battery health. The final price for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne would be approx. $16,900 complied in Australia, plus ty...
February 25, 2019 / General News
Got the car and love it so thanks Geoff. I am sure I will be back to you in the future – it’s quite an addictive process (if a little long!). By the way, the compliance workshop was good and I would definitely recommend them.
Cheers
Andy