The New 25 Year Rule for Australia commenced on 10 December 2019:
-
Rolling 25 Year Rule (25 years old to month / year at the time of import approval application)
-
Operates in a similar way to the previous “1988 and older” rule
-
Applies to cars, 4WD’s and motorcycles (not buses, trucks or commercial vehicles)
-
Significantly modified vehicles and vehicles with certain modifications newer than 25 years are not allowed
How to apply for an Import Approval under the 25 Year Rule using ROVER and what is considered significantly modified.
Read more about the new vehicle import regulations.
Understanding the New 25 Year Rule for Australia (and Concessional Vehicle Imports scheme)
The 25 Year Rule commenced operation on 10 December 2019.
What can be imported under the 25 Year Rule and how to apply for a 25 Year Rule Import Approval
Full details of the New Vehicle Import Regulations 2019
Note that the USA also has a 25 year rule, so Australians compete with US buyers (and their strong dollar) on many of the same cars. The USA is typically buying up to a year ahead of eligibility age with storage of the vehicles prior to shipping.
In 2020 / 21 there were rapid and substantial increases in classic car prices. This trend had been underway for some years but was pushed into overdrive by Covid-19 together with nostalgia for the past amidst a world moving to hybrid / electric vehicles.
Due to the high prices and limited availability of quality classic cars, by mid-2021 we stopped taking orders for almost all older models out of Japan.
So after seeing the 25 Year Rule coming for about 5 years since the Govt. first announced it, in the end there was a short-lived flurry of buying which started in 2020 and lasted about 16 months.
The remaining details below are just for general information – most of the vehicles mentioned we no longer source due to the market conditions explained above.
The 25 Year Rule is similar to the previous 1988 and older rule, so for most vehicles this will mean relatively low compliance costs of around $1,000 depending on the model. Additional costs may be incurred depending on whether side intrusion bars and retractable seat belts are required. This is controlled by each State / Territory registration authority at the time of roadworthy inspection.
A range of interesting import options is available under this rule.
You can use our online Auction Search to view upcoming auction cars across Japan and browse 3 months of past auction results to gauge availability and pricing.
Honda NSX
Nissan Skyline R32 GTR
Mitsubishi Starion
JZA70 Supra
Delta Lancia Integrale
Suzuki Cappuccino
Mazda Cosmo
Mazda MX-5
BMW M3 and others
Porsche 944 and others
Mercedes 190E and others
Mitsubishi Cyborg
Toyota Celica
Mazda RX-7
I just received my imported family Van (Toyota Estima 3L G Premium edition).
Prestige Motorsport came recommended to me from two (independent) colleagues at work.
I won’t hesitate to say that Geoff gave me the very best customer service I have ever experienced.
Geoff is obviously very used to dealing with people who have endless lists of questions, and he does a brilliant job at addressing each and every one of these in a timely manner, (all with a great deal of patience). For what you would consider to be a very nervous experience (first time buying a car that you’ve never seen in another country) all the processes are pre-documented, clear to follow and work out exactly how they were described.
Prestige Motorsport have obviously dealt with all the caveats you would expect in this type of purchase, and so the resulting experience for me was very simple and smooth.
I took my time finding the right car too for our family, and I never felt pressured to hurry it along.
So… so far so good. The estimated final prices were accurate. The car is immaculate, even the compliance shop commented on what a great example it was and that Geoff had done very well. The after sales support has also been appreciated.
Thanks Geoff, you have my highest recommendation! I would not hesitate using your services again.