ALL ABOUT IMPORTING

THE PROCESS

HOW DOES IT WORK?

What type of car do you want?

We listen to what you would like to purchase and will advise and assist you in the process as we know what is available and what can be imported / complied. If someone has told you stories that simply are not right, we'll "bite the bullet" and tell you the way things really are. For example, vehicles in Japan travel between 5,000 and 10,000 klms per annum, that's just a fact of life. There are some, in fact quite a lot, of vehicles that have very low klms, but there are also a large number of vehicles that are used commercially and have high Klm . Good cars with low klms are not the very cheap ones sold by the backyard importer. Persistence and patience usually results in getting a true bargain, that is, a great car at a good price by putting sensible bids on suitable cars. That is what we can do for you, inspect, report and bid / negotiate for you.

What is a suitable budget?

We help you decide on a suitable budget based on previous and current auction prices. and vehicle details which we'll share with you. The things that affect price are klms, models, colours and modifications. There are other factors like the weather, the location of the auction and the time of year, it's all relevant and after doing this for so long we are in a position to give enlightened advice about what the state of the auctions may be at any given time.

Are finances available to take advantage of the system?

We will ask you how you wish to pay; we need to know that the car you instruct us to buy for you is able to be paid for within a 24 hr period. Not the full price, just the car cost FOB in Japan. It is way too late to apply for finance after the car is purchased. We will introduce you to a reputable finance broker if required to arrange a pre-approval, the typical factors affecting finance are, stability, have you lived / worked at the same place for a reasonable period? Ability to service a new loan, have you demonstrated the ability to repay a loan by already saving similar amounts as the loan repayments or, has your situation improved recently? for example, have you just paid out a loan? Everyone's situation will be different.

What is the deal with compliance?

We will describe the requirements regarding compliance and getting vehicles off the docks but in general terms, vehicles have to be stock standard when they are complied and first registered. Performance parts have to be removed prior to compliance, we arrange this for you to avoid un-necessary loss of expensive parts .Discuss this in detail with us.

How do I know that the car will be good?

That is the single most important difference between SVi and other ways of buying an imported car, we have very experienced professional inspectors and buyers in Japan, we actually brought our main buyer to Australia and trained him here for 12 months. Maybe he trained us, either way we speak the same language, when we say it has to be straight, clean and original, no paintwork needed etc, we know that is understood. Our buyer inspects and takes extensive photographs which we send to you for approval prior to purchase. SVi have the advantage over other importers in many ways but the genuine money back guarantee is of the utmost importance. It would be foolhardy and dangerous to buy a car without having a thorough inspection and genuine money back guarantee, I would not do it and I advise others not to as well.

OK, SVi get the car inspected but what if it is still not as described when it gets here?

Good question and one that is asked often. We have developed a very easy to understand, comprehensive money back guarantee.

How long does it take to find a car?

The average time is about 2 weeks but we have had some specific requests with tough budgets that have taken a lot longer, it is often you who will determine the time it takes, you are in control. If the cars are there and the inspections are spot on to what you want it may be that you will be able to find your vehicle very quickly. Like any auction it is only money that buys the goods. If you only have a limited budget it may take a little longer to get the car you want, The fact is that you can buy for the same cost as any dealer through this system. You will buy a better quality vehicle than what you'll see in most dealer yards, your motivation is to get a great vehicle, dealers are motivated differently, something to do with being "dollar driven". Business is business; I am not knocking dealers, P3 they have to pay the rent after all.

After the purchase how long does it take?

We usually find that it takes about 5 to 7 weeks. There are some things that SVi don’t control which can have a delaying affect. Shipping Schedule and delays at wharf clearance , compliance delays due to dealing with government departments.

Do cars still come over as deck cargo?

No, cars are transported as “ RO-RO “ roll on roll off, all shipped in massive, purpose built car carriers, multi story, sealed vessels. Cars are tied down tight to the floors and damage is rare.

How long do cars sit on the docks here in Australia?

That depends on the Import approval and the number of cars that have to be inspected by quarantine. The SVi service arranges the quick passage through the docks by using the RAWS best compliers that are approved by the DoTaRS , generally they are not the cheapest but they are the best way to go. We usually use RAWS that are members of the RAWS Association, it simply means they have been checked out, trained and are in agreement to do high standard compliance work promptly and without fuss. SVi will arrange the RAWS to do the compliance quickly and competently. SVi clients go straight to the front of the queue thus avoiding lengthy delays.

How long does it take to get the compliance plate?

Usually a week to ten days from the date of submission to DoTaRS. The compliance process technically starts with the import approval application. Only a RAWS can import a vehicle under the current system. The import approval application will only be issued to the RAWS. The vehicle has to be complied by that RAWS as they applied for that approval. This is scary! There are some RAWS that have taken up to 6 months to get cars complied! SVi have the knowledge and experience to avoid these RAWS which means a speedy efficient compliance and plating of the car. No shortcuts, just efficient, swift compliances.

There is a guy on the internet that charges a lot less than $1500 +GST why pay SVi that much?

