Private sales - Cars sold privately should be cheaper, but you'll have a narrower choice, receive no warranty and will have to check the vehicles mechanicals, that it has not been stolen and that it has no money owing on it. However if you’re prepared to a bit of running around and homework, you might find a bargain in the private market.

Importing It Yourself - If you want it next week, forget about it, expect at least a three-month wait before you can legally drive your prize on our roads.  Such are the complexities and bureaucracies of importing yourself.  However, importing your own car can be a rewarding experience if you have the time, if only to experience the culture that produced your vehicle.  If you are hoping to save many thousands by importing yourself you will likely be disappointed, the truth is that most import dealers operate on high turnover rather than profit.
More on importing

Import Agents - If you have the time to wait for your vehicle but not to learn the intricacies of importing or to travel, then an import agent may be for you.  You will usually not be able to get intimate with your vehicle before committing a deposit, but if you want a rare or specific vehicle this may be a reasonable choice and even with the agents fees you should stand to make some savings.

What to Buy

Even with the range of imports on offer many of us know exactly the car we are after, others of us arrive in the import market, recognising the value for money, performance and features of the vehicles, and then go about deciding which particular model we want.

 1. Obviously the first choice is whether to go for a sports car, sedan, four-wheel-drive, people mover, coupe, or some such combination depending on your needs. Some variables to consider include: performance, safety, comfort, features, seating capacity, durability, condition, insurance costs, theft proofing and modifications. 

2. Next you’ll need to decide on how much to spend and with cars ranging from under $10,000 to well over $100,000 how much you want to treat yourself (and torture your wallet) is up to you.  Whatever you decide, be assured you’ll buy a lot more vehicle for your money in the import market, as with any vehicle though, don't forget to count up all the costs of the purchase including registration, insurance*, stamp duty, and transfer fees.

3. Once you've decided on your budget and type of vehicle, have a look through our comparison tables and model reviews to get more information on the vehicles you are interested in.

4. Found the right car? Most imported cars are checked over thoroughly during the compliancing process but if you are unsure about the car you have chosen or have limited mechanical knowledge, you can have it checked out by an independent qualified mechanic, most motoring organizations such as the NRMA and RACQ offer mobile pre-purchase checks.