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 the vehicle will come to Prestige Car Imports and we will handle the process for you. We can help comply vehicles in any state. If you have a preferred compliance shop in your state we can arrange for the vehicle to go to them.

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

By engaging the services of PRESTIGE FINANCIAL PTY LTD T/A PRESTIGE CAR IMPORTS (“Broker”, “we”, “us”, “our”), you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights or remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) or other applicable legislation.

1. Scope of Services

The vehicle you are purchasing or seeking to import is located overseas. The Broker does not sell vehicles. The Broker acts solely as an import broker and facilitator, assisting with introductions, coordination, administration, and logistics between Australian buyers and overseas vehicle owners or suppliers such as auction houses, private sellers, dealerships etc.

The Broker:

• does not own, possess, or hold title to any vehicle;
• does not carry vehicle stock;
• does not buy, sell, trade, or resell motor vehicles;
• does not personally inspect vehicles unless expressly agreed in writing; and
• does not provide mechanical, engineering, or compliance certifications.

Any descriptions, photographs, reports, or representations regarding a vehicle are provided by third parties such as overseas sellers, auction houses, inspectors, or logistics providers.

You acknowledge that you are purchasing a used motor vehicle from an overseas source, and that such transactions involve inherent risks.

While the Broker may arrange independent third-party inspections at your request, the Broker does not warrant or guarantee the condition, quality, roadworthiness, or compliance status of any vehicle.

Marketing, Advertising & Listings Disclaimer

The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that any vehicles displayed, advertised, promoted, or referenced by the Broker on its website, social media accounts (including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or similar platforms), email communications, messaging platforms, or other marketing materials are advertised solely for promotional and marketing purposes.

Such advertisements or listings:

• do not constitute an offer for sale by the Broker;
• do not indicate ownership, possession, or control of the vehicle by the Broker;
• are not representations that the Broker is the seller or vendor of the vehicle; and
• are intended only to introduce or market vehicles made available by third-party overseas owners or suppliers.

Any vehicle advertised by the Broker remains the property of the overseas owner or supplier unless and until lawfully transferred to a purchaser. The Broker does not acquire title, beneficial ownership, or risk in any advertised vehicle at any time.

All vehicle descriptions, specifications, images, videos, pricing indications, condition statements, availability, and other information displayed in advertisements or communications are supplied by third parties or derived from external sources and are provided for general information only. The Broker does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of such information.

The Purchaser acknowledges that marketing content, listings, captions, messages, or responses provided by the Broker (including via social media or messaging platforms) do not constitute representations, warranties, or advice as to the condition, quality, compliance, suitability, or availability of any vehicle.

Any decision to purchase a vehicle is made solely by the Purchaser in reliance on their own enquiries, inspections, and independent advice, and not on advertising or promotional material published by the Broker.

Any advertisement, post, listing, message, or communication made by the Broker does not constitute an offer capable of acceptance and is provided for general marketing and informational purposes only.

Social Media, Messaging & Informal Communications

The Purchaser acknowledges that communications via social media platforms, messaging applications, text messages, or informal correspondence (including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, SMS, or similar platforms) are provided for convenience only and do not constitute contractual representations, warranties, or professional advice.

Any information shared through such channels is indicative only and subject to confirmation in writing under this Agreement. The Broker is not bound by statements made in informal communications unless expressly confirmed in writing as part of this Agreement.

2. Nature of the Transaction & Role of Parties

The Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that:

• The vehicle is purchased on an “as is, where is” basis from an overseas vehicle owner or supplier.
• The overseas vehicle owner is not an employee, partner, or agent of the Broker.
• The Broker is not the seller, owner, or vendor of the vehicle.
• Any contract for the sale of the vehicle is formed directly between the Purchaser and the overseas vehicle owner or supplier.

The overseas vehicle owner’s role is limited to assisting with the sale or release of the vehicle to the Purchaser and does not include providing warranties or guarantees except where required by law.

3. No Partnership, No Agency, No Authority

Nothing in this Agreement creates or is intended to create:

• a partnership,
• a joint venture,
• a fiduciary relationship, or
• an agency relationship

between the Broker and the Purchaser or between the Broker and any overseas seller.

The Broker has no authority to bind, represent, or make warranties on behalf of any overseas seller, auction house, shipping provider, or third party.

Likewise, the Purchaser has no authority to bind the Broker in any manner.

4. Pricing & Estimates

All prices and cost estimates provided are indicative only and based on information available at the time.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations do not include:

• registration costs
• roadworthy inspections
• stamp duty
• luxury car tax
• state-based charges

Final costs may vary due to exchange rate movements, shipping costs, taxes, port charges, or unforeseen circumstances.

