Importing a car from USA to NZ

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jaymz

1086 posts

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Topic # 94585 14-Dec-2011 11:52

Hi,

I am looking at my next big purchase (once i get some money together) and will be my dream car from the states.

I am looking at getting a '69 SS Camaro, and have seen a few on the car sales sites in the USA for around the price I am willing to pay.

The question is, when it comes to importing a car.

Has anyone on here had experiences with importing cars from the states?
Can you offer any tips/things to look out for?

Cheers

Zeon

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Reply # 557824 14-Dec-2011 11:57

Check with NZTA first:
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/12/importing-a-left-hand-drive-vehicle.html

jaymz

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Reply # 557837 14-Dec-2011 12:17

Pretty sure it should be fine, since it is a classic.

Taken from the site in your link:

Which LHD vehicles are allowed to be registered in New Zealand?

Under Land Transport Rule: Steering Systems (2001), it's generally illegal to register a LHD vehicle for use on New Zealand roads. However, the rule allows some specific categories of LHD vehicles to be registered and operated. The main categories are listed below. (Make sure you also read the requirements for each permitted category, which follow this list.)
Category B: Light vehicles that are 20 years old or more

These are light vehicles that were manufactured more than 20 years before their date of first registration in New Zealand

Poll

319 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 557844 14-Dec-2011 12:40

Somewhere like this may be a good option as they will have already done the hard yards and imported the car you are after or have existing experience with the process. That particular company doesn't have the exact car you are after but there is every chance they would be able to find you one or point you to another yard which may have one.
I'm not sure where you are based but I wouldn't be surprised if you find car yard's specialising in Muscle and classics like this in all of the major cities, Wouldn't be surprised if one of them has an ss Camaro or knows of one for sale.

Hope this helps give you another option which potentially could be cheaper. (No clue how much importing the car is going to cost or what sort of budget you are looking at.)

TheUngeek

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Reply # 557853 14-Dec-2011 12:56

Have a look in the Hot Rod mag and similar and find an importer.
Doing it on your own will cost more and if you miss something or run into a problem it will cost you a lot.

SepticSceptic

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Reply # 557865 14-Dec-2011 13:18

TheUngeek: Have a look in the Hot Rod mag and similar and find an importer.
Doing it on your own will cost more and if you miss something or run into a problem it will cost you a lot.

And get at least a customer reference from an importer - I've been stung severely once, and despite chasing the importer thru the courts, etc, the @rse deep-sixed his importation company to avoid responsibility, and phoenixed his next importation company from the existing clientele from the original company.

My thoughts are no longer my own and is probably representative of our media-controlled government

jaymz

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Reply # 557867 14-Dec-2011 13:24

thanks for all your feedback, I have never attempted this before so it is a learning experience!

@Poll, thanks for that link, I have struggled to find much about sites like that. I will be in contact with them shortly.