Advice sought - would you import your own?

[PeterP]

Folks,

Am looking for a good 944 turbo or S2....or at least thats where the story begins. I am looking locally (Australia), however since talking to a friend who has just imported a few Ferrari's, I am starting to look at the UK as a source of low mileage vehicles with pretty good value for the dollar, particularly pre-1990. In fact 911's suddenly come into the affordable if you buy the right car.

Has anyone on the forum done this? And if so was it worth it? Not that I dont trust my friend....but he does drive a Ferrari !!!!

Appreciate any feedback,

Peter

[Chris-p]

Hi Peter,

I was marshalling with another PCV member at the club track day at winton last month. he has just bought a car from the UK and is in the process of shipping it now. I spoke to him again at Phillip island a couple of weeks ago and he said that some of the rules had changed recently and it was abit of a mine field. So if you do go ahead with this make sure you get good advice and have a good customs broker.

I guess the one thing to consider with going down this path is that while you may pay less for the car initially there will be the same at the other end when you go to sell it as Australian delivered cars to command a premium due to their history and the knowledge they havent been driven on salt covered roads etc. I do know some cars come through from HK which may be another place to look at.

Good luck and keep us informed as to which way you go!!

Kindest regards

Chris

[PeterP]

Hi Peter,

I was marshalling with another PCV member at the club track day at winton last month. he has just bought a car from the UK and is in the process of shipping it now. I spoke to him again at Phillip island a couple of weeks ago and he said that some of the rules had changed recently and it was abit of a mine field. So if you do go ahead with this make sure you get good advice and have a good customs broker.

I guess the one thing to consider with going down this path is that while you may pay less for the car initially there will be the same at the other end when you go to sell it as Australian delivered cars to command a premium due to their history and the knowledge they havent been driven on salt covered roads etc. I do know some cars come through from HK which may be another place to look at.

Good luck and keep us informed as to which way you go!!

Kindest regards

Chris

Hi Chris,

thanks for the feedback. I agree it is a bit of a minefield, and also the prospect of touching, feeling and even smelling a vehicle before purchase appeals to me....strangely enough I am off the London and Munich later this week, and would love to sneak a few hours for car hunting. However, a good friends father who has bought and sold more exotic cars than I care to think about, always said two things:

Australian Delivery

Unless youre keen on garage floors....buy one restored

I guess he's right.

Will let you know what happens,

cheers

Peter

[D-banger]

Hi Peter,

There have been a few threads on this topic previously.

I think anyone that looks at UK prices can't help but get jealous of the prices being paid over there , especially taking into account the strong Aussie dollar .

Along the lines that Chris is saying, I don't think it is a money making proposition since imports get a lot less when you eventually go to sell.

It might also take a little longer to sell as a lot of people want aussie delivered cars.

But if you want to get into the market for a little less and are happy to exit for less than it might be a more affordable way into ownership.

I look forwrd to hearing your tale,

Doug

[webrest]

Hi Peter,

If you want to import don't let the doomsayers put you off it isn't any big deal, just have to take care of the paperwork.

Many have imported vehicles from O/S without any major crisis, myself included. One from the US and one from Asia. The first one I used a broker to do the paperwork etc. the second I did myself which was actually quite good fun.

You are more than welcome to have a look at the paperwork to see what you would be letting yourself into.

The main thing is to get your import permit from DOTMAR organised before shipping.

As for what they are worth in the long run who cares, a lot of cars are not really bringing their value when you sell them anyway these days and if you have to do any major work on a Porsche it will soon make the price difference that you would get back from an import or an Australian delivered car look pretty insignificant anyway.

Up to you but let's be honest the less you outlay in the first place the less you have to lose. The main thing is you purchase the right car that won't require any heavy repairs.

Have a browse around this site and see what you come up with for your particular situation.

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/importing_vehicles/general/index.aspx

Good luck with your purchase which ever way you go

Dave

[Chris-p]

Hi Peter,

If you are off to the UK then look up a company called Autofarm, Josh Sadler I think is still the owner. My Brother in law bought a Porsche from him back in the late 70's and he was terrific to deal with. Still in business with a great reputation. Have fun in Germany in chance to slip over to Stuttgart to the Porsche Museum? I am going over in November for a couple of days to attend a trade fair and am planning to drop in to Stuttgart for a day and visit the Museum and if time permits the next morning factory tour....

Have a good trip and enjoy the car hunting!!

Cheers

Chris

[PC5953]

Hi Peter,

If you are off to the UK then look up a company called Autofarm, Josh Sadler I think is still the owner. My Brother in law bought a Porsche from him back in the late 70's and he was terrific to deal with. Still in business with a great reputation. Have fun in Germany in chance to slip over to Stuttgart to the Porsche Museum? I am going over in November for a couple of days to attend a trade fair and am planning to drop in to Stuttgart for a day and visit the Museum and if time permits the next morning factory tour....

Have a good trip and enjoy the car hunting!!

Cheers

Chris

Hi Chris,

If you are going to the Museum book the Factory tour through PCM(if you havn't already) and when we were there the tour was not available on Friday's.

Regs, Peter C.

