Is it worth bringing my car? The Iron Lady's trusty new calculator reveals all!

[Robin’s Emigrating 7]

Hey Iron Chef! So good of you to help folks out with this support. I suspect our car is on the lower end of valuations that folks are posting, and perhaps more in the category B or C area, but thought it worth asking your thoughts. Details added below. Anything you can advise would be really appreciated. If it's a yes, then any links or pointers toward how to get things moving with the process would be really appreciated.

- year of manufacture 2015

- make, model & variant Mazda CX-5 2.2d (175bhp) Sport Nav AWD 5d Auto 2015/15

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) SUV

- engine size & fuel type 2.2 Diesel

- transmission Automatic

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) AWD

- mileage 120K KM

- any special features, options or modification Navigation, Leather Seats, Reversing Camera, All Round Parking Sensors

- does it have aircon Yes

- realistic current UK market value £8000-9000

- Australian RedBook value $24600-27500 (Unsure if my car translates to a 'Grand Touring' or an 'Akera' in Australian terminology. If an 'Akera then it's $26-$29K.

- which Australian state/city Melbourne

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle) Approx $25000-26000 (although a lot of variability)

[SusieRoo 684]

How long will it take to ship a vehicle from the UK to Melbourne?

We are anticipating being in Australia in June/July (this year) and trying to plan when best to send our 4x4 so it arrives at roughly the same time.

Also, if we were to be delayed, can the vehicle be moved from the port and stored (off road) before completing compliance and roadworthy inspections. My husband would like to be present at this time as it’s his classic hobby car.

[Iron Chef 403]

6 hours ago, Robin’s Emigrating said:

Hey Iron Chef! So good of you to help folks out with this support. I suspect our car is on the lower end of valuations that folks are posting, and perhaps more in the category B or C area, but thought it worth asking your thoughts. Details added below. Anything you can advise would be really appreciated. If it's a yes, then any links or pointers toward how to get things moving with the process would be really appreciated.

- year of manufacture 2015

- make, model & variant Mazda CX-5 2.2d (175bhp) Sport Nav AWD 5d Auto 2015/15

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) SUV

- engine size & fuel type 2.2 Diesel

- transmission Automatic

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) AWD

- mileage 120K KM

- any special features, options or modification Navigation, Leather Seats, Reversing Camera, All Round Parking Sensors

- does it have aircon Yes

- realistic current UK market value £8000-9000

- Australian RedBook value $24600-27500 (Unsure if my car translates to a 'Grand Touring' or an 'Akera' in Australian terminology. If an 'Akera then it's $26-$29K.

- which Australian state/city Melbourne

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle) Approx $25000-26000 (although a lot of variability)

Actually, based on those two figures, it makes sense to bring it over. The used car market in Australia is pretty strong at the moment, and Mazdas hold their value really well here. 

2 minutes ago, SusieRoo said:

How long will it take to ship a vehicle from the UK to Melbourne?

We are anticipating being in Australia in June/July (this year) and trying to plan when best to send our 4x4 so it arrives at roughly the same time.

Also, if we were to be delayed, can the vehicle be moved from the port and stored (off road) before completing compliance and roadworthy inspections. My husband would like to be present at this time as it’s his classic hobby car.

Allow around 3 months for the whole process. If it's a classic car (over 25 years old), your husband can register the car as a historic vehicle, which is a much easier and cheaper process than normal registration. No problems with the car going to your house or wherever before completing the registration process.

[SusieRoo 684]

15 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

Allow around 3 months for the whole process. If it's a classic car (over 25 years old), your husband can register the car as a historic vehicle, which is a much easier and cheaper process than normal registration. No problems with the car going to your house or wherever before completing the registration process.

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately our vehicle is a mere 24 years old so not yet a true classic, but I'm wondering if there is any merit in putting it on a Carnet de Passage en Douane for a year. Then taking the “much easier and cheaper process” option for the official import when its 25. What sort of saving could we expect to make importing it as a classic as apposed to a personal import? Also, are you located in Australia or the UK?  

Edited February 8, 2021 by SusieRoo

[Jon the Hat 1,072]

1 hour ago, SusieRoo said:

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately our vehicle is a mere 24 years old so not yet a true classic, but I'm wondering if there is any merit in putting it on a Carnet de Passage en Douane for a year. Then taking the “much easier and cheaper process” option for the official import when its 25. What sort of saving could we expect to make importing it as a classic as apposed to a personal import? Also, are you located in Australia or the UK?  