5. Fees & Payment Terms

Service Fees

• A $1,190 AUD deposit is required to engage the Broker’s services.
• The remaining balance of the Broker’s service fee becomes payable once a vehicle is secured and payment to the overseas seller is required.
• Service fees are calculated based on estimated landed and complied value and country of origin.
• Deposits are generally non-refundable except where required by the ACL.

If a bid or purchase request is withdrawn after submission, the Broker will attempt cancellation; however, if the purchase proceeds, the Purchaser remains liable for the full cost.

If a successfully purchased vehicle is re-entered into auction at the Purchaser’s request:

• a $2,000 AUD cancellation fee applies; and
• all associated third-party costs (auction, storage, transport, etc.) remain payable.
  Any resale proceeds may be retained to offset such costs.

6. Handling of Funds / Administrative Holding

Where funds are transferred to the Broker in connection with a vehicle transaction:

• such funds are received solely for administrative convenience and transaction facilitation;
• they do not constitute consideration for the sale of a vehicle;
• they do not create or evidence any sale contract between the Broker and Purchaser;
• they do not transfer ownership, title, or risk in the vehicle to the Broker.

The Purchaser authorises the Broker to hold, transfer, or remit funds to overseas sellers, agents, shipping providers, or other third parties in accordance with transaction requirements or Purchaser instructions.

Funds may be transferred once contractual or procedural milestones are met, including confirmation of purchase, export approval, or shipping arrangements.

The Broker does not hold funds as owner, seller, or principal.

7. Additional Costs

You are responsible for additional costs arising from:

• auction locations outside initial estimates
• non-drivable vehicles or special handling requirements
• customised or specialised transport
• shipping delays or vessel unavailability
• storage charges beyond the Broker’s control

Proforma invoices must be paid within 7 business days.

If payment is delayed more than 2 banking days, currency exchange differences may apply.

Late payments incur an administration fee of $20 AUD per day.

If payment remains outstanding for 30 days, the Broker may suspend services or terminate its involvement in the transaction. Any losses or third-party charges arising remain payable by the Purchaser, subject to the ACL.

8. Import Regulations & Compliance

You are responsible for confirming that the vehicle is eligible for import and compliance in Australia.

The Broker may provide general guidance but does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of advice provided verbally, in writing, or online.

9. Limitation of Liability

The Purchaser acknowledges that the Broker acts solely as an import facilitator.

At no time does the Broker:

• hold ownership or title to the vehicle;
• provide warranties or guarantees of condition, quality, or fitness for purpose;
• assume responsibility for representations made by sellers, auction houses, inspectors, or transport providers.

The Purchaser further acknowledges that:

• the Vehicle Import Approval and customs documentation are issued in the Purchaser’s name;
• the Purchaser is the importer of record under Australian law;
• the Purchaser may be deemed the manufacturer for ACL purposes; and
• the Broker does not assume manufacturer obligations or consumer guarantees in respect of the vehicle.
• Except as required by law, the Broker’s liability is limited to either:
• re-supplying the broker services; or
• paying the cost of having those services supplied again.

10. Excluded Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Broker is not liable for:

• errors or omissions of third parties
• shipping delays or cancellations
• customs, duties, or taxes
• mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic defects
• missing parts or consumables
• exchange rate movements
• force majeure events (including natural disasters, strikes, war, or severe weather)

Vehicles are not insured against natural disasters or weather-related damage unless separately arranged. Such risks are assumed by the Purchaser.

11. Indemnity

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Purchaser indemnifies and holds harmless the Broker and its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and agents from and against all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, and expenses (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) arising from or relating to:

1. a) any defect or condition of the vehicle;
   b) failure to meet ADR, import, registration, or compliance requirements;
   c) acts or omissions of overseas sellers, auction houses, inspectors, or logistics providers;
   d) third-party claims relating to ownership, title, condition, importation, or use of the vehicle;
   e) regulatory or enforcement action arising because the Purchaser is the importer or deemed manufacturer;
   f) reliance on information or assistance provided by the Broker;
   g) failure to obtain insurance, inspections, or independent professional advice.

This indemnity survives termination or completion of this Agreement.

12. Consumer Guarantees & Dispute Resolution

Nothing in this Agreement excludes or limits rights under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

If a dispute arises, the parties agree to attempt resolution in good faith before commencing legal proceedings.

Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of Victoria, Australia, and governed by Victorian law.

13. Updates to Terms

These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. Any material changes will be communicated prior to taking 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