New Car Considerations

[Random]

Ford Mustang GT? - is not available in Oz

Cadillac CTS? Ooops, beginning from 42 860 $ here in Canada and I guess its even more expensive in Oz

Vette? - is not available in Oz as well

[Skyfall]

Ford Mustang GT? - is not available in Oz

Cadillac CTS? Ooops, beginning from 42 860 $ here in Canada and I guess its even more expensive in Oz

Vette? - is not available in Oz as well

1) Why aren't they available in Oz?

2) Why can you just get it shipped in?

[zappaFREAK]

If you are looking for a fantastic handling car porsche 911. If you want more of a touted the m6 convertible is a hoot. It has plenty of room and handles great although the 911 is a better handler.

[polarbear]

You can get the Mustang GT in Oz for the Bargain Basement price of $180k- Thats for the GT500

A base spec Camero or Mustang will rung you a little over $95K by the time you pay import dty, luxury car tax and pay to have it converted to left hand drive

Another vote for the John Cooper Mini

I took a regular Cooper S for a spin and it was a blast!

Also look at the Ford Focus RS. Great car but miht be a touch over your budget

[mk05]

This thread went from affordable quality everyday cars to "check out these cool cars I like that are no where near the price range originally mentioned."

People who drive minis and golfs love them. That's all I know. But Rob, you may find them too small. You are 6ft before the heeled boots.

I wouldn't write off Hyundai or KIA. Drive them and decide for yourself, I was pleasantly surprised.

[Random]

BMW 335i Convertible?

$53,800 MSRP

[PartagasIV]

Another GTI vote, although I would go on a cheaper-spec/certified used Audi A3 and just get an ECU flash for some added boost. Go certified last year's model for much less of a depreciation hit.

911? M6 cabio? Really? At double the budget, yes.

[Smokin_Safari]

I'd push you towards an M3 also but price will be an issue.

You're obvisouly not a hairdresser so why even look at a Mini & you're not bald so why a Golf?

Main consideration should be the passenger's long legs!!!

[Random]

to Sky:

because the import tax will make it a killa pricey, in both cases.

[polarbear]

1) Why aren't they available in Oz?

2) Why can you just get it shipped in?

See above

You can get anything you want shipped here but the problem with importing New cars from the States is they need to be right hand drive and comply with all Aus design and enginnering standards as well as emissions regs

There are a handfull of companys in Aus importing new US vehicles and converting them to Right Hand Drive before selling them but by the time you pay all the associated costs of importation and converstion you're left with a car tha originally cost $50K that you had to pay $100K+ for.

The other thing is, i you wat to import the new Vette you will need to find someone who is prepared to convert it. Most comercial importers of US cars have developed conversion kits to rearrange the dash and steering assembly and then had that kit engineered and approved for Australian roads.

If the importer hasnt developed an approved conversion kit for the vehicle you are importing you have to pay for the development and approval process as well.

[Fuzz]

You'll never find a late model 'vette, Charger or Camaro under $60k in Aus.... unless it is being sold for scrap. Ditto for any high end Euro sports car unless it is 2nd and a few years old. My C250 Coupe cost $80k brand new.

[ZinZan]

Another vote for one for those rally hatches the subaru or an mitsubishi evolution. Fun car to drive. Out of curiosity is a Porches in OZ way above the budget. I thought the cayman s is a nippy car.

[Skyfall]

See above

You can get anything you want shipped here but the problem with importing New cars from the States is they need to be right hand drive and comply with all Aus design and enginnering standards as well as emissions regs

There are a handfull of companys in Aus importing new US vehicles and converting them to Right Hand Drive before selling them but by the time you pay all the associated costs of importation and converstion you're left with a car tha originally cost $50K that you had to pay $100K+ for.

The other thing is, i you wat to import the new Vette you will need to find someone who is prepared to convert it. Most comercial importers of US cars have developed conversion kits to rearrange the dash and steering assembly and then had that kit engineered and approved for Australian roads.

If the importer hasnt developed an approved conversion kit for the vehicle you are importing you have to pay for the development and approval process as well.

Well that sucks, and is a down right shame!

[Fuzz]

BMW 335i Convertible?

$53,800 MSRP

Brand new sticker price is $135k to give you an idea of the price difference.

[El Presidente]

My God...we have gone from mini, megane, Arbath to 911's

I love the 335I Convertable. To get it within budget would be a 2008 with 50,000 km on the clock.

Welcome to luxury cars in Australia

[Habana Mike]

I have had my Jeep JK Diesal for coming up to 7 years and it will be retired to the warehouse and undergo a lift, bulbar treatment and a few engine tweaks. it will be used as a fine weather 4x4 for roof off trips along the islands and whenever I need a larger car to tow the trailer or take the kids away.

So I am looking for an absolute pocket rocket as a daily driver that puts a smile on your face every time you jump in.

Requirements:

Two door.

Fits like a glove

Turns on a dime

Great muffler growl

Attractive interior

Different.

Not perfect but you look forward to jumping in every day.

60K or under (40 K USD)

What should I be looking for?

Infiniti G37S - meets all the criteria and I love mine!

Shame about the recent super speeder ticket though.......

[Random]

Brand new sticker price is $135k to give you an idea of the price difference.

Holly Smokes!!

[Fuzz]

Holly Smokes!!

Yep. We have a 33% luxury car tax that kicks in for cars valued at above $60k ($75 for fuel efficient cars)

[Random]

Infiniti G37S - meets all the criteria and I love mine!

Shame about the recent super speeder ticket though.......

Technicaly its a Nissan 370Z, but more expensive and way too heavier.

BTW, Rob, what do you think about 370Z Coupe?

[Habana Mike]

Technicaly its a Nissan 370Z, but more expensive and way too heavier.

BTW, Rob, what do you think about 370Z Coupe?

True, but a little more comfortable too.

[Random]

True, but a little more comfortable too.

7K more expensive in the US

for this price roughly I can get a Stillen supercharger kit + exhaust and make it 420 hp car from a bone stock 370Z

[jrb5783]

Yep. We have a 33% luxury car tax that kicks in for cars valued at above $60k ($75 for fuel efficient cars)

Wow 33% percent ... gotta love the government

[LGC]

7K more expensive in the US

for this price roughly I can get a Stillen supercharger kit + exhaust and make it 420 hp car from a bone stock 370Z

You can never compare a luxury version of a car to the regular version. Performance vs luxury can be argued til the cows come home. It all depends on personal preferences.

[LGC]

No need to look any farther.

[Fuzz]

Wow 33% percent ... gotta love the government

Well, it only kicks in for GST inclusive value above the threshhold. Say the GST inclusive value of the car you want to buy is $80k (non fuel efficient). You would need to add $6600 to the value of the vehicle (33% of the 20k above the $60k threshhold), making it $86,600. So for a car that is $100k drive away, just under $13k is made up of luxury car tax.

Mind you, this is only for new cars, not 2nd hand as any tax has already been paid.