Leave it here for a year in specialist storage then ship it!  You will have plenty to do in your first year without enjoying your classic Landy (I'm making assumptions here, but if it isn't a Landy I don't know what your husband is thinking :))

[Robin’s Emigrating 7]

18 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

Actually, based on those two figures, it makes sense to bring it over. The used car market in Australia is pretty strong at the moment, and Mazdas hold their value really well here. 

Allow around 3 months for the whole process. If it's a classic car (over 25 years old), your husband can register the car as a historic vehicle, which is a much easier and cheaper process than normal registration. No problems with the car going to your house or wherever before completing the registration process.

Thanks @Iron Chef. That's really helpful. One final question; are we likely to encounter issues with insurance and/or eventually selling the car on account of it being an import? The versions in the UK are slightly differently named to those in Australia (e.g. ours is a 'Sport' which I believe translates to a 'Grand Touring' in local terms). 

[Iron Chef 403]

8 hours ago, SusieRoo said:

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately our vehicle is a mere 24 years old so not yet a true classic, but I'm wondering if there is any merit in putting it on a Carnet de Passage en Douane for a year. Then taking the “much easier and cheaper process” option for the official import when its 25. What sort of saving could we expect to make importing it as a classic as apposed to a personal import? Also, are you located in Australia or the UK?  

If you have the same number of cars as drivers (ie two cars, two people with driver's licences moving to Australia), just bring it over as a personal import. In terms of cost savings, that only comes at registration time. The import costs are exactly the same. So you can import it as a personal import, then keep it in the shed here and register it as a classic car when it reaches 25 years old. We're based in Australia.

5 hours ago, Robin’s Emigrating said:

Thanks @Iron Chef. That's really helpful. One final question; are we likely to encounter issues with insurance and/or eventually selling the car on account of it being an import? The versions in the UK are slightly differently named to those in Australia (e.g. ours is a 'Sport' which I believe translates to a 'Grand Touring' in local terms). 

My clients have never struck any issues with insurance - we can help you with getting it either way. In terms of selling, private sale is the way to go because private buyers generally don't care too much. Dealers, on the other hand, will often use it as a means of screwing down your trade-in price, even though British-spec cars are virtually the same as Aussie ones aside from mph odometer/speedometers. You folks really need to give up on imperial measurements!

Edited February 8, 2021 by Iron Chef

[CornishDoc 4]

Hi Iron Chef. Thanks for putting all this very useful information out there.  I have another “is it worth it” scenario. Thanks!

- year of manufacture 2016

- make, model & variant Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) 4x4

- engine size & fuel type 3 litre diesel

- transmission automatic

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) 4WD

- mileage 22000 miles 

any special features, options or modification top of the range specification, including rear seat entertainment / privacy glass, rear view camera assist, heated seats and steering wheel (!!) 

- does it have aircon yes

- realistic current UK market value £34k on webuyanycar.com

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range) Nothing really comparable. Closest is $34,400-$38,600 for a 2012 HSE Luxury  

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle) $79500 for a 2013 SVD6

 - which Australian state/city Hobart 

[Iron Chef 403]

15 hours ago, CornishDoc said:

Hi Iron Chef. Thanks for putting all this very useful information out there.  I have another “is it worth it” scenario. Thanks!

- year of manufacture 2016

- make, model & variant Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) 4x4

- engine size & fuel type 3 litre diesel

- transmission automatic

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) 4WD

- mileage 22000 miles 

any special features, options or modification top of the range specification, including rear seat entertainment / privacy glass, rear view camera assist, heated seats and steering wheel (!!) 

- does it have aircon yes

- realistic current UK market value £34k on webuyanycar.com

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range) Nothing really comparable. Closest is $34,400-$38,600 for a 2012 HSE Luxury  

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle) $79500 for a 2013 SVD6

 - which Australian state/city Hobart 

Hello and welcome! It's worth considering, mainly because your mileage is so low compared to what is available here. Late model Discos hold their value well here.

[msadmn 10]

Worth noting I bought my disco last year in the middle of covid , had 2x quarantine cleans around 1200 aud all up . 2000 aud to ship with auto shippers so glad I bought it tho ! The only issue is finding a good mechanic 

[CornishDoc 4]

17 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

Hello and welcome! It's worth considering, mainly because your mileage is so low compared to what is available here. Late model Discos hold their value well here.

Thank you! I wanted to bring it so that’s good news for me. I’ve sent a shipping enquiry via your website. Thanks again. (And yes the cleaning is going to be a challenge!)

