dAVE

Sorry to hear... at first i just assumed it was in Sydney... Anyway - the information you have posted is very good... hopefully someone will come across something you have mentioned. Good luck mate... ps- i am also curious as to how it happened to as there is a discussion in the Vic section that reckons they can get into a 33 without tripping the alarm.

Ok, most of you guys are on Prestige Motorsports email list .. if not this is a direct copy. Thanks Geoff! Here is some SERIOUS NEWS for anyone planning to import a 15 year old vehicle, which will put all recent rumours to rest. DOTARS are planning to change the 15 year rule as of 1 January 2005. A "Regulation Impact Statement" is being prepared for consideration, which is part of the process followed by the Government prior to changing a regulation. They are currently seeking comments from a range of stakeholders on their proposed changes to the 15 year rule for importing vehicles to Australia. The following three options are being considered: Option 1 -- Make no changes to the current arrangements, ie. continue to allow unrestricted importation of vehicles 15 or more years old. Option 2 -- From 1 January 2005, allow only vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1989, to be imported without restriction, ie. no more 1989+ models. Option 3 -- From 1 January 2005, allow only vehicles 30 or more years old to be imported without restriction, ie. a 30 year rule. Grounds for the change In broad terms, DOTARS are citing the following two reasons for the proposed change: 1) NUMBERS -- The trends in importing 15 years or older vehicles (in particular 2003 saw more than double the number imported in 2002), see figures below per year: 1998 3,565 vehicles 1999 3,763 2000 3,941 2001 3,848 2002 5,703 2003 12,291 Hence the concern. DOTARS have stated that left unchecked, these numbers are very likely to exceed the number of vehicles being imported under SEVS. This is obviously the driving force for changing the regulation. 2) EMISSIONS, PERFORMANCE and SAFETY -- 15 years and older vehicles are not required to meet current emissions and safety requirements. Whether valid or not, DOTARS are arguing that allowing the continued import of older vehicles under current arrangements will be detrimental to the average age as well as emissions and safety standards of the Australian vehicle fleet. On the surface this appears a valid argument, however if unable to import, in reality the people intending to import these vehicles would simply spend their budget on local alternatives. On the whole these local vehicles in the same price range are less safe and efficient than the import alternative, simply based on the types of imports targetted (prestige and performance cars) versus what is available locally for the same price (generally old fuel guzzling and rusty clunkers). We all know the types of cars that can be accessed from Japan and what great value they represent. Almost all are fuel injected and many are prestige vehicles worth more than $100,000 when sold new. After all, if local vehicles were as good for the same money, no one would bother importing would they. Thinking logically, the only impact we can see of continued import of 15 years and older vehicles as the rule currently stands is an increased rate of depreciation for local vehicles in the same price range as the imported vehicles, ie. $7,000 to $15,000. Thinking further ahead, these local vehicles would then drop down into the price range of those who would otherwise not be unable to own a vehicle, or those who would otherwise only be able to afford a less safe and less efficient vehicle (students are a prime example). So overall, allowing the rule to continue unchanged should actually improve the average safety and emissions for the Aust. vehicle fleet by pushing the old clunkers out though the bottom of the market. Our opinion on what will happen We feel that nothing short of a HUGE public outcry will have any impact on the plans to change the 15 year rule. It is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY that the rule will remain unchanged (Option 1) -- after all, if DOTARS thought everything was OK as it was now then they would not be embarking on this process would they. The fact is, from the DOTARS perspective they have to do something to slow the number of imports, so Option 1 is really not up for consideration at all. That leaves only Option 2 and Option 3 to choose from. While going to a 30 year old rule would be an attractive and immediately satisfying outcome for DOTARS, we suspect they will avoid the sledgehammer approach and will prefer Option 2, which limits import to vehicles made earlier than 1 January 1989. This will have the effect of reducing numbers over time as vehicles of this age become harder to find, and will cushion the impact on Australian businesses that rely solely on 15 year old vehicles. Therefore, the outcry from the public and from the industry will be softened to a point