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

[sandk]

Hi there we have a VW Touran (2005) 1.8 diesel and with air con. However it has just been in an accident (not our fault) and may be written off. Is it worth us then buying a new car (VW probably another Touran as very good car) and importing it. We would be buying in the next month and then comng to Perth in July 2013. Is there a 'best buy' - both for us to use and then for possible resale. Thank you very much.

[pwkl]

If you're thinking of importing, could you stretch to an Audi? You're more likely to find it worth shipping next year over the VW.

[sandk]

yes we could (in for a penny, in for a few thousand pounds :laugh:) - we just need some guidance really as to what the best car is to give us a good all rounder in Australia and offer value for money. Do you have a specific model that would be worth looking at? My husband is in Afghanistan at the moment and I have not yet told him of my 'bump' so don't want to worry him by asking about new cars!! (although did I mention it was not my fault - really it wasn't!!!)

[pwkl]

An R8, V10 preferably?:biggrin:

Joking aside, it depends on your budget and requirements, but at a guess based on the Touran, a Q5 would be good as they like SUV's here but an A4 would be fine if you choose a high spec. Even a late model A3 could be good proposition. Best would be to look at the market value of the car you're thinking of on somewhere like redbook.com.au to get an indication of what's worth.

[sandk]

Hmm just googled the R8 - hubby would think all his christmas's had come at once! His post tour bonus might cover a wheel arch!! The Q5 looks okay but does not seem to get very good reviews. Are Audis the only decent cars to bring over - ideally would like to keep the capacity of an SUV as we do like to do 'stuff' and even the 7 seater Touran always seems to be full despite it's size. Waiting for the garage to call and then have seven days to sort out new car before they take hire car back. Sigh all because some *rat could not look concentrate at the Give Way sign. Sorry to ask so many questions, I am very grateful for any responses.

[Guest jimnkatie]

Hi iron chef,

 

I have a lexus is200 sport auto, 2004, with air con, 50,000 miles, 2.0i litre petrol, saloon, with built in satnav.

worth realisticly £3500 ish

aus 10000-13000 bucks

Really love my car but need to know weather i would be wasting my time.

Thans Jim..

[nic1171]

Hi I have a 2010 Toyota Aygo 4 door 1.0 litre petrol with air con will have approx 35000 miles when due to travel unable to find on aus site you recommended but a yaris is worth 15-20 aus dollars, my car is more basic, here value prob about 6K. thanks Nicola

[Guest Guest67761]

I would stick with any of the prestige European brands ideally and make sure it's a variant that is available in Australia including the same specifications to get the best value out of a personal import. That would mean don't buy one with a manual transmission if they were only sold in Australia with automatic, make sure you get one with the same engine size and fuel type that was sold in Australia, etc.

 

You check check which makes, models and variants were available in Australia at http://www.redbook.com.au

 

The best brands which hold their value most in Australia would include BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, Lexus, etc.

 

Good luck with the search,

 

Craig.

[pwkl]

Hmm just googled the R8 - hubby would think all his christmas's had come at once! His post tour bonus might cover a wheel arch!! The Q5 looks okay but does not seem to get very good reviews. Are Audis the only decent cars to bring over - ideally would like to keep the capacity of an SUV as we do like to do 'stuff' and even the 7 seater Touran always seems to be full despite it's size. Waiting for the garage to call and then have seven days to sort out new car before they take hire car back. Sigh all because some *rat could not look concentrate at the Give Way sign. Sorry to ask so many questions, I am very grateful for any responses.

Not at all, you don't have to go for Audi. The general rule would be prestige, european models such as BMW, Merc, Audi, Land/Range Rover etc. although Lexus would be ok too. They do prefer autos here, and the smaller engines are not as popular although that is changing.

[sandk]

Thank you all for your kind words - I am going to buy the which car book and then spend some time swotting up on the australian red book. My hubby would actually enjoy this but time is not on our side as his tour does not finish until October! I have driven an automatic (in America) and have to say once you got used ot it it was ot too bad at all. I will phone the garage again today (phoned yesterday andthey were still waiting for the insurance company to make a deciosn as costs for repairs are on the cusp of replacment value.) naturally now that I am thinking of new cars they will say they can repair the old one!! I have been drivning a brand new picasso 7 seater for the last two weeks so am now accustomed to a little bit of luxury, although do not like not having a handbrake. Oh well I will wait until I have spoken to the garage - thank you again for all your help.

