The total fee we charge is determined by the work required, location and price of the vehicle. Below is an example for vehicles from auctions in Japan only.

The fee ranges from $990 – $9990 AUD.

Under 30k = $1190 AUD

30-60k = $1490 AUD

60-90k = $1990 AUD

90k+ = Case by case basis, max $9990 AUD for vehicles over $200,000 AUD.

Pricing varies from country to country. For an accurate estimate on the vehicle you are looking to import, please get in touch with us.

The below relates to importing from auction in Japan.

It is impossible to know how much any specific vehicle is going to sell for. We can only provid you with an accurate estimate based on current market conditions and our long history of buying from Japan. This is why we recommend all of our clients have a budget within 10k of the current market price in Australia. The price a vehicle sells for is based on several factors:

• Auction Reserve Price
• Kilometers
• Auction Grading
• Overall Condition
• Transmission
• Mods

The expected costs are below and based on an RX7 we imported:

Pre 2000 vehicles require asbestos testing, this can only be done at the Osaka port. The cost is $350 AUD for the test, if they find asbestos they will charge $75 AUD to remove the part. They will then charge cost price of the part they had to replace. There may be transport costs from the auction house to Osaka.

Luxury Car Tax will kick in at 33% for every dollar over $80,567 AUD.

Please note that we do not include RWC/Pits/Blueslip, Rego or Stamp Duty in our breakdown. These costs vary from state to state. The compliance cost does not include these.

We certainly can. If you find a vehicle for sale on Goonet, Beforward, Carfromjapan, etc., we can not only help you buy it but also negotiate discounts.

Often, vehicles listed on these exchanges are very overpriced due to fees. We deal directly with the dealers and can often secure substantial discounts off the advertised prices.

We can assist with inspecting the vehicles, exporting them, importing them, and getting them on the road in Australia.

We offer marine transit insurance through Cover Freight. If you do not take it, you will only be covered if the boat sinks through the shipping companies insurance. There will be no coverage while the vehicle is being transported within the home country, at the port, during loading onto the boat, upon unloading in Australia, at the port in Australia, or while being sent to compliance in Australia. We highly recommend taking out marine transit insurance.

No, you only make payment when the invoices are due. Everything is charged to you at cost.

1 – Pay Our Deposit Fee $1190
2 – Pay Auction House/Dealer + Balance Of Our Fee If Required
3 – Shipping, Customs & GST Just Before Arrival
4 – Compliance
5 – RWC, Rego & Stamp Duty

We can only import vehicles with “minimal” modifications. Anything highly modified will not pass compliance in Australia.

“Minimal” meaning

• Rims
• Coilovers
• Front Mount Intercooler
• Exhaust

If you are wanting to import a heavily modified vehicle we can import it under the race/rally criteria for use in racing and track events only. You can import it under this rule and return it to stock to have it complied in the future.

Yes, we can assist with finance. Keep in mind that no finance company in Australia can use a vehicle in another country as security. This means personal loans or business loans are the only option. You will be making repayments on the loan for the duration it takes for the car to arrive.

We can get you a pre approval and then begin the search.

We have contacts around the world and can help source your vehicle from anywhere.

Japan

It typically takes around 10-16 weeks for a vehicle to be road ready in Australia once it has been purchased from auction in Japan.

United Kingdom

Once the vehicle leaves the UK it takes around 8 – 10 weeks to arrive in Australia. Once it has arrived it will be road ready in around 4 – 6 weeks.

America

Once the vehicle leaves America, it takes around 8–12 weeks to arrive in Australia. If the vehicle needs to be converted to RHD, you should allow 5–6 months before the vehicle is ready in Australia.

New Zealand

Once it leaves New Zealand it will be in Australia within 4 weeks. Once it has arrived allow 4 – 6 weeks until it is road ready.

Hong Kong

Once the vehicle leaves Hong Kong it takes around 4 – 5 weeks to arrive in Australia. Once it has arrived it will be road ready in around 4 – 6 weeks.

We can help ship your vehicle to any state in Australia.

We have contacts around the globe and can have vehicles inspected no matter the location.

You can sign up to our Auction System by clicking on this link here.

In Japanese auctions, the bidding window lasts only 10-40 seconds, leaving no time for discussion; thus, our clients must set a maximum budget for their chosen vehicle and hope to secure the vehicle below the max bid amount. Auctions feature multiple “lanes” where cars are put up for auction approximately every 20 to 30 seconds throughout an extensive 8 to 12-hour period; furthermore, a significant number of bidders participate remotely, not physically present at the auction site.

Auction Grades Explained

Prestige Car Imports has a minimum standard of 3.5 grading for the vehicles they purchase unless the client is willing to purchase a lower grade.

