hypothetical import question...

[smoov]

heya all.

im keen to get into another subaru. too keen in fact.

i've spotted a neat subaru in queensland. its pretty damned smick, and i'm almost willing to postpone my travels for the purchase of this particular car.

the thing is, its an import.

my question is, when a complianced, registered import vehicle is for sale interstate, is it possible to just re-register it into another state?

is compliancing a grey import a national thing? or is it state dependent?

or do i need to get it re-complianced, to get it re-registered here in NSW?

anybody here been through a similar saga to this before?

[chubby37]

i think once its complied it to australian standards so you should be ok......i checked into this a little while back on getting a car from N.Z and it mentioned oz standards with compliance

[steptoe]

not wanting to dampen ya spirits but, I do know of an imported for race or parts only Mitsu GTO, came into WA, got registered in VIC !!, then when a transfer was simply not on due to its original import status and no matter how much you gonna sue someone for whatever - cannot be registered in any state or territory once authorities became aware of it. Then , it was compilanced as a private, one off manufactured car for about $800 ! DOTARS would be good place to start regarding your concerns

[MUDRAT]

Sorry I can't answer your question Alex, but what model is it?

I was keen to import an Impreza at one stage and was told by NSW RTA that as the Impreza was sold here in NSW I couldn't register it.

Maybe the RTA is a good place to start?

[smoov]

muddy: the car i'm thinking about is a '97 Legacy GTB wagon, with all the fruit. apparently has cruise too... (i thought TT's didn't have cruise...)

jono - this is what scares me big time! don't imports have compliance plates?

i did manage to do some research on the RTA website... but I was just enquiring mainly to see if a grey import that's already complianced and registered interstate, could be simply, re-registered in another state?

quoted from: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/rego_new.html

Second-hand vehicles (interstate)
To establish registration for a second-hand vehicle purchased interstate, you will need to go to a motor registry and provide:

Proof of your identity (see related link above right) or, if registering the vehicle in the name of a company, proof of company name and the ACN/ARBN number.
Proof of acquisition (eg a receipt for purchase of the vehicle, certificate of registration signed by the previous registered operator/s of the vehicle, or the previous certificate of registration in the same name if coming from interstate).
Proof of your residential address (see related link above right).
A valid Compulsory Third Party insurance policy – also known as a green slip – with the number plate section blank (not required for trailers).
An inspection report – also known as a blue slip – from an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (AUVIS). If there is no AUVIS in your area, you can get a pink slip from an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS) instead of the blue slip.
Your interstate number plates – you'll have to surrender your interstate plates before you'll be given NSW plates.
Evidence of eligibility for any concession (see related links to Pensioner concessions and Apprentice registration rebate above right).
A completed Application for Registration form.
Payment for registration, including stamp duty (3% of the vehicle's purchase price, 5% if more than $45,000) and applicable number plate fee.
All second-hand vehicles requesting establishment of registration (including interstate and imported vehicles) may be selected for an additional inspection by the RTA's vehicle identity unit. You will be notified at the time of registration if you are selected.

sounds like the "additional inspection" may be a pita of a thing...

[MUDRAT]

No, I've done this a few times now (both from the ACT) and the Blue-slip process is quite straight forward and reasonable.

As far as I'm aware now if the vehicle's got a compliance plate you won't have a drama.

I will offer this piece of advice though: Go down to your local Blue-slip people and tell them exactly what you're planning. If they're worthwhile they'll be straightforward and helpful.

Like I said I've done this twice now without a single issue.

[smoov]

cool...

i may be travelling up north then in the not too distant future...

[Chris_Rogers]

if its already complied with a mod plate then its a case of takeing the previous rego and swapping it across. if its not or its race only - leave it alone.

[wagonist]

My Legacy was registered in Vic before I bought it, but the rules have changed since 2000.

If its already registeed in another state as a legit road car, then it should simply be a case of getting blue slip. But I'd strongly suggest that you buy it registered, it'll make the process a lot simpler if you turn upto the RTA with the old valid plates still on the car.

Also, you want to make sure you see a copy of the import papers before you even go have a look.
There was an issue with cars coming into Vic a few years ago through a loophole (how mine got in I reckon).
The other one is the race or rally import. These are only supposed to be used for racing events & you can be booked for driving around in them normally. Car's like the one you mentioned have been brought in by teams as transport vehicles, etc.

As always, buyer beware.

[steptoe]

different colours of the import compliance plate were issued in different times or rulings. Think i have seen green, yellow and purple anodised plates. can't hurt to swat up on what differences were, if any, b4 you need to know

[wagonist]

Green plate is for a Grey import.
Yellow plate is for a Private import.
Never heard of a purple one but I'd be guessing that be >15 year (or pre 89 now) import.

[Chris_Rogers]

purple plate is the new REVS scheme. 15 yr ones don't have a plate on them only a mod plate (in qld anyway.) to show that it has been inspected and up to date with the regs.

[smoov]

thanks for the info lads....

invaluable tips right here!