[Iron Chef]

Hi iron chef,

 

I have a lexus is200 sport auto, 2004, with air con, 50,000 miles, 2.0i litre petrol, saloon, with built in satnav.

worth realisticly £3500 ish

aus 10000-13000 bucks

Really love my car but need to know weather i would be wasting my time.

Thans Jim..

 

Well it won't make you any money vs selling it and buying one in Australia, it's a category B, and pretty close to a C to be honest. Low mileage helps your case for keeping it though.

 

Hi I have a 2010 Toyota Aygo 4 door 1.0 litre petrol with air con will have approx 35000 miles when due to travel unable to find on aus site you recommended but a yaris is worth 15-20 aus dollars, my car is more basic, here value prob about 6K. thanks Nicola

 

Hi Nicola, realistically, sell it off. An Aygo would have very limited appeal in Australia, as most people, given a choice, will choose a Yaris over a vehicle not sold in Oz.

[rachall]

Hi Iron Chef

I have a 53 plate Land Rover discovery TD5 face lift version, diesel, 7seats. 69,000 miles. AC, Twin electric sunroofs, cruise control, Redbook states between $49,450 - 81,950. however upto £7500 in UK.

 

Any thoughts please

[Guest andyp]

Hi Iron Chef

 

Been referred to you from over on PomsinAdelaide...

 

I've got a 2011 BMW M3 coupe DCT which I'd love to bring with me but I'm getting the impression that it would be hit heavily by the luxury car tax so what do you think? Market value in the UK is probably around £45k and having checked redbook I'd pitch it at about $145k (sounds like a winner but I'm sure that any "profit" get's swiped in tax!)

 

Thanks

Andy

[Guest sp1rfc]

Hi iron chef,

 

I have a 2011 Audi a3 2.0TDI Quattro Black Edition 7,000 miles on the clock worth in the UK approx 21500.

As far as I am aware the 3door black edition was not released in OZ?!so cant put a value on it! How would that effect the process?

 

Great car and would love to bring it with me next year!

Cheers

Sandy

[Iron Chef]

Hi Iron Chef

I have a 53 plate Land Rover discovery TD5 face lift version, diesel, 7seats. 69,000 miles. AC, Twin electric sunroofs, cruise control, Redbook states between $49,450 - 81,950. however upto £7500 in UK.

 

Any thoughts please

 

You quoted the new cost there in Australia, whereas they're more like $23-26K here. In relative terms your mileage is fairly low, but early Discos were never big sellers here. On paper you'd end up in front as just scraping into Category A, but I'm more inclined to call it a Category B.

 

Hi Iron Chef

 

Been referred to you from over on PomsinAdelaide...

 

I've got a 2011 BMW M3 coupe DCT which I'd love to bring with me but I'm getting the impression that it would be hit heavily by the luxury car tax so what do you think? Market value in the UK is probably around £45k and having checked redbook I'd pitch it at about $145k (sounds like a winner but I'm sure that any "profit" get's swiped in tax!)

 

Thanks

Andy

 

Realistically, the current value on a 2011 M3 is closer to around $120K, but even with luxury car tax thrown into the mix, you'll end up in front fairly comfortably. Add another 12 months to the tally and your profit margin will actually increase. Bear in mind the importation process won't be cheap, but you'll still work out ahead versus selling there and buying a replacement here.

 

Hi iron chef,

 

I have a 2011 Audi a3 2.0TDI Quattro Black Edition 7,000 miles on the clock worth in the UK approx 21500.

As far as I am aware the 3door black edition was not released in OZ?!so cant put a value on it! How would that effect the process?

 

Great car and would love to bring it with me next year!

Cheers

Sandy

 

Hi Sandy - it's hard to say exactly what it will be worth now, let alone in 12 months time. I'm presuming the UK value will drop a fair bit too. Using some extreme crystal ball work, I'd say it's a probably going to be a Category B when the time comes.

[Guest Tolley Family]

Hi Craig,

 

Would it be worth bringing our car over with us to Perth?

 

Honda Accord - 2008

42,000 miles on the clock

Air-con

Diesel

Manual

All the extras like built in sat nav, parking sensors all round, reversing parking camera etc.