where there will be no solid opposition. Most importantly for DOTARS, this approach would also stop the import of all the new and attractive 1989 models after allowing only a small taste of them in 2004. When should I buy a 1989 model ? The short and obvious answer is AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, before the rule changes and / or an announcement is made. The proposed 1 January 2005 change sets the timeframe. Working back from that, DOTARS need to announce the change they decide to adopt with enough time to allow a transitional phase so that no one is seriously caught out (like their last announcement on 2nd September). This period is likely to be 3 to 6 months, so between mid 2004 and Jan 2005. The DOTARS process of considering the changes, deciding, then passing them may take them several months. At this time they are likely to make an announcement of the change to the regulation. We would expect something to be announced perhaps by the middle of this year, possibly earlier if they can manage it. How they will phrase the announcement we do not know, however we suspect that they will lean towards doing their best to limit the number of vehicles being bought before the regulation changes on 1 January 2005. DOTARS have clearly recognized that all the new 1989 model shapes represent the biggest threat to import numbers. Even if Option 2 is chosen, they are likely to put a stop to the import of any 1989 model vehicles from the date of the announcement just like their recent announcement. Proof of purchase (funds transfer receipt) prior to the announcement date would probably be required for an exemption where the vehicle was only eligible for import late in 2004. So as we see it, the next 3 to 6 months should be viewed as your LAST CHANCE if you wish to guarantee the import of a 1989 model under the 15 year rule. Based on the above reasoning, we recommend that customers who want to import a 1989 model under the 15 year rule should GET IN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Just as those who bought 1989 models prior to 2nd Sept. 2003 were rewarded by being allowed to import their vehicles in Jan 2004, it is natural to assume that those who buy now will also be rewarded for their forward planning when the rule changes this year. It is much better to buy now and factor in up to 11 months storage for a vehicle in Japan prior to shipping, than to miss out altogether. Bear in mind that many 1989 models are not eligible for import under SEVS. So after the rule changes you will be unable to import them AT ALL. Examples are the MX-5, MR-2, Celsior, 300ZX 2+2, Porsche, Corvette, Galant, Supra (MA70 / GA70), Legacy, RX-7 (S4 / S5) etc., basically all the good options and you can certainly kiss cheap R32 GTR's goodbye with your alternative under SEVS being $5,500 plus tyres for compliance. These models are set to disappear from our import menu for good with the proposed changes. Payment for 1989 Models to be imported in 2004 Note that only the FOB cost of the vehicle and our service fee need to be paid to commence the process, then the remainder (shipping, import duties, GST etc.) once the vehicle arrives in Australia. This means that you can secure 1989 models in advance with a payment of usually between 40% to 50% of the total vehicle cost, with the remainder not due until after arrival. Have your say We would encourage anyone that has an interest in this issue to have their say now while they still have an opportunity. It would be a very optimistic person to see any outcome other than either Option 2 or 3 being chosen, neither of which will all leave the new 1989+ models that we are now looking forward to, available for import. So don't save your opinions until after it's too late to have an impact and the 1989+ models are out of reach -- get organised now, mount a solid case and sound arguments for keeping the rule as it is and get these in to DOTARS on the proper form (see below). We would strongly suggest that all comments be restricted to rational arguments based on the options proposed and the reasoning behind them. This is the only response that will help the cause. In particular, mad raving about how it just shouldn't happen and how good things are now without any valid reasons is likely to have a negative impact rather than a positive one, and will divert attention away from the very valid arguments that should be mounted against the proposed changes. In addition to well reasoned arguments for Option 1, it would be worth focussing on options that you believe would be better than those proposed by DOTARS, but bear in mind that these would have to have some significant advantages for DOTARS over the current options that have been put forward to even receive cursory consideration, ie. ease, cost, political advantages. Who to Contact Ross Docherty Vehicle Safety Standards Department of Transport and Regional Services GPO Box 594 Canberra ACT 2601 Fax: (02) 6274 7714 E-mail: [email protected]