[LandM 6]

On 01/02/2012 at 04:06, Iron Chef said:

year of manufacture

- make, model & variant

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc)

 - engine size & fuel type

- transmission

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc)

- mileage

 - any special features, options or modification

- does it have aircon

 - realistic current UK market value

Dear Sir

id appreciate your view in our car please!:

 

- year of manufacture 2015 56 plate

- make, model & variant LandRover Discovery Sport HSE

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) Normal 4wd car

 - engine size & fuel type Diesel 2.2L

- transmission Automatic

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) 4WD

- mileage 47,000

 - any special features, options or modification No

- does it have aircon Yes

 - realistic current UK market value £20,000

Edited April 24, 2021 by LandM
Ommision

[LandM 6]

Year of manufacture- 2015 56 plate

[Iron Chef 403]

On 25/04/2021 at 05:58, LandM said:

Year of manufacture- 2015 56 plate

My apologies, I missed the notification that you had posted in here! I'm responding via email, you'll see it shortly 

[LandM 6]

On 12/05/2021 at 01:33, Iron Chef said:

My apologies, I missed the notification that you had posted in here! I'm responding via email, you'll see it shortly 

No worries for the delay - and thanks for the email. 
via your calculator tool, is our car an A, B or C?

also, sorry, the values in the email weren’t clear - there was no total for example. I did email straight back but haven’t heard since. 
thanks for your time

lisa

[Iron Chef 403]

17 hours ago, LandM said:

No worries for the delay - and thanks for the email. 
via your calculator tool, is our car an A, B or C?

also, sorry, the values in the email weren’t clear - there was no total for example. I did email straight back but haven’t heard since. 
thanks for your time

lisa

Hi Lisa, I sent you a reply about an hour after you emailed, maybe check in your junk folder?

[LandM 6]

6 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

Hi Lisa, I sent you a reply about an hour after you emailed, maybe check in your junk folder?

Thank you. Received. 
Is my car an A, B or C do you know?

kindest regRds

lisa

 

[Iron Chef 403]

17 hours ago, LandM said:

Thank you. Received. 
Is my car an A, B or C do you know?

kindest regRds

lisa

 

From what I can see of prices locally, it's a 'only bring it if you love the car' type deal. I doubt there will be any money to be made on it. Interestingly I don't think we got the HSE here, only the SE.

 

[LandM 6]

9 hours ago, Iron Chef said:

From what I can see of prices locally, it's a 'only bring it if you love the car' type deal. I doubt there will be any money to be made on it. Interestingly I don't think we got the HSE here, only the SE.

 

Thank you Iron Chef! Much appreciated 

[Nicko 1]

Hey Iron Chef,

Thank you for helping people out - just trying to work out if my car is worth bringing over looking to return home next year. If it’s not, is there any family cars in particular you feel are worth bring over? 

year of manufacture - 2016

- make, model & variant - BMW 420d Msport 

- body type - 5 door hatch

 - engine size & fuel type - 2L diesel 

- transmission - Auto

- drive type - XDrive all wheel drive

- mileage 90,000m - 144,000ks

  - any special features, options or modification

- does it have aircon - yes

 - realistic current UK market value £13,500 from we buy any car.com

[Vixg80 0]

On 01/02/2012 at 04:06, Iron Chef said:

Ok I've been having a tinker with this for a little while and think I've got it pretty close. I've developed an Excel spreadsheet that provides an estimate of whether or not your car is

Category A: definitely worth bringing, you'll do nicely out of it when the time comes to sell

Category B: only worth bringing if you love the car and/or plan to keep it for a while

Category not worth the aggro, you're better off selling it in the UK

 

*Disclaimers* - the estimates are based on the following:

1) using our most complete 'A Package' service at AUD990 (it's set up for our customers, obviously!)

2) using RORO shipping from Southampton (does not include transport to get your car to the port)

3) the current GBP/AUD exchange rate

4) an estimated Australian Customs value calculated for your specific vehicle

5) includes customs duty, GST and LCT where necessary

6) a set figure for customs clearance (which I've deliberately set higher than what they normally come in at)

7) includes the cost of Australian Customs valuation and transport to the workshop once cleared

includes allowance for the minor modifications needed before registration

9) includes road registration and stamp duty costs (for a "no surprises" all inclusive cost estimate)

 

As you can see, I've tried to be as upfront about the costs of getting the vehicle to Australia, and I have actually over-allowed on what many bills come in at. There are a heap of variables in here and each car is different, so don't be disheartened if you get a category C - the calculator isn't meant to be the ultimate authority, but it will give you a fair guide.