[Chris-p]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the advice. I will get onto PCM to make the arrangements. I will be landing in Frankfurt at 6am on the Sunday after flying from New York and going by train straight to the Museum in Stuttgart. I was hoping to do the tour on the Monday as I know the museum is closed mondays.

By the way your two cars looked great cruising back from Phillip Island after the track day!! I just love the way your 911 sits on the road, very nice...

Cheers

Chris

[PC5953]

Thanks Chris,

The tour is fantastic (no camera's), (so is the Museum) the Museum has it's own station (porscheplatz) I think that's how it's spelt, so get of at Zuffanhusn (not spelt right) station and change trians to the Museum, and yes that's correct closed Monday don't know if tour was on Monday either? we did both on the Tuesday as well as the dealership there's a lot to see and drool over.

Cheers, Peter.(there you go found a pic)

[Chris-p]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the advice on the train etc. Its always a great help to get a bit of info when going to somewhere you havent been before!

Cheers

Chris

[PeterP]

Hi Folks,

Can I say thank you for the valuable feedback, its really appreciated.

Whilst buying in the UK may give me access to a 911, at this point I am leaning toward trying to find a good 944 Turbo or S2 in Oz.....which may be the challenge. There is an S2 on the Vic Porsche Club site but it seems unless you're a member you cant contact the owner.....if anyone knows him and can get a contact number, much appreciated.

Will keep you all updated, and meanwhile having fun in the R32,

cheers

Peter

[PCM911T]

Did you try his email address - markhomer@optusnet.com.au??

[PeterP]

Did you try his email address - markhomer@optusnet.com.au??

Hi Addicted (hope thats not you're real name!).....

Appreciate the help. When I looked at the vehicle and clicked on email, for some reason it would not give me an address: however thatnks to you, I have now made contact with Mark regarding the vehicle, and you may eventually be the reason for someone becoming very poor !!

Cheers

Peter

[PCM911T]

Hi Peter, you too will be "addicted" when you reach 67 posts. Actual name is Paul. But I warn you, getting a Porsche is an addiction as having one overtakes your life. The S2 is the one to buy too, get it checked out and it should be a great car. Good Luck

Paul M.

[PCM911T]

And Peter before you decide, have a look at the 1986 944 Turbo at www.healeyfactory.com.au for $25000, just to add to your decision agony!!

Paul M.

[PeterP]

Hi Paul,

thanks for the note on the one at the Healey Factory, I have had a look at it, and whilst it looks good on the face of it; a couple of things spring to mind. First my indecision as to whether I want purely a track day type of vehicle, or something that may one day be collectable. That particular car does not have a sun roof, don't know whether this is a positive or negative. It is also an 86, so no ABS. In addition, and maybe i'm misguided but I understand that belts etc in these things are crucial, so I would like someone to be able to tell and show me when they were last changed.

Maybe its also a bit pricey............I would though appreciate nay feedback on whether the turbo or S2 is best> I have driven the turbo, which I thought was brilliant, and wonder whether the S2 has the same dramatic oomph!

regards

Peter

And Peter before you decide, have a look at the 1986 944 Turbo at www.healeyfactory.com.au for $25000, just to add to your decision agony!!

Paul M.

[PCM911T]

OK Peter, a couple of thoughts. 1. no sunroof is good, no water leaks and a stronger roof. 2.Collectable, some will disagree but never thought of 944s as a collectable, unless it is a Carrera GT - go look for a 911. 3.Turbo versus S2 is pretty much lineball, Turbo has more bhp, S2 has 3litres and no heat problems. My advice is go drive the S2 and see what you think. If you want a track car only, buy one that is already built and save a lot, see www.944challenge.com. BUT race cars spend a lot of time in the garage, so I'd go for a road car and drive it all the time, too much money sitting around otherwise.Another thing to consider is that a dealer has to give you a statutory warranty, private sale is buyer beware. Belts replacements and DME are critical in 944s. I'd want to have these checked.Might pay to also email the PCV 944 Register captain for advice.

Paul M.

[PeterP]

OK Peter, a couple of thoughts. 1. no sunroof is good, no water leaks and a stronger roof. 2.Collectable, some will disagree but never thought of 944s as a collectable, unless it is a Carrera GT - go look for a 911. 3.Turbo versus S2 is pretty much lineball, Turbo has more bhp, S2 has 3litres and no heat problems. My advice is go drive the S2 and see what you think. If you want a track car only, buy one that is already built and save a lot, see www.944challenge.com. BUT race cars spend a lot of time in the garage, so I'd go for a road car and drive it all the time, too much money sitting around otherwise.Another thing to consider is that a dealer has to give you a statutory warranty, private sale is buyer beware. Belts replacements and DME are critical in 944s. I'd want to have these checked.Might pay to also email the PCV 944 Register captain for advice.

Paul M.

Hi Paul,

thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated. I will go and drive the S2 and see what happens. Whatever I buy I do want to drive it as much as possible (although I will keep the R32 as the daily driver). If I still think the turbo is more fun, I might get a Porsche specialist to do an appraisal. There is one near my work that I have seen recommended on some sites.

Will certainly keep you informed on what develops,

cheers

Peter