Federal Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher has announced new rules for private imports of vehicles from the UK and Japan.
The new rules are effective from 2018.
Individual buyers will be able to purchase one ‘new’ (less than one year old or with less than 500kms on the odometer) every two years.
This means retail operators will not be able to buy large numbers of cars – a move which is aimed at preventing the Australian market becoming like New Zealand where most ‘new’ cars sold are ‘grey’ imports.
The Government estimates up to 30,000 vehicles could be purchased annually by individuals under this scheme.
The downside is just because you secure a flash new ride direct from Britain or Japan, there is no requirement for the parent company’s official Australian division to carry replacement parts if that model was not sold here.
So your bargain-priced European or Japanese performance or luxury car which isn't sold here might not seem such a bargain if it spends months stranded in your garage while you search the internet looking for someone who can mail you a replacement bumper, headlight etc.
And as for a factory warranty, roadside assistance or capped-price servicing – well you can forget all that.
Motoring enthusiasts will be pleased with news of changes to the classic car regulations – the minimum vehicle age will be 25 years and the $12,000 import duty will be scrapped.
