Prestige Motorsport

General News

AUD to JPY Ex Rate Recovers to pre-Pandemic Levels

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Between June 2019 to February 2020 the Aussie dollar ranged in value between 70 to 75 Yen. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] As fears of the Covid-19 pandemic reverberated around the world there was a rapid decline in the exchange rate, with the AUD plummeting from 74 to 63 JPY (almost 15%) between 24 […]

Leaf 62kWh Import Cheaper than Aussie 40kWh !

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Leaf 62kWh import for an as new 2019 model e+X or e+G now costs substantially less than the Nissan Australia new price for the lower power / range 40kWh model. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] So how much cheaper is it to import a 62kWh Leaf from Japan compared to the Australian new price for […]

NOW TAKING ORDERS – Subaru Forester STi import

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] With full compliance estimated to be just 3 to 4 weeks away for Subaru Forester STi import to Australia, we are now taking orders ! [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Forester STi import has been one of the most common requests we have received for any model over the years and now it is finally […]

Japan Golden Week Holiday & Japanese Car Auction Schedule 2020

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Golden Week is a group of annual Japanese public holidays starting at the end of April and running into the first week of May. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] This year Saturday 25th April will be the last auction day with auctions recommencing on Thursday 7th May 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Most […]

Pandemic Pricing – To Buy or Not to Buy…

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] We keep being asked about what’s going on at the Japan car auctions, are prices cheaper ? Is it a good time to buy ? [dt_gap height=”10″ /] YES, overall it is a GREAT time to buy if you have cash available. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] It is after all, about as strong […]

2007 Honda Civic Mugen RR $220K

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] This rare 2007 Honda Civic Mugen RR with 18,270 km was auctioned in Tokyo on 9 April 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] 1 of only 300 Mugen RR’s made for the Japanese market, all exclusively in Milano Red. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Auction grade 4.5 B. VIN: FD2-1203437. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap […]

Import Civic Type R FD2 to Australia

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Import Honda Civic Type R FD2 to Australia – just added to the list of approved models under transitional SEVS arrangements on 2 April 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] The ruling covers the October 2006 to December 2011 Honda Civic Type R FD2 4 door sedan. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Browse the last 3 months of […]

Import Subaru Forester STi, Cross Sports & XT turbos to Aust

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Latest Update – NOW TAKING ORDERS – Subaru Forester STi import [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Subaru Forester turbo models were added to the list of approved models under transitional SEVS arrangements on 2 April 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] The ruling covers the October 2002 to December 2007 range of Subaru Forester SG9 STi 2.5L turbo […]

11 More Models Added to NEW SEVS List

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] The latest list of approved models under transitional SEVS arrangements is now available. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] These are models NEVER BEFORE eligible for import to Australia and include hybrid / electric vehicles as well as significantly different versions of locally sold models. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] NOTE:  Inclusion in this list is just the […]

Coronavirus impact on car importing

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Understandably we have been receiving a large number of enquiries about this topic in recent weeks. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Here are some answers to typical concerns. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Should I still import a car ? [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Well, that depends on your personal circumstances and whether anything has changed for […]

Want a Supra widebody under the 25 Year Rule ?

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] If you’re thinking of importing a Supra under the 25 Year Rule (March 1995 and older are OK at the time of this post), just note that a Supra widebody like this modified example today may not be eligible for import – based on major body modifications. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Read more […]

R34 GTR with NISMO S1 engine by Omori Factory

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] This 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR in TV2 Bayside Blue with 163,575 km and NISMO S1 engine fitted by Omori Factory (serial number #122) was auctioned at USS Tokyo in Japan on 27 February 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] It sold for 6,860,000 JPY, which at the time would have […]

Corona Virus Fears affect Japan auction sales

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] It is a good time to buy a collector car if you are fortunate to have cash on hand. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Consumer confidence has taken a big hit in recent weeks as panic selling grips stock markets thanks to global concerns over the spread of the corona virus and the resulting […]

Import Honda Civic Type R EK9 to Australia

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] If you have always wanted to import a 1997 to 2000 classic Honda Civic Type R EK9 to Australia then you’re in luck ! [dt_gap height=”10″ /] It is now technically possible to import the Honda Civic Type R EK9 as this model was approved by the Govt. on 10 Feb 2020 under new import […]

2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSPEC2 $400K

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] This 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR VSPEC2 in Bayside Blue with 5,721 original km was auctioned at USS Tokyo on 13 February 2020 and sold for a phenomenal price… 20,395,000 JPY. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Factoring in all costs, that would be equivalent to an eye-watering $394,000 AUD complied (including LCT and calculated @74 […]

First new SEVS imports finally approved !

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] More models added 26 March 2020 – latest update here [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Things are finally moving ! – A new list has just been published showing the first vehicle models to be approved by the Australian Govt. under transitional SEVS arrangements. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] These are models NEVER BEFORE eligible for […]

1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Collezione

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Looking for a classic car under the new 25 Year Rule, perhaps something like this 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Collezione 4WD auctioned in Tokyo on 21 November 2019 ? [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Good News ! We can source it for you from Japan. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Vehicles are inspected […]

Honey, someone shrunk the Bentley !

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Looking for a quirky 600cc kei car like this cute 1997 Mazda Autozam Carol that looks like a Bentley compact ? [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Good News ! Any kei car is now possible to import to Australia – right up to new models currently on sale in Japan – under the new […]

Toyota Estima Hybrid Import to Australia NOW

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Toyota Estima Hybrid Import to Australia is now possible with SEVS compliance available in several States for the full build range of Estima 2.4L hybrid. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] The hybrid Estima is easily identified in searches by using the chassis code AHR20 / AHR20W and is also known as the Toyota Tarago […]

Mazda 3 Hybrid 2.0L (Axela Hybrid) Aust import in 2020

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] The 2013 to current Mazda 3 Hybrid 2.0L – known as the Mazda Axela hybrid in Japan – will be eligible for import in 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Compliance is currently in progress, so we expect import to be possible in coming months. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Prices will start from $16,000 complied […]

SEVS Transition Guidelines provided for 2019 to 2021

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Guidelines are now available setting out how SEVS will work (for the import of vehicles NEWER than 25 years) while we transition from the old (MVSA) to the new (RVS) vehicle import regulations. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Transition period 10 Dec 2019 –> 1 July 2021. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Main points: [dt_gap height=”5″ […]

Import Approval – How to Apply for 25 Year Old Vehicles

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] 2021 UPDATE – From 1 July 2021 import approvals under the 25 Year Rule are handled by the new ROVER system. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] In December 2019 the Aust Govt. provided a 25 Year Rule Vehicle Import – Guidance (PDF) setting out how the new 25 Year Rule would operate under interim arrangements, the type […]

62kW Leaf e+ AUTECH

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] The 2019+ 62kW Leaf will be eligible for import to Australia from 10 December 2019 under new import regulations. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] This 62kW Leaf e+ AUTECH in AUTECH blue was auctioned in Japan on 23 November 2019, for the equivalent of approx. $60,800 complied plus on road costs. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] […]

RED 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6 TME

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] This rare 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6.5 TME in red was inspected for a client in November 2019. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] 69,047 km with service records. Grade 4.5 B. Original factory sticker package. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] [dt_gap height=”10″ /] View full inspection pics for this 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6.5 […]

Turbos are going ELECTRIC and becoming part of hybrid powertrains

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] We’re in a very interesting time in automotive history with the most rapid technological advances occurring since the original invention of the motor car. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] A wide range of different hybrid and electric solutions are being trialed in real world markets, but there is still a long way to go […]

Shipping Cost Increase from 1 Jan 2020

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Changes to marine fuel regulations will increase the cost of all shipping – including shipping vehicles from Japan to Australia – from the 1st January 2020. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] This is expected to increase the shipping cost by about $150 AUD per vehicle. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Below details are provided courtesy of Dolphin […]

Left Hand Drive Car Registration in Australia & the 25 Year Rule

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Please note that the information below was current at the time of posting. Regulations may change over time so please check directly for the latest requirements with the registration authority in your State or Territory. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] With the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia comes the next issue […]

Now Sourcing 25 Year Old Cars

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Some important points to bear in mind when selecting vehicles to import under the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia which STARTS on 10 Dec 2019: [dt_gap height=”10″ /] – Prices are rising fast on all classic vehicles [dt_gap height=”10″ /] The USA has their own 25 Year Rule which […]

25 Year Rule CONFIRMED !

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Just confirmed – the new 25 Year Rule for car imports to Australia WILL START on 10 December 2019. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Quick summary from today’s official update received today from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development: [dt_gap height=”5″ /] – The 25 Year Rule will start on 10 December […]

Import Car Insurance

[dt_gap height=”10″ /] Looking for import car insurance ? [dt_gap height=”10″ /] Companies that handle import car insurance can be a little hard to find, particularly if the model is unusual. [dt_gap height=”10″ /] There are a number of choices for import car insurance depending on your location in Australia, including NRMA (NSW, QLD, VIC, […]