 

What I need from you:

- year of manufacture

- make, model & variant

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc)

- engine size & fuel type

- transmission

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc)

- mileage

- any special features, options or modification

- does it have aircon

- realistic current UK market value

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range)

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle)

- which Australian state/city

 

Please note when you are searching that most Vauxhall, Opel and some Chevrolet models will be badged as Holden in Australia.

 

Let's test it out :biggrin:

 

**Please note, our responses will normally be just an A, B or C. If you want a full breakdown of costs, you'll need to email us via our website***

 

Hi, my husband and I are at logger heads trying to decide if it would be worth shipping his much loved vehicle so hoping your tool can help us make an informed decision. 

Details are as follows: 

Merc SLK

 year of manufacture – 2000

- make, model & variant – Mercedes SLK 320

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) – Convertible 

- engine size & fuel type – 3.2 v6 petrol

- transmission – 6 speed manual 

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) – rear wheel drive 

- mileage – 120,000

- any special features, options or modification – genuine 17 inch amg 5 spoke alloys, full leather interior, heated seats, Bose speakers, cruise control 

- does it have aircon – Yes 

- realistic current UK market value - £3000

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range) 

 - £8,900 - £11,300

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle)

 - $18,500 (cheapest one we could find, auto, 2002, similar mileage)

- which Australian state/city

Melbourne or Perth 

Thanks in advance for your help

[Iron Chef 403]

13 hours ago, Vixg80 said:

Hi, my husband and I are at logger heads trying to decide if it would be worth shipping his much loved vehicle so hoping your tool can help us make an informed decision. 

Details are as follows: 

Merc SLK

 year of manufacture – 2000

- make, model & variant – Mercedes SLK 320

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc) – Convertible 

- engine size & fuel type – 3.2 v6 petrol

- transmission – 6 speed manual 

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc) – rear wheel drive 

- mileage – 120,000

- any special features, options or modification – genuine 17 inch amg 5 spoke alloys, full leather interior, heated seats, Bose speakers, cruise control 

- does it have aircon – Yes 

- realistic current UK market value - £3000

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range) 

 - £8,900 - £11,300

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle)

 - $18,500 (cheapest one we could find, auto, 2002, similar mileage)

- which Australian state/city

Melbourne or Perth 

Thanks in advance for your help

Hello, and welcome!

I would say that's worth bringing over, particularly given it's a manual and V6. I suspect it would appeal to M-B fanatics here when the time comes to sell. 

[laf 46]

What I need from you:

- year of manufacture

2021

- make, model & variant

Volkswagen T-Roc 

What I need from you:

- year of manufacture

2021

- make, model & variant

Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS EVO 7-speed DSG 5 Door

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc)

hatchback/saloon?

- engine size & fuel type

1.5 petrol

- transmission

dual auto

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc)

front wheel drive

- mileage

9000

- any special features, options or modification

black special edition

- does it have aircon

yes

- realistic current UK market value

£25K

- which Australian state/city

Sydney, NSW

Edited April 6, 2022 by laf

[Iron Chef 403]

5 hours ago, laf said:

What I need from you:

- year of manufacture

2021

- make, model & variant

Volkswagen T-Roc 

What I need from you:

- year of manufacture

2021

- make, model & variant

Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS EVO 7-speed DSG 5 Door

- body type (coupe, convertible, etc)

hatchback/saloon?

- engine size & fuel type

1.5 petrol

- transmission

dual auto

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc)

front wheel drive

- mileage

9000

- any special features, options or modification

black special edition

- does it have aircon

yes

- realistic current UK market value

£25K

- which Australian state/city

Sydney, NSW

It's probably a little young to be a winner from a financial perspective - leave it a year or two and it might be a different story. We never got the Black Edition here, from what I can see, so it may well hold appeal when the time comes to sell.

[laf 46]

Hi Iron Chef

Please advise:

- year of manufacture

2021

- make, model & variant

Volkswagen T-Roc Black Edition Tsi Evo Sa, Grey metallic

body type (coupe, convertible, etc)

SUV

- engine size & fuel type

1498cc petrol

- transmission

Auto dual clutch

- drive type (4WD, front wheel drive, etc)

Front wheel drive

- mileage

12,000

- any special features, options or modification

Black edition, wheels, trim, logos

- does it have aircon

Yes

- realistic current UK market value

£26,000

- Australian RedBook value (www.redbook.com.au - click through to the page with 'Private Price Guide', 'Trade In Price Guide' and 'Price When New' listed, then tell us the 'Private Price Guide' range)

$34,000? Couldn’t find a match

- Australian market value (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/search.aspx - search for the closest matching vehicle)

$41,000

- which Australian state/city

Sydney, NSW