Valued in the UK at £13,500

My Aussie friend has said that she's seen a "similar" model for sale at $23,000.

 

Thank Nat :-)

 

Thank you for your reply.

 

We've just been on our visa validation trip to Perth and popped into a Honda Dealer who suggested changing our car for a petrol and then shipping it out. I couldnt believe the price of used cars!!!

 

So would it be worth taking:

 

Honda Accord 2.0i-VTEC ES GT

2008

Air-con

Petrol

Manual

UK Price £11,499

 

Same car in Oz $33,990

 

So in your opinion would it be worth our while to change the car here in the UK for a petrol and then ship it after 12months of ownership. Also do you know if insurance will be higher as its an import?

 

Thanks :-)

[Guest DaveUK]

Hi,

I have submitted a form direct on your website (but not sure it works):

 

Can you please get in contact so we can ship our car (assuming it is not a C category)?

 

1) Year/make/model/mileage/aircon or no aircon/engine size and fuel type/transmission/body type/any distinctive features 2006,Volvo,V50 Sport, mileage 52,505 miles, with aircon, 2.4i litre petrol, automatic (tiptronic), estate, 2 owners, excellent condition, metallic grey

2) Market value in the UK (be realistic!) GBP 4500

3) Market value in Australia (search via http://www.redbook.com.au and make sure you click right through to the description to get the correct price ranges - if you don't chances are you're looking at the price it was sold at when it was new)

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]Private Price Guide

[/TD]

[TD]$14,900 - $17,100

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

 

Many Thanks, Dave:biggrin:

 

 

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

 

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

 

1) using my services at AUD990 (it's set up for my 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) a customs value at 75% of the normal market value

5) includes customs duty and GST

5) a set figure for dock charges (which I've deliberately set higher than what they normally come in at)

6) includes the cost of a valuation and transport to the workshop once cleared

7) includes $1000 for minor modifications needed for registration

8) does NOT include registration costs (because you pay that on all cars, whether they're imported or bought here in Australia)

 

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:

 

1) Year/make/model/mileage/aircon or no aircon/engine size and fuel type/transmission/body type/any distinctive features

2) Market value in the UK (be realistic!)

3) Market value in Australia (search via www.redbook.com.au and make sure you click right through to the description to get the correct price ranges - if you don't chances are you're looking at the price it was sold at when it was new)

 

Let's test it out :biggrin:

[garetgax]

04 350z 49,000 lots of nice carbon exterior and engine/exhaust mods.

[smitsav]

Hi here are my details -

 

54plate,renault,megane,70k,aircon,1.9 diesel,manual,hatchback

uk value 2k

oz value - couldn't find a used price seems to bring up a new price even though I ticked used cars

 

Thanks

[Guest]

Here are my details - its less the value but more my favourite car so ill be sad to part with it...

 

Maxda MX5 Convertible - 1998

72,000 miles on the clock

No Air-con

Petrol

Manual

No extras

Valued in the UK at £1,800

 

Ive seen these for sale for $9000 in this condition so its worth a try.

 

Cheers,

 

Dibbler

[Guest jdee]

Hi IronChef,

2001 '51' plate

BMW 325 Ci Coupe Sport, Aircon-yes, Manual, Petrol

Mileage:95,000mi = 152,000Km [i do 7k miles/yr]

Engine size: 2494cc

Market Value UK = £3,500 May2012; though visa takes 18mths so would be looking to ship Jan2014

Market Value Oz = $12,000 May2012

Its a bullet-proof car [not literally lol, JUST according to my mechanic] and would mean I can avoid buying a car in Oz initially, those are the only 2 reasons for wanting to keep it....better the devil you know sort of thing! BUT IS IT WORTH IT ?? Rgds J

Edited May 18, 2012 by jdee

[Iron Chef]

Thank you for your reply.

 

We've just been on our visa validation trip to Perth and popped into a Honda Dealer who suggested changing our car for a petrol and then shipping it out. I couldnt believe the price of used cars!!!

 

So would it be worth taking:

 

Honda Accord 2.0i-VTEC ES GT

2008

Air-con

Petrol

Manual

UK Price £11,499

 

Same car in Oz $33,990

 

So in your opinion would it be worth our while to change the car here in the UK for a petrol and then ship it after 12months of ownership. Also do you know if insurance will be higher as its an import?

 

Thanks :-)

 

You've got the new price listed there at this end, so you're not really comparing apples to apples. Working off your old figure of $23K in Australia, it's not worth changing it over. Besides which, you'd need to stay in the UK and use it for 12 months before you come over, which I'm guessing you're not going to be doing. If you are, then there are plenty of other cars I'd suggest will make you more money than buying another Honda Accord.

 

Insurance is generally slightly higher for imports, because if you notify mainstream insurance companies that your car is an import, they won't touch it. We have good connections with one specialist company for our customers, and it's worth noting insurance is much cheaper in Australia than the UK as a general rule.

 

Hi,

I have submitted a form direct on your website (but not sure it works):

 

Can you please get in contact so we can ship our car (assuming it is not a C category)?

 

1) Year/make/model/mileage/aircon or no aircon/engine size and fuel type/transmission/body type/any distinctive features 2006,Volvo,V50 Sport, mileage 52,505 miles, with aircon, 2.4i litre petrol, automatic (tiptronic), estate, 2 owners, excellent condition, metallic grey

2) Market value in the UK (be realistic!) GBP 4500

3) Market value in Australia (search via www.redbook.com.au and make sure you click right through to the description to get the correct price ranges - if you don't chances are you're looking at the price it was sold at when it was new)

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]Private Price Guide[/TD]

[TD]$14,900 - $17,100[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

 

Many Thanks, Dave:biggrin:

 

Using $15K as a figure at this end, it's a category B, so bring it if you like it. Financially it's a break-even proposition at that money.

 

04 350z 49,000 lots of nice carbon exterior and engine/exhaust mods. [ATTACH=CONFIG]14288[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]14289[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]14290[/ATTACH]

 

Follow the instructions in the first post and we'll give you an accurate response

 

Hi here are my details -

 

54plate,renault,megane,70k,aircon,1.9 diesel,manual,hatchback

uk value 2k

oz value - couldn't find a used price seems to bring up a new price even though I ticked used cars

 

Thanks

 

A diesel may have more appeal to potential Renault buyers over here, but realistically, it's still a category C.

 

Here are my details - its less the value but more my favourite car so ill be sad to part with it...

 

Maxda MX5 Convertible - 1998

72,000 miles on the clock

No Air-con

Petrol

Manual

No extras

Valued in the UK at £1,800

 

Ive seen these for sale for $9000 in this condition so its worth a try.

 

Cheers,

 

Dibbler

 

It's probably not a crazy idea bringing it if you really love it, but for the same money you can buy one here that is easier to insure and has air conditioning

[Iron Chef]

Hi IronChef,

2001 '51' plate

BMW 325 Ci Coupe, Aircon-yes, Manual, Petrol

Mileage:95,000mi = 152,000Km [i do 7k miles/yr]

Engine size: 2494cc

Market Value UK = £3,500 May2012; though visa takes 18mths so would be looking to ship Jan2014

Market Value Oz = $12,000 May2012

Its a bullet-proof car [not literally lol, JUST according to my mechanic] and would mean I can avoid buying a car in Oz initially, those are the only 2 reasons for wanting to keep it....better the devil you know sort of thing! BUT IS IT WORTH IT ?? Rgds J

 

Well it won't make you any money, but again, it's not a crazy idea to bring it if you like it. Bear in mind that you need to pay the expenses to get it over, which kind of counteracts the advantage of not buying a car here. I was initially surprised that they were that cheap in Australia, so checked Redbook, only to find that I think you've given a price for the sedan. Being a coupe will certainly help your resale.

[Guest jdee]

phew! that has to be the fastest reply ever THANKS IRONCHEF YOUR THE BEST. Bet you get this question alot. Assuming I get the car to Southampton, UK. Do you have an approx idea how much EXPENSES total before I can get the keys back & drive it away in Brisbane? Thank you in advance for your time; or perhaps point in the right direction of one of the 350 ish posts here! thx J

[Davina35]

Hi Iron Chef, this is a great thread. I could not see our car on redbook, not sure if you can help ours is:

 

Fiat Ulysee Eleganza, 2004, 2 litre, 16v Diesel, 5 doors

110,000 miles, 8 seats (removable), electric sliding doors, air con, electric mirrors

UK resell price £2,500

 

Thanks v much