Importing a 911 frm UK?

[pete911dream]

Hi all.

I am new on here but thought it would be a great place to start and get some advice.

For my 40th birthday a year or so ago I was 'allowed' by the missus to get a car just for me and being the impatient plonker I am got a Subaru WRX and paid $20k for it. Don't get me wrong it is a great car and goes like stink but hardly a car that I would cherish forever.

18 months on I am thinking of selling it and importing a 911 from the UK under the Pre 1989 Scheme.

I am planning to spend around 10-11k pounds which is around $16k. Freight is $1600 and duty and tax will be another couple of grand. All up I plan to spend $20k and will have a couple of grand to one side for any compliance issues/registration etc I need for WA.

The reason I plan to import is that to get a 911 in Australia you are looking at least $30k to get in at the bottom end of the market and for something ropey.

Does anyone have any experience in importing a 911 especially under the Pre-1989 Scheme?

What models to get SC, Turbo etc? What to stay away from and what to check first.

There are quite a few 911 dealers over there and some with some pretty decent motors.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

cheers

Pete

[PeterP]

Hi Pete,

This is a topic of interest to me as well, as I agree there are "what appears to be" some sensational looking 911's on sites such as PistonHeads.

I am also hunting my first 911 and have consulted someone who has been reccomended independently as a specialist, and has already saved me significant money (another story though).

In discussion with him on the topic of UK imports, he suggests that the saving you make on the original purchase price, you may well spend to get it up to standard, given they salt their roads over there, which can cause major corrosion.

Of course the other issue, is that trying to sell a non Oz delivered car seems to also command less money, as the history has more chance of being lost or at least suspect.

I guess though, if you spend top dollar, you can verify all these aspects.

Be interested to hear other opinions,

regards

Peter

Hi all.

I am new on here but thought it would be a great place to start and get some advice.

For my 40th birthday a year or so ago I was 'allowed' by the missus to get a car just for me and being the impatient plonker I am got a Subaru WRX and paid $20k for it. Don't get me wrong it is a great car and goes like stink but hardly a car that I would cherish forever.

18 months on I am thinking of selling it and importing a 911 from the UK under the Pre 1989 Scheme.

I am planning to spend around 10-11k pounds which is around $16k. Freight is $1600 and duty and tax will be another couple of grand. All up I plan to spend $20k and will have a couple of grand to one side for any compliance issues/registration etc I need for WA.

The reason I plan to import is that to get a 911 in Australia you are looking at least $30k to get in at the bottom end of the market and for something ropey.

Does anyone have any experience in importing a 911 especially under the Pre-1989 Scheme?

What models to get SC, Turbo etc? What to stay away from and what to check first.

There are quite a few 911 dealers over there and some with some pretty decent motors.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

cheers

Pete

[pete911dream]

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply.

I have set a budget or 10k pounds which is around $16k for the car and reckon it will cost me $24k all up. This is presuming that no work is needed apart from complaince for WA roads.

You are correct about the roads over there and it is a worry/concern. I have not made my mind up either way as yet but I suppose buying one here may be the best option all round but it depends on the right one coming around and bideing my time.

Have a look at 911virgin.com there is a really nice SC on there and would be an example of what I am looking at albeit a bit over my price but as it has a private plate may be able to negotiate on the price.

Keep in touch and I will keep you update.

cheers

Pete

Hi Pete,

This is a topic of interest to me as well, as I agree there are "what appears to be" some sensational looking 911's on sites such as PistonHeads.

I am also hunting my first 911 and have consulted someone who has been reccomended independently as a specialist, and has already saved me significant money (another story though).

In discussion with him on the topic of UK imports, he suggests that the saving you make on the original purchase price, you may well spend to get it up to standard, given they salt their roads over there, which can cause major corrosion.

Of course the other issue, is that trying to sell a non Oz delivered car seems to also command less money, as the history has more chance of being lost or at least suspect.

I guess though, if you spend top dollar, you can verify all these aspects.

Be interested to hear other opinions,

regards

Peter

[RSR Classics]

Hi Pete,

Have just caught up on the posts and not sure whether you are still running with this one.

I have imported a number of 1974-76 911's but not from UK -however the pros and cons are similar.

The initial value for money is certainly a factor,and there are certainly a number of reputable specialists, but the key is to have someone on the ground who knows Porsches and can inspect for rust,damage etc.

Books and service history is a must.

Engage a freight forwarder who specialises in international car freight - $1600 sounds cheap to me.Ascertain how it will be shipped,where it will be shipped from;what size container and what else will accompany it .There are also Insurance ,customs clearance and quarantine requirements to be considered .

You will need an import approval to have the car registered in Australia,and this must be done before the car leaves the UK.Although duty is N/A there is still GST AT 10% paid on the shipping/landed costs.

Although most Porsches of the period will generally meet local rego.compliance ,you will most likely need an engineer's report to ensure that the car meets local ADR's.(definitely in NSW)

As rightly pointed out resale is higher and easier if the car is Australian delivered and plated -although an earlier 911 with books and a good proven history will still sell,but most buyers still want a local car.

My recommendation is to pay a bit more and buy a local SC ,as you know what you are getting - and there are good examples with full histories if you take the time to look around,particularly in the Porsche Car Club. There are also unmolested 74-76 911 2.7 's popping up from time to time , and they are worth considering as they are a good cheaper option,particularly if they have a full service and repair history. If you draw up a balance sheet on all the costs you might be surprised at the outcome.

Hope this adds a bit extra to the process.

Craig