Car Shipping Agents. International.

[road rider]

Looking for some advice on a shipping agent from anyone who has gone down this path.

Car is in Wellington/New Zealand and would have to be shipped to Melbourne. 

 

Since this is a whole new venture for me, any advice would be greatly appreciated, Especially someone who has used and can recommend an agent.   

 

Car is a 280ZX 2 seater

 

Thanks.

[gav240z]

Hi,

 

I highly recommend Iron Chef, give Kristian a call, rather than email. He will give you the run down. Although usually deals with importing to Australia from UK, US and Japan, I'm sure he will know how to do it from NZ.

 

http://www.ironchefimports.com/

 

His contact phone is on this page.

http://www.ironladyimports.com/contact-us/

 

Did you buy a blue 2 seater ZX that was on TradeMe.co.nz?

[Classicman]

I have a car on the water from Auckland to Port Kembla at the moment and am using Taurus Logisitics.  

 

I haven't used them or anyone else from NZ before, but got quotes from 4 different companies online, and these guys were the most reasonable.  The ship docks on Thursday and I should have the car by Monday, so can give you an update on my experience if you like?

 

Just be careful and read your quotes carefully, as when they quote you, the cheapest quotes are via Japan for some reason and the car will be on the water for 5 weeks.  Ask for a direct quote, its about $500 more believe it or not, and only takes one week.  

 

You also have the option of container or RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-Off) I opted for RoRo as it is only 1 week.

[gav240z]

Just be careful and read your quotes carefully, as when they quote you, the cheapest quotes are via Japan for some reason and the car will be on the water for 5 weeks.  Ask for a direct quote, its about $500 more believe it or not, and only takes one week.  

 

I can second this point, some quotes from different companies DO NOT include all the fees at both ends. They will simply give you the shipping quote, then you're on your own once the car arrives at Port. This can make their quote look cheaper than others but in the end cost you significantly more!

 

The good thing about Iron Chef is that they give you a break down of each cost and the total cost to get on the road here. So you know pretty much exactly what it will cost. I did a lot of research on this when I shipping my RX-7 from Ireland back to Australia and it was the transparency of Iron Chef that made me choose them (along with a lot of positive feedback from others).

 

I would definitely use them again, and was going to when I looked at buying an S30z from the US of A a while back. That car however turned out to be different than described so I never imported it.

 

Good luck.

[road rider]

Thanks for the replies Gav and Classicman.

 

Thanks for the hidden costs advice also. I have made sure to ask for a door to door service.

 

I have received a quote back today from Cargo Online 

http://www.cargoonline.com.au/

 

I am awaiting another quote from I.H Hunter(these guys came recommended from another car enthusiast who has dealt with them previously)

http://www.ihhunter.com.au/

 

I will contact Christian too....thanks.

 

And yes Gav, it's that one on trademe at the moment. I have always yearned for a 280ZX 2 seater  

Have been in communication with the seller, but I haven't committed to buying yet.

I need to get an idea about the total cost before I can make a decision.

 

Will let you guys know how it pans out.

[road rider]

Unfortunately This purchase has not gone through.

 

With all the costs involved getting the 280ZX here from NZ and then the associated costs of getting it on the road etc, I wouldn't have seen any change from at least $10,000.

That figure coupled with the purchase price of NZ$18,000......well I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money. 

 

[gav240z]

Unfortunately This purchase has not gone through.

 

With all the costs involved getting the 280ZX here from NZ and then the associated costs of getting it on the road etc, I wouldn't have seen any change from at least $10,000.

That figure coupled with the purchase price of NZ$18,000......well I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money. 

 

 

Might not be a bad deal compared with this?

http://page12.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/p502180408

[Classicman]

Unfortunately This purchase has not gone through.

 

With all the costs involved getting the 280ZX here from NZ and then the associated costs of getting it on the road etc, I wouldn't have seen any change from at least $10,000.

That figure coupled with the purchase price of NZ$18,000......well I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money. 

 

I'm not sure how you get to a figure of $10k for shipping and getting the car on the road?  I paid NZ$1,700 to put my BMW on a RoRo from Auckland to Sydney.  I've just paid another $3,800 in Sydney for clearing costs and the dreaded GST ($2,550 of the $3,800).  Your costs will be lower as mine was based on a $25k car.  Lets say yours will be $3k, that will make your total landed cost (NZ$18,000 x 0.91 =) AU$16,400 + (NZ$1,700 x 0.91=) AU$1,550 + AU$3,000 = $21,000.  You can collect the car from the Melbourne port yourself, and unless there is a lot of work required on the car, can get it ready for Rego yourself.

 

I'd be happy to help if you need some advice?