Exterior Condition

• 5 – a car that looks brand new and has no blemishes.
• 4.5 – excellent condition and could pass for a new one, with only minor imperfections that only the most meticulous buyer would notice.
• 4 – indicates a vehicle with better-than-average wear and tear, in clean overall condition despite a few minor marks.
• 3.5 – cars with normal wear and tear based on their age and mileage, and may need some cosmetic work such as paint touch-ups or minor repairs to interior parts.
• 3 – Vehicle is in very poor overall condition. Expect paint fade, smokers smell, scratching, rust, chassis cutting and more.
• R – Repaired vehicles: Most sports cars produced before 2000, such as Skylines, Silvias, RX7s, Chasers, etc., are repaired vehicles in Japan. Repairs can range from minor alterations like cutting the radiator support for a front-mount intercooler to significant front-end damage. These vehicles will always be cheaper and sometimes worth considering if the damage is not significant.
• RA – Repaired vehicles that are still in good overall cosmetic condition. 
• RA2/3 – Repaired vehicles in poor condition, these vehicles will be extremely bad all around and may have serious repair work done to a poor standard.

Interior Condition

• A – represents a brand new car with no signs of wear or tear.
• B – is very clean and has better-than-average wear and tear.
• C – signifies a car with typical wear and tear based on its age and mileage, which may include some marks or tears on the seats. However, significant issues are usually mentioned separately in the auction notes.
• D – denotes a car that is very rough or has been stripped as part of a weight loss program for racing.
• E – indicates an interior that is in extremely poor condition. Dash cracks, smokers smell, sticky or melting plastics.

We use Top Secret Compliance and their subsidiaries for compliance in all states except Victoria. In Victoria we use Garage Apex. We can help comply vehicles in any state.

If you have any questions about the registration or compliance process please contact Top Secret here.

Rust & Corrosion remain significant worries for buyers, yet with the right knowledge, they can be effectively circumvented. Firstly, by avoiding purchases from north Japan, and secondly, by relying on a well-trained team capable of physically inspecting vehicles with a keen eye for identifying potential issues.

In the past 8 years of importing cars to Australia and New Zealand, we have never purchased a vehicle that couldn’t meet compliance standards.

A deposit of $1190 AUD is required to secure the services of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD. The balance of our fee is payable upon securing the vehicle and you paying the seller for said vehicle. The total fee is based upon the final price of the vehicle and the country we are importing it from. Our fee is nonrefundable.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms & Conditions – PRESTIGE FINANCIAL PTY LTD T/A PRESTIGE CAR IMPORTS

By engaging the services of PRESTIGE FINANCIAL PTY LTD T/A PRESTIGE CAR IMPORTS, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

1. Scope of Service

• The vehicle you are purchasing or seeking to import is located overseas. PRESTIGE FINANCIAL PTY LTD T/A PRESTIGE CAR IMPORTS (“we”, “our”, “the broker”) does not sell vehicles. Instead, we act solely as an import agent, facilitating connections between Australian buyers and overseas sellers and coordinating the shipping and import process.
• We do not own, possess, or personally inspect the vehicles we assist in importing. Any descriptions, photos, or information about a vehicle are provided by third parties (e.g., auction houses, sellers).
• We make no representations or guarantees about the vehicle’s roadworthiness, condition, or ability to meet Australian compliance requirements without further modifications.
• You acknowledge that you are purchasing a used vehicle from overseas, and there are inherent risks associated with such purchases.
• While we can arrange independent third-party inspections upon request, we do not provide any warranty or guarantee regarding the condition of any vehicle.

2. Pricing & Estimates

• Any prices we provide are estimates only and are based on information available at the time.
• Unless otherwise stated, quotes do not include state-based costs such as registration, roadworthiness certification, or stamp duty.
• Final costs may vary due to exchange rates, shipping charges, taxes, or unforeseen expenses.

3. Fees & Payment Terms

• A deposit of $1,190 AUD is required to engage our services. The remaining balance of our service fee is payable once a vehicle is secured, and payment is made to the seller.
• Our service fee is calculated based on the vehicle’s estimated landed and complied price and country of origin.

• Deposits are generally non-refundable, except where required by the ACL (e.g., where a service cannot be provided as promised).
• If you withdraw a bid after submission, we will attempt to cancel it. However, if the bid is successful, you remain responsible for the full payment of the vehicle.
• If you request to re-enter a successfully purchased vehicle into auction, a cancellation fee of $2,000 AUD will apply. You are also responsible for associated costs (e.g., auction fees, transport, storage). If a profit is made on resale, we may retain it to cover our costs.

