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how much money does an importer make?? considering that it costs about maybe 8k to buy an r33 in japan (correct me if i'm wrong)... what are the costs involved in bringing it over here and putting it on the road ... i've done a search but didn't find anything.... also keeping in mind that we can't really do it anymore as the new regulations are coming in soon.

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From what i see and the research i did (before i just bought my locally anyway :D), most charge $1000-$2000 per car above the costs of the actual car+compliancing so that is probably what they're making. Depends what you're doing I'd say.

My guess is: If you import say an R33 GTS-T, you can get it for around $15k here and complianced (of course this can vary depending on the car). If you're going to go into a more dealer arrangement (bring in, then sell) it varies by state but many have limits as to how many you cars you can just sell before it has to be a business.. you might be able to sell a good example for $20k at like a showroom. Otherwise if you're just charging a flat rate and being the middle-guy between an auction and buyer, you're probably only going to be able to get $17k.

I'm sure its a pretty tough business as I've seen many come and go over the years.

You'll still be able to do it, it just will be harder...

Just my thoughts, I am sure others can correct me.

Dealers would have to be like making $5k - $7k on some cars I figure. For an R33 GT-R that would cost maybe $36k to bring in... often they're selling them for like $45k - massive profits.

I'm not sure what their overheads are. But comparing a dealer car to privately imported one, what will go for $20k for an R33 GTS-T with some mods for a private, i've seen for sale $25k at a dealer.

Most import brokers (the reputable ones anyway) charge around $1500, and that's basically all they make on the car. All savings are passed on to you.

However, a dealer can make as much profit as they want really. Depends on how much people are willing to pay. I looked at a car ages ago in a yard, but it was at least 7K over my budget. When I spoke to the sales guy, i told him this....then he told me i could have it for my budget figure. He knocked 7k off just like that. And was obviously still making a profit.

I guess some of them just put a high figure and hope that some rich kid will come in and buy the car without haggling. But they gotta make it high enough that if ppl do haggle they still make $$$$

Let me put it this way Hippy,

(i feel like I'm degrading you 'cause of the name)

you pay a tax on the price (yen) of the car, then shipping, then customs, then 10%GST

If you buy a car worth more than 50,000 A$ then expect to pay LCT (Luxury Car Tax) ON TOP of the other charges, LCT is 15% of the buy price.

I paid nearly 4,000 in Tax, shipping and customs. 3,7 off the top of my head.

Then add towing, compliance and rego.... hey presto...

Cheap car....

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