You get what you pay for. Pay a little, get a little bit of service, pay the correct fee and you get great service, experience, someone that will respond to your calls even after the purchase, someone that has a fixed, known address, someone that offers a genuine money back guarantee, someone with a great reputation and who is a licensed motor dealer broker. Our Buyer in Japan inspects the vehicle takes multiple photos prior to auction (which we send to you) There is no point taking photos after you have purchased the vehicle and found it to be rusty or smoked in. The fact that the SVi director has owned and operated a RAWS Workshop should also be an advantage to buyers, knowledge is power, we help you understand what you need to know and make sure you don't get caught out.

I have concerns about insurance.

SVi will assist clients to get the best cover available by sharing our contacts with clients, All the vehicles that we import are able to be insured at competitive rates ,insurance premiums are calculated by a combination of the type of vehicle and the drivers history most customers are pleasantly surprised at the premiums quoted.

What is the auction grading system about?

There are a number of things affecting grades which are; age, type of vehicle, corrosion etc. Our Japanese inspectors have the language skills to get the best interpretation so you know a lot about what the car is like even before they go to inspect the car. Just a quick note here, many cheap brokers will buy using auction grades and taking the grade as proof that a car may be good. This is always going to be a problem, most Japanese inspectors are good but some are not, everyone has a bad day and if you get a car that is not well described, who will help you out? Good inspections and a guarantee is the minimum recommendation.

Different auctions have slightly different versions of what is a grade 4 , our inspectors make sure, check, photograph and report exactly what they see. Don't settle for less.

Vehicles usually have an auction graded description which is usually accurate as follows:

6 - being absolutely new, no kilometres,

5 - is like new but with low kilometres,

4.5 - would be an exceptionally good car,

4 - would be a really nice original car and better than average ,

3.5 - cars are still very good as are auction grade 3,

2.5 - grade cars are not really good and so on down to 0. We advise you DON'T purchase these vehicles.

Accident cars.Accident cars.

Vehicles which have had significant accident damage are always auction grade 0 or A , or a variation of “0 or A”. Sorry this is hard to explain. If the accident was small and has not necessarily been repaired it may be anything from “0” to “099 “ which would be indicative of the damage. We do not buy these cars.

What do I get with a Japanese car?

Most Japanese cars are fully optioned, with air conditioning, power windows, power steering, central locks, sound system, carpets, etc.

I have seen yards with some very low klms shown on the speedos, are they genuine?

Most vehicles have done comparatively low kilometres; There are however high kilometre vehicles in Japan. The Japanese deregistration papers, which have to be supplied to the compliers, show klms at the last inspection. Ask to see the original and if they are not available the Klm may not be correct There is no legitimate excuse not to show the deregistration papers.

What should I do to make sure the klms are real?

The minimum requirement you insist on should be original Japanese export certificate or deregistration papers and the auction sheets. If these are not available you should not buy the vehicle in my opinion. You will very likely have trouble selling it later if you can’t prove the klms this way. SVI supply you with a certificate to confirm correct Klm's.

Log books

Some vehicles come with log books and some do not. Don’t be concerned if they are not supplied, it is different than here. The auctions sheets should indicate the real kilometers and the dereg originals will confirm or conflict with them .The deregistration papers are intended to guarantee clear title (not stolen).

What will I save?

We usually save buyers between $2000 and $3,000 depending on the value of the vehicle purchased. There are vehicles sold previously and used in Australia that are cheaper but they are rarely what they seem. Backyard dealers are not subject to consumer laws and can spin speedos, do dodgy repairs, sell without proof of title, resell flood damaged cars and a host of other sneaky ways to separate you from your money without a care for you or the car after you drive away. They may not even be there when you take the car back looking for assistance. Buying from a reputable Company that is a Licensed motor dealer offers good assurances and peace of mind. If clients wish to avail themselves of the full SVi service it is important to have the agreement signed and money paid.as per the terms of the contract.

Say you don’t find me a car, what about my deposit?

The SVi consultant agrees to try to find a vehicle suitable for the purchaser. If, after 90 days no suitable car is found the purchaser can have 50% of the fee payable refunded or they can still keep SVi looking for the suitable car, no extra fee is charged.

When a car is bought how will I pay?

In the case of a signed brokerage arrangement, the purchaser must within 24 Hours pays the car cost and Japanese agents fee to SVi . The exchange rate on the day will dictate the actual amount transferred. Any paperwork SVi forward for signing must be returned by overnight mail to avoid costly delays.

or

In the case of agreed price agreement, there may be graduated payment of a set figure as pre-agreed.

Where will the car land and what happens when it does?

The vehicle will arrive in an Australian Port where customs clearances and quarantine inspections are arranged by SVi

The vehicle is then transported to the compliance workshop arranged by SVi

What do I pay when the vehicle arrives?

The purchaser will pay SVI the customs agent fees, taxes and duties relevant to the importation of the vehicle prior to the vehicle being trucked to the compliance company. SVi will arrange this as it is quite complicated.

When do I pay for the compliance?

The complier will modify the vehicle to the relevant Australian Design Rules and fit the Australian compliance plate. SVi will pay the complier and bