Shipping a car from overseas is an engine lover’s dream. You get to pick up your perfect car, whether it’s a classic Jag, a sleek Toyota, a revved-up Chevy or something completely different!
But mistakes can easily be made when undertaking this process, so it is always best to enlist the most reputable vehicle imports Australia has available as well as work to avoid these costly errors:
- Not researching the car’s history
The biggest mistake you could make when importing a car to Australia is failing to research the car’s history. You want to ensure that the car has never incurred an unfortunate accident or has had its odometer rolled back (among other issues).
What’s more, it’s absolutely vital that you research whether it was a rental unit or lease return, as you might not want to drive a previously rented car. Trade ins are generally overlooked for lease returns, so this may be something you prefer when choosing your vehicle.
If you can’t learn about the car’s rental history from the vendor then this is a red flag and you should likely avoid said car.
- Not undertaking a car inspection report
If you purchase a car from overseas then it is a good idea to request an inspection report. If the vendor refuses to show it to you, you can request your own inspector or cancel the deal if you believe the car might not be up to a quality condition.
If you fail to check the inspection report you might lose thousands when you notice the car is experiencing serious engine troubles (or something completely different!).
- Not looking into the car’s fuel consumption
Importers generally think they can request a car that uses less fuel, but at the end of the day they pick up a total gas guzzler. Trust us: you want to check the fuel mileage rating especially when fuel prices are through the roof (you can check many of these ratings at the Australian Government’s website!).
- Avoiding used certified cars
You should always prioritise purchasing a certified pre-owned car as opposed to their questionable counterpart. Certified cars come with much higher standards, with fewer miles and lesser years just some of the benefits that come with this car type. Of course, you may have to pay a little more to have the car inspected, but the benefits far outweigh the problems that can arise without having it inspected.
- Avoiding the use of a certified broker
The best vehicle imports Australia has available will help you get the best deal on your chosen car as well as smoothen the process with Australian customs. Importing a car to Oz can be difficult, with authorities often making the process difficult depending on the car.
Therefore, it is a great idea to enlist the services of a top class broker. They have the skills, experience and industry knowledge to ensure your car arrives quickly and without too many customs holdups. What’s more, they can help organise much of the buying process, so as to ensure that you avoid these unwanted mistakes.
Car importing is a fun and exciting process, but it is one that can be difficult for the uninitiated. It is therefore important to avoid these mistakes as well as enlist the best broker to ensure that everything runs smoothly and you receive your dream car in no time!