Importing an Opel

[jeff_zafira]

Hello, I am new to the group. I have an Opel Zafira (2001) and now will be moving to Austarlia. WOnder if anyone has had any experience in importing an Opel. Holden says service might be a problem plus getting it registered for road use, etc.

Any agents that can help me maybe?

Any suggestions appreciated
Jeff

[Namus]

where in aus are u moving to?

Welcome anyway.

[Mr T]

There are new rules in Aus mate.

Not too sure exactly, but something to do with the age of the car.

The government beleives that young people here buy cars from Japan and then run head on into telegraph poles for fun. They have a habbit of dieing in the process.

So they banned imports as a result.

Anyway Zafiras have shithouse resale value here so its probably cheaper to sell it and buy another one when you get here.

[ultim8DTM5]

Can he still bring it in as a private import as personal vehicle?

[break]

If you can prove ownership of the vehicle for at least 1 year overseas then you can import the car freely.

HOWEVER, the cost of shipping it across, complaince etc. will make the whole deal pointless for a Zafira no less :screwy:

I would suggest you sell the car and buy another here..... bring some badges if you must.... but it will work out cheaper at the end of the day.

[InsaneAsylum]

Holden service is a problem whether you bought your car here or overseas :mrgreen:

[ultim8DTM5]

Unless its a Zafira Turbo :mrgreen:

[break]

Unless its a Zafira Turbo :mrgreen:Possibly... but even then.... its probably not worth the trouble.

[dug74]

I suggest seen you own a 1.8L Zafria to sell it and buy a 2.2L model here. The are cheap as chips...

Or buy the new Zafria and import that over :mrgreen:

[em]

i have been told that if you import soemthing that we dont sell in aus you can not resell it in aust. therefore you own the car for the cars life etc.

Just purchase one in aus, it will be loads cheaper, especially withthe crap A$dollar

[oneightoo]

how could they stop you from selling a car that's not sold in aus?

i've seen a few imported cars sold privatley..

[jeff_zafira]

Hi,
Thanks to everyone for the replies. I would rather sell but here people wnat me to give away the car so thought I would bring it along. I would probably use it for life, I understand the average person wouldn't want to get an Opel . They might not know what to make of it.

I hate to sell it so cheap here when only 38,000km on it. Oh well, will keep trying to sell. Wonder if having "Opel" name would make it hard to get insurance. Imagine not but worry if Opel isn't on the list the insurance companies might not know what to do.

Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate the comments-gives me things to consider.
Jeff

[blackSRi]

Sorry for the late post, as was mentioned, I agree that the big issue is compliancing - ensuring the vehicle complies with Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
This is not really a big hassle to meet/satisfy for modern 2001-on Opels (I mean Astras and Zafiras are complianced for Oz in the factory), but it will mean (for example) changing radiator coolant/brake pads, (fitting child restraint points - not usually an issue for modern Euro cars though) etc - so you can get compliance plates for your import and drive it legally on Aussie roads.
An example of costs for late 1990's Japanese cars (Special vehicle class or sport/enthusiast vehicle etc) - it costs roughly (to Perth) about AUS$6000-$10,000 (on top of vehicle purchase) for transport/insurance in transit and compliance and licensing (+tax or import duty - as mentioned - exempt if you an Aussie if you have owned the vehicle for a year overseas).
This can be lots of hassle/cost if you aren't careful, and the point about warranty voided etc is very important as well.
Best to speak with an individual importer in Australia who knows what/how difficult and if it can be done for the best cost. I agree - if your vehicle fitted into a special import category then could well be worth it - in terms of import concessions and resale value (eg OPC - turbo, "sports"/specialist vehicle categories etc).

[mantaA16v]

Hi guys,

I,m hoping to be joining you in Australia soon too.
I have a 1975 Opel Manta, i have spent to much time and money on it to leave it in England.
Can anyone help me with the rules regarding a car of this age, is there any special rules for classic cars?

Cheer, Simon.

[blackSRi]

A car of that age would probably fit an "enthusiast" or "special" vehicle class, the import rules in Australia are to protect local car manufacturers and new vehicle traders against cheap imports of near new cars (from Asia mainly).
So if you can get your car classed as one of the other classes then it will lower the duty etc (there's categories and examples available to holders of import licenses), then all you would need to check are the safety compliance plate requirements (so it can be licensed).
Maybe someone on here has further detail? Or you could look up and importer in the Aussie Yellowpages in the city you are moving to (www.yellowpages.com.au).

[Anonymous]

i think the age limit is 30 years? since the car is 1975 you should have absolutley no questions asked about importing it, my dad brought in his grandfathers 1970 mercades 430 E class (think that was the model) from italy and had no problem

[mantaA16v]

Thank chaps. I glad i can bring it over. The engine i have fitted is from a Calibra, in England we call it the Redtop or XE engine. I know you have these engines over in Aus, but how common are they and are parts available for them.
http://tinypic.com/54ynw1

[16vopl]

holden-calibra.org. get onto the forums there.
calibras are rare and parts are rarer