4. Additional Costs

You are responsible for any extra costs that arise due to:

• Auction locations not included in the initial estimate
• Vehicles that are non-drivable or require special transport
• Customised or specialised transportation needs
• Shipping delays or lack of vessel availability
• Storage fees caused by factors outside our control (e.g., shipping disruptions)
• Proforma invoices must be paid in full within seven (7) business days of issue.
• If payment is delayed more than five (5) banking days, you are responsible for any currency exchange rate differences.
• Late payments will incur an administration fee of $20 AUD per day.
• If payment remains outstanding for 30 days, your deposit may be forfeited, and ownership of the vehicle may revert to us (subject to ACL requirements).

5. Import Regulations & Compliance

• It is your responsibility to research and confirm whether the vehicle you wish to import meets all Australian import and compliance requirements.
• We will take reasonable steps to assist you in understanding the process but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any advice provided verbally, in writing, or on our website.

6. Limitations of Liability

The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that we act solely as an import agent and facilitator in connection with the sourcing, purchase, shipping, and compliance of motor vehicles from overseas sellers. At no time do we:

• hold title or ownership of the nominated motor vehicle.

• provide or imply any warranty or guarantee as to the condition, quality, merchantability, fitness for purpose, or suitability of the motor vehicle; or
• assume responsibility for representations made by any overseas seller, auction house, or inspection service.

The Purchaser further acknowledges that:

• The Vehicle Import Approval (VIA), shipping documentation, and customs clearance for the vehicle are issued in the Purchaser’s name.
• The Purchaser is the importer of record for the purposes of Australian law, including but not limited to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
• As importer of record, the Purchaser may be deemed the manufacturer under the ACL. Prestige Car Imports does not assume the responsibilities of a manufacturer and is not responsible for providing consumer guarantees or manufacturer warranties in respect of the vehicle.
• The nominated motor vehicle is acquired on an “as is, where is” basis from the overseas seller. Responsibility for the vehicle’s condition, functionality, and any defects (latent or otherwise) rests solely with the overseas seller and/or inspection provider engaged by the Purchaser.

Refunds or compensation from the Broker will only be provided where required by law, including under the ACL. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any right or remedy that the Purchaser may have under the ACL which cannot lawfully be excluded.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Broker’s liability to the Purchaser (whether in contract, tort, statute, or otherwise) is limited to:

• the supply of the broker services again; or
• the payment of the cost of having the broker services supplied again.

The Purchaser accepts that, except as expressly stated in this Agreement or as required by the ACL, the Broker is not liable for any loss, damage, claim, or expense (including consequential loss or loss of value) arising out of, or in connection with, the condition of the motor vehicle.

To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

• Errors, omissions, or damages caused by third parties (e.g., auction houses, shipping companies).
• Shipping delays, cancellations, or schedule changes.
• Taxes, duties, or customs costs.
• Mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic issues (e.g., failures, missing parts, consumables).
• Exchange rate fluctuations.
• Loss or damage caused by force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, strikes, war, severe weather).

Vehicles are not covered for natural disasters or weather-related damage (e.g., hail, flooding, earthquakes) while overseas or in transit. You acknowledge that these risks are assumed by you as the buyer.

7. Consumer Guarantees & Dispute Resolution

• We comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). If our services fail to meet the consumer guarantees under the ACL, you may be entitled to a remedy (e.g., repair, replacement, refund) depending on the circumstances.
• We will make reasonable efforts to resolve disputes through good faith negotiation.
• Any legal proceedings will be conducted under Australian law and held in the State of Victoria. Both parties agree to provide reasonable notice before taking formal legal action.

8. Updates to These Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated to you before they take effect.

PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: 01/03/2023

Prestige Car Imports is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy outlines how Prestige Car Imports manages personal information collected via its website.

1. Collection of Personal Information

Prestige Car Imports does not collect personal information from visitors simply browsing our website. However, personal information may be collected if a visitor voluntarily submits information via our Contact Us form or communicates with us via email or phone.

Examples of personal information that may be collected include:

• Name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Any other information provided voluntarily

2. Use of Personal Information

Any personal information voluntarily provided to us is used solely for the purpose of responding to your inquiries or providing requested services. We do not use your information for direct marketing unless you have given explicit consent.

3. Disclosure of Personal Information

We do not disclose your personal information to third parties, except:

• When required by law

• Where you have given consent

• To service providers that assist us in operating our website or business (and are bound by confidentiality agreements)

4. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website does not use cookies for tracking or analytics purposes at this time. However, we may use standard server logs to monitor website traffic and performance. No personal information is identified in this process.

5. External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These websites are not controlled by Prestige Car Imports, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

6. Data Security

Prestige Car Imports takes reasonable steps to protect any personal information you provide from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.

7. Access and Correction

If you believe that any personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or out of date, you may request access or correction by contacting us directly. We will respond to all requests in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act.

8. Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our business practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Prestige Car Imports
4/43 Launceston Street
Williamstown North, VIC 3016
Phone: +61 456 782 466
Email: info@prestigecarimports.com
Website: https://www.prestigecarimports.com