JesseJames

well - in light of where this is all going - please note that I retract my earlier offer. 'as a courtesy'....

Hi there, I've just purchased an 03 350GT coupe auto out of Japan. Would like to hear from Qld or Vic members as to who they can recommend, what prices they are aware of, and any pitfalls I should be aware of. Personal experience would be greatly appreciated. (I have the option of complying and registering in either Qld or Vic - I think I prefer Qld as stamp duty is cheaper). Happy to receive by PM if people wish to keep it confidential. I'm not sure what compliance costs on these nowadays - am I right to assume $2K plus GST plus tyres? Also, given mine has 20's, I assume that I'll need to remove these and fit stock wheels (and get new tyres!) for compliance. Also has exhaust and suspension - but last time I got a V35 done, I was passed OK with aftermarket exhaust and suspension. Any direction would be much appreciated! Cheers, Jesse

Hi there - obviously you imported this under SEVS, in which case a specific RAWS has applied for the compliance plates on your behalf. Can you advise who this is, so that interested customers can confirm with this compliance workshop that they WILL guarantee that the car can be complied? For instance, what chance the buyer will spend $5K on an engine rebuild (in and out for an RB26DETT is usually $1K by itself - unless you can also quote the workshop who'll do it for $2K). No offense mate - but if it is likely to cost $2K to comply and $2K to fix the engine and you reckon it's worth $20K, then costs aside you'd net $16K ($20-2-2). However, as you'll probably only get about $9K as it is (I'd be budgeting $3K with RISK for the compliance, and $5K for the engine....nobody cares about it being R33 Series 3), plus $1K for on roads - meaning $9K in costs, and seriously - even then you'd only sell it for $17K anyway in this market. So if you can get $9K from some one, take it, because it will cost you $9K extra anyway. I will make a genuine cash offer of $7000 conditional upon certain details, such as name of compliance agent, whether he'll honour your $500 deposit (as this is a contract he has with you, and not the buyer) - I'm not even sure you can dispose of the car without compliance - check an import approval, I think it says this. If I can't get compliance (hence it's only a track car), my offer is for $4K only. I'll also offer you a swap for an FC3 RX7 turbo coupe if you're interested. Cheers, Jessie

mate he'd be losing about $65K if he did this for someone. I'm guessing that $115K is the asking price ex-NZ, which means $11.5K duty, plus shipping and handling, app $13K GST, and then (due to the price) about $25K in luxury car tax (30% of the excess over $60K). This is $165K already, and then probably another $5K for compliance (a lot of parts need to be taken on and off, and stock parts fitted temporarily), then your on roads will cost about $6K due to stamp duty (3-4% in most places). All up this is an on-road cost of about $180K drive away. I may be wrong (this is off the top of my head), but I think these numbers are pretty close. So I doubt he's gonna shave $65K off just for you! Sadly, whilst this is just a supreme car, sometimes regulatory (and tax) limitations associated with importing just make certain deals not viable.

Hey everyone, I used Mark as my agent in Japan all the way back from 99/2000 but have been 'off-line' for about 12 months and not had the need or opportunity to catch up with him. I notice his email, web, mobile and NTT number are all no longer registered - can anyone advise if he is still in the game, or has he called it a day? If he is still active in the export / import area, can someone please send me his new details? Would be a shame to lose his service - a decent and trustworthy person! Cheers, J

sincere thanks to costco and beer baron for comprehensive analysis of the situation ('my predicament'). gentlemen and scholars both....

Thanks guys, Ok, so it seems that not only are workshops limited (but still out there), but the rules around R35 are also quite prohibitive. I'm not quite clear still on eligibility (is the 200klm reading a fact - as in an enforced rule by DOTARS and Customs?). I'm aware that ther have been other times when cars were and then weren't eligible (such as R32 GTR, Mazda RX7 Series 8, S15 Silvia, etc) but what is the reasoning behind the 200klms? How and why did DOTARS come up with that as a requirement? And I assume that eligibility would also be matched by month / year on the de-reg paper, but more likely by the chassis number itself (as in, there will be a specific chassis number cut-off point, and by the sounds of it, one must also meet the mileage requirement as well?). This - as is seen with RX7 Series 8's - creates an artificial market price, as Japanese exporters know that such vehicles can be sold into Australia, and push the price up (well, Australians push the price up..). Ah well, between the AUD now crumbling back to 75 Yen (it was at 80 Yen when I started this thread), and the restrictions on the R35, it looks beyond me....thanks for the feedback guys. Cheers!

Hi Guys, Hoping to just get a simple answer to this one. I do appreciate that DOTARS 'maintains' a website as to vehicle eligibility, and I do know that some guys have brought in R35 GTR, so can anyone help me out here please? * Does anyone know who (as in, which workshops in which states) has plates for R35 GTR? * Are plates still available and - if so - what is the 'asking price' (of compliance)? any details would be much appreciated, either by post or by PM. Muchas gracias.

yes, and add to this - there were actually runs of 400 for both the MY99 and MY00 in the Ltd config - at least that's what the salesman told me. Paid $47K driveaway, and traded it for $25K two years later! Ouch! Still, these are a real nice car - best shape of the WRX IMHO. Nice car and free bump.

SOOOOLD - the beast is headin north to Townsville! looks like it's going to a good home - even better.

Yes - that certainly is. It's a 2003 model. Cheers.

Make: Nissan Model: V35 Skyline 350GT Milage: 60K klms Transmission: 5spd auto Colour: Silver Location: Brisbane Complied? Yes RWC supplied? Yes Currently registered? Yes - till Apr 09 Price: $30990 Contact: Jesse Comments / Modifications: 19" jap rims and new tyres, NISMO exhaust, NISMO 280km/h odometer, side skirts Images: Yes - attached Hi there, my new V35 has just finished compliance. However, due to being given an offer on a property that I simply can't refuse, coupled with the new home buyers grant of $21K, I have no choice but to sell. It's a damn shame, because this car is just so much fun to drive. The NISMO exhaust gives the car the best note, and I'm really quite surprised at how well this car moves being as it is a non turbo! Plus with the leather and BOSE sound system it's a real nice car to cruise in. Also has a woodgrain interior (console and door trims) - which usually is not such a good look but I think really does add to this car. ******Please note, given my interest to acquire this property, a trade is of no use to me unless it comprises at least $20K cash plus vehicle.****** ** I know it is largely futile asking not to have the thread spammed with swap offers, but if you really must do this, please do it by PM only, not by bumping the thread, not only because this is unfair for others and their threads, but also because it can't be deemed 'useful' information that is of relevance to the sale. Again, a cash sale is preferred, but only trades of $20K cash plus a decent, registered car will be considered.*******