Car import costs

[Cheery Thistle]

A couple of questions about importing our car. I have done Iron Chefs appraisal and he seems to think it might be worth it. 
 

Is there anywhere online that we can roughly calculate how much it would all cost? 
 

Also regarding servicing and repairs - I keep seeing people say European car parts are expensive and dealerships had to come by etc.
 

Are there not independent mechanics in Aus who fit generic parts? We have an Audi with only 45k miles on the clock, but it’s 5 years old so out of warranty. We have a great local mechanic who services and maintains it and just uses good quality generic parts. Am I in cloud cuckoo land for thinking the same might exist over there?

Overall really like the car but not sure it’s worth the extra hassle and cost of shipping! 

[Marisawright]

Iron Chef are in the business of importing cars so they should be able to give you a quote on how much it costs.  However I think you were considering putting it in your container along with your belongings?  If so, then contact some shipping companies and ask them if they do that.  I know of one in Australia that does it but not the UK, here's an article:

https://www.transcocargo.com.au/ship-your-private-vehicles-and-belongings-via-shipping-container-with-transco-cargo/

There are independent mechanics who handle German cars in Melbourne and Sydney. No idea about anywhere else.  Try doing a Google search for the city you're going to and "Audi service" and see what comes up. 

[Cheery Thistle]

Thanks Marisa. Will check. It fortunately doesn’t need work often, but does have an auto gearbox which I know won’t last forever. Need to start thinking about this now as looking to move in next 12 months. 

[calNgary]

You will get Audi parts easy enough, its the cost on some European parts that can be eye watering, especially if they have to order it in from overseas (which can also turn a 24 hr job into a 4 day job). Most mechanics will be able to service it, although some do specialise in European vehicles. Its the same as anything else, you keep trying until you find one that you feel does a good job at a good price as there are some dodgy ones out there.

       Cal x

[rammygirl]

We brought an Audi TT over. Yes it can be expensive but you can find garages that specialise in German cars everywhere. We “sold” it to my son a couple of years back and it took a while to find someone in Canberra who understood the whole folding roof thing, we knew exactly what it was (the part) so just rand around till we hit on a guy who “got” it.  Son said it was a backstreet place and was a bit nervous….until he saw the cars in the yard. All expensive Mercs and Audi plus a few Italian performance cars and not old bangers either. Must have been a few million dollars worth.

One thing to remember is DO NOT use the standard unleaded petrol here it is very poor you need at least 95 (standard in UK) and the more expensive oil too. 
 

Our old lady will be sold again soon as not really practical (even as a second car) with a new baby and teenager.  Should still get a good price for her as in great condition and low mileage even at 16 years old.

For insurance you may find issues, we classed ours as a second hobby car (it wasn’t a lie) and insured through Shannon’s at a good rate.

[Cheery Thistle]

Thanks all. It’s sounding like an expensive headache! So looking like the the car is going on the ‘sell’ list. Not sure the Quattro (that we bought for the snow) will be that much use to us in Brisbane anyway! Haha! 

[InnerVoice]

15 hours ago, Cheery Thistle said:

Thanks all. It’s sounding like an expensive headache! So looking like the the car is going on the ‘sell’ list. Not sure the Quattro (that we bought for the snow) will be that much use to us in Brisbane anyway! Haha! 

It might come in handy if we have another hailstorm like the one back in 2005. I experienced this one first hand - it was something else!

http://www.lane-collett.net/hail.html

[DrDougster]

It will cost you about $8-12K depending on RORO vs using a container and if you have to have the bloody thing washed at both ends!