VW scene

[Jasonm]

Hi all,
I was wondering about the VW scene in Melbourne. Im moving there in 5 weeks and was wondering if its worth us bringing our cars too. Ive a 1992 mk2 golf GTi and a 1986 VW LT45 camper. Mrs M has an Audi A3 TDi Sportback. Im thinking about s/h parts servicing etc. Im not so worried about the A3 as that is so new. but if either of mine break down and i need something it could be expensive to get the parts from the UK.

In short is it worth paying for the GTi and the LT to get to Australia?

Thanks in advance

jm

[Ryan_R]

Hi Jason + welcome

Quite a good scene in Melb which you can read about on the various forums here. i.e. in the Events section you'll see a scheduled cruise for the first weekend of every month. I think there's also a bunch of guys who meet up for Parma's every 3rd Monday evening of the month as well. Then you've got a bigger annual events such as Day of the VW in November, and South East Dub Fest around Feb/March. Then there's the occasional weekend trip planned in the mountains for both VIC and NSW members for cruising the mountain roads and hanging out in whatever rec facilities are available at the overnight halt.

Also feel free to say hi and post your car photos in the Mk2 Golf section to get a feel for who's around. Also a Van section here and Audi here.


Hope this helps

[ziggyboy]

As to importing your cars to Australia, check compliance requirements first, as you may need to modify your cars to get them registered and cost you more money.

[Jasonm]

what compliance requirements are there? anything special, they are all right hand drive and have seat belts. is there anything in the Australian design requirementsi should know about?

all help gratefully received
jm

[ziggyboy]

Compliance is a bit more complex than you think. It involves full compliance to the Australian Design Rules, which include child restraint anchor points, lighting (yes, they will test the type of lights fitted), type of wheels and tyres fitted (ADR requires wheels to be within 1 inch of the original, and must have the manufacturer-recommended offset).

Something from an importer (RAWS):

For a vehicle is to be complied by a RAW, it must be fitted with original components (air intake, engine, exhaust, suspension, steering wheel amongst others). If the vehicle is non-standard, this will increase the cost of compliance as the RAW will need to return the vehicle to its standard production format.

Vehicles from an auction with a Grade of less than 3.5 may incur considerable additional expense in bringing them to an acceptable standard. The vehicle must not have been involved in an accident that affects its structure or safety in any way. Vehicles at auction in Japan are graded as to their condition, if the car has been damaged and repaired it should have an R(epaired) rating. The RAW is legally bound by very strict requirements as to the standard of vehicle they can comply. If a vehicle is damaged beyond these limits it must be exported or destroyed - it cannot be complied.

Once imported and through customs, the vehicle is delivered to the RAW who will inspect to ensure it is of acceptable standard, and if so, comply the vehicle. The most common things done during the compliance process are:
:: Brake fluid replacement
:: Fitting of new brake pads if the wrong or worn pads are fitted
:: Fitting of new tyres
:: Reutrn the vehicle to manufacturer's specification (standard) format
:: Complete service (air, fuel and oil filters and fluids)
:: Fit a new catalytic converter
:: Fit an unleaded fuel filler restrictor and Unleaded Fuel label
:: Engine tune and test
:: Evaporative emission test
:: Exhaust emission test
:: Replace seatbelt if worn or incorrectly fitted
:: Fit child restraint anchorages and clip fittings
:: Check vehicle lights (head, brake, indicatiors) for conformity
:: Remove gas discharge headlights and replace with halogen headlights
:: Ensure that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition
:: Fit a Used Import Plate to the vehicle


When importing a car you need to be aware that there are several more expenses than just buying the car. Here's a list of some extra expenses that may apply when importing a car (approximate only):
Sea Freight & Customs Duty $1500 - $2200 AUD
Import Duty + 5-10%
GST +10%
Import Approval $50
Vehicle Cleaning $100
Dock Transfers $40
Compliance $3000

[ziggyboy]

You can only import 1 per person. The other can be in your wife's name but she must have owned it for at least 12 months. If you transfer one to her name now you can import it only after 12 months.

Q. I have two cars, both registered in my name. Can I import both under the personal imports option?
No, however, under certain circumstances, a second vehicle can be imported in the name of a spouse or de facto partner, but the spouse or de facto partner is required to meet all requirements of the personal imports option. In these cases, proof of the relationship should be provided.

That's from Import options—common questions