JimX - i was going to mention that.. but forgot... double dicked.. Pedders would have to be the most well known company NOT to ever visit. The ****er owns a mansion just over the road from us in Pt Leo as well.. flys in on his helicopter every weekend

Well well, i am also a Toyota Soarer owner, and it looks like the Skyline boys are lucky. Seems that after 10 years all the extra luxury features on the Soarer seem to break down! Anyhow, my only real problem apart from my clutch squeek (need to replace bearing) and also my window makes a crack sound (drivers side only) when its put down from right up the top.. if its 1mm its fine.. also if i put it up the right back down again it doesnt make the crack sound. AND the fuel thing OMG... Always have a new car each week for work and god it gets confusing. Makes u feel stupid when I pull up in my car to a petro station and cant remember which side...!

does anyone have my problem... when i put the window down when its right at the top it makes a god awful cracking sound... fine if its 1mm from the top... movement seems to be ok.. but the noise is a shocker.

This bouncer deserves everything he gets... there a bunch of tools who like to think they have power. I had some freinds who went to a strip club when they were 18 and got busted taking photos. 1 mate was pushed backwards down a flight of stairs while the other 2 had their heads smashed into the pavement repeatedly. Yes they did break the "club" rules, but they were trying to run when the bouncers beat the shit out of them and were of no real danger.... 2 of 3 ended up with stitches...

Easiest thing is to take of your rear wheels and inspect shocks for oil leak. My car came from japan with a slight oil leak in the rear left shocker... exactly the same symptons... i suggest u get it replaced soon.. i had a very interesting incident where I was driving in a straight line at 200k+ and hit a bump and the rear just jumped out. DAMN scary.. lucky I was on a private track!

Because Christian personally owns this site and would be liable for any defamation against a business... .....to put it simply.

>>just a little spring u can pull it off..just make sure u dont go too nutz with it so u dont loose the spring. did u read the thead man we already know whats in there.. just working out what the diff is

go parts shopping

my ex g/f went to wesley.. but she was a bit younger than all u guys

Possibly been replaced on the car they came off - definately a R33 S1.

Bryce.... just looked at series 2 packs and only have the spring... maybe these were some of the first coil packs made?!?

druzilla32 - i beleive they will be reset.. but could be wrong on this. Other people, all sugestions are welcome. Our aim is to offer incentives for business' who contribute, less mess for mods to trawl through and protection from rippers for both buyers and sellers.

Heno, The business you are refering to has never had a good name as far as Im aware. If worn out shocks are the only problem with the car then your very lucky. Similar thing happened to a forum member, and everytime she took the car back to have something fixed on the warranty, it would come back with another problem... Also, it makes you wonder why pretty much all the cars they sell have had a respray?? Dave

Has anyone pulled the bottom rubber bit of the coils before? If you have, what was inside.... the reason I ask is last time I cleaned them on my car inside was only just a spring to create contact. I have a few other sets and pulled the rubber bit off.. inside they have a spring, with a metal thing attached (looks much like a lighter flint). Now my question is - are they just slightly different off the line... or have my coils been played with... and would it effect performance? dave

Bryce, I think there are pics in predators signature of how he has done it. Almost back in factory position. Dave

Lots Of Jealousy Here

haha, alot better effort than some of the rice hondas I see.. still, wouldnt be caught dead in it.. everyone would laugh as you drove past!

try www.rushcorp.com I have been on their mailing list for about 4 years now and they seem to buy pretty decent cars. Prestige Motorsport also uses them as a supplier I have noticed. They export to all countries I think and can buy direct from auction. cheers, dave

haha, predator is bored with no job

wtf

Its true, age is not the problem.. just the mind set. Look on the good side mines_datsun... your parents may try and kill you, but at least you didnt have a personal loan etc for the car... then you would really be stuffed. Im after a few bits and am in melb - send me a pm when you decide what your doing. Usuckpoo's idea is pretty good but u have to find a bare gtr shell which could be interesting. dave

back again

dead again