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.

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 $76,950 AUD.

Please note that we do not include RWC, 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

By accepting the services of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD, you agree to be bound by and accept these terms and conditions. Nothing in these terms and conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights the customer may have under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Scope of Service

This vehicle, or the vehicle you are interested in importing, is located in another country, and Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD has not inspected it in person. We do not sell vehicles; rather, we facilitate a connection between a buyer and a seller overseas and arrange the importation of the vehicle to Australia. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD makes no representations about the roadworthiness of the vehicle or its ability to meet compliance requirements without further modifications. The customer acknowledges that they are purchasing a used vehicle from overseas and assume all associated risks.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD acts solely as an import agent and is not responsible for any expenses related to the purchase, export, shipping, import, compliance, or roadworthiness of the vehicle. While we can arrange for an independent third-party inspection upon request, we do not offer any warranty or guarantee regarding the vehicle’s condition.

Any price quoted by Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD is an estimate only and does not include state-specific roadworthiness, registration, or stamp duty unless otherwise stated.

Fees & Payment Terms

A deposit of $1,190 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 completing payment to the seller. The total fee is based on the estimated landed and complied price of the vehicle and its country of origin. This fee is generally non-refundable, except where required by ACL, such as when the service cannot be provided as promised.

The customer’s bid is made based on the information available at the time, and the customer is responsible for ensuring they wish to proceed. If the customer chooses to withdraw their bid, Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD will attempt to do so, but if the bid deadline has passed and the bid is successful, the customer remains responsible for full payment.

Should a customer wish to re-enter a vehicle into auction after a successful bid, a cancellation fee of $2,000 AUD will apply to cover associated costs, including time and labour. Additional expenses such as transport, auction fees, and storage costs will also be payable by the customer. If a profit is made on the resale, Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD will retain the profit to cover costs incurred.

Additional Costs

The customer is responsible for any additional inland transportation costs resulting from but not limited to:

• Auction house location not listed in the estimate
• Vehicle being non-drivable or requiring repairs
• Custom or specialized transport requirements
• Lack of carrier availability or changes in shipping schedules

Additional storage costs that accrue outside the control of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD (e.g., shipping delays, vessel restrictions, or lack of vessel space) will be payable by the customer.

The full amount of the proforma invoice must be paid within seven business days of receipt. The customer is responsible for any currency exchange differences if payment is delayed beyond five banking days. Late payments will incur a reasonable administrative charge of $20 AUD per day. If payment is not received within 30 days, the customer’s deposit may be forfeited, and ownership of the vehicle may revert to Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD, subject to ACL requirements.

Import Regulations & Compliance

It is the sole responsibility of the customer to research and comply with all import regulations and restrictions before bidding. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD does not warrant the accuracy of any information provided on its website or through verbal or written advice. However, we will make reasonable efforts to assist customers in understanding the importation process.

Limitations of Liability

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD cannot be held liable for issues beyond its control, including but not limited to:

• Errors or damages caused by auction houses, transporters, or shipping companies
• Shipping availability, schedules, or delays
• Duties, taxes, or customs costs incurred by the buyer
• Mechanical or electrical failures of the vehicle
• Missing parts, inner cargo, or consumable items (e.g., battery, brake pads, tyres, fluids)
• Exchange rate fluctuations or force majeure events (e.g., war, strikes, natural disasters)

Vehicles are not covered for any type of natural disaster or weather event, including but not limited to earthquakes, tsunamis, hail, cyclones, hurricanes, and flooding. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD is not liable for any damage or costs incurred due to such events. The customer acknowledges that they assume all associated risks.

Consumer Guarantees & Dispute Resolution

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD is committed to compliance with Australian Consumer Law. If our services do not meet consumer guarantees, customers may be entitled to remedies including repair, replacement, or refund as required by law.

If disputes arise, both parties agree to make reasonable efforts to resolve them in good faith through mutual negotiation. If legal action is necessary, it will be conducted under Australian Law.

Changes to Terms and Conditions

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD reserves the right to update these terms and conditions. Customers will be notified of any significant changes 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