Help Me Decide - Importer For Vic

[MaXiMuS007]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get back into the import car game with a nice V35 and am having trouble deciding who to use to help me. I have narrowed it down to Prestige Motorsport & J-spec, but have the following considerations:

Prestige Motorsport

Pros

• Good, detailed website
  
• Geoff is quick to respond to emails and happy to spend time on the phone explaining things
  

Cons

• Based in WA (so harder to yell at someone if things go wrong)
  
• A couple of bad experiences in the forum (but seem to be from a while back)
  
• Somewhat onerous service agreement
  

J-spec

Pros

• In Victoria
  
• Mostly good feedback
  

Cons

• Take ages to respond to emails
  

I want to make a decision by the end of this weekend because I am itching to get the process started! I'm hoping for some definite, recent opinions (within the forum rules of course). I'm not after alternatives unless you are super super ecstatic about the process and service. I am definitely the kind of person who wants to be in contact regularly, hence my reservation with J-spec.

Thanks in advance, y'all.

[kakimoto33]

Please note that delays in replying to emails is usually because we are busy with existing clients and we always give our actual clients priority on our time and resources. Once you are an active client you will be emailing us directly (rather than the general enquiry address) and replies will normally be much quicker, often within minutes during the day. (see the reply time on this post for example!)

If you wanted to see some examples of cars that might be suitable then please drop me an email at [email protected] with details of what you are looking for including year range, make & model, preferred colours, any required features or options, and of course your maximum budget assuming we can find you the perfect car? ... this would also give you a chance to see how good our email replies can be for actual clients before getting signed up with anyone, and we might even find you a perfect car right away too.

[Unique]

I am willing to discuss my recent dealings with J-Spec via PM. Will only discuss via PM due to the nature of information provided.

[rs73]

I'm in VIC and imported through Geoff in WA - and had no problems. He'll be happy to answer all your questions by email within 24 hours or by phone during business hours - can't fault his service so far, even after a purchase is made and the car has landed (which means he has already pocketed his broker fee for sure). That's good after sales service I would say.

[Blitz_boy]

edit

Edited April 10, 2008 by Blitz_boy

[Iron Chef]

Also bear in mind a few other things -

1) they each have hundreds, if not thousands of customers, so on the balance of probabilities, there will be a small percentage of people who weren't happy with their service, and they'll be the ones who shout the loudest, compared to the vast majority who were happy.

2) a good 90% of problems that people have with importing aren't actually the fault of the broker, but rather the people and companies they've used along the way. Brokers get just as frustrated as their customers when things go wrong.

3) Common sense suggests that businesses who shaft their customers don't last long, and the import brokering game has many 'fly-by-night' operators. The fact that both companies have been around for a while should tell you something.

[MaXiMuS007]

Thanks all for the responses... I think the decision has been made.

[UnCo]

I'm from Melbourne too and was deciding between Jspec and Prestige just like you.

I have nothing against Jspec at all but was keen to get started with a company in Melbourne and after a few emails with no reply, my decision was made. I just couldn't wait any longer.

I have just started the search with Geoff at Prestige.

He's been 100% helpful and always been quick to reply to emails and call me to discuss anything.

I'm very happy with his service so far and it's only been a few days.. hopefully once my experience has ended I will be able to provide more feedback for people who are in the same position of deciding.

[Nickzke]

Iron Chef.

How much does it cost to Import a 1998 Nissan skyline r34 GT-T non turbo into Victoria?

Cheers.

[Shakiel]

Dont forget to drop me a line!

I may not be as big as the heavy weights, but I can provide an exceptional service and am in this business for the passion and love of cars, especially Japanese cars!! I am also a mechanic by trade located in Melbourne, Victoria. Keep a look out in the 'Business Traders' section for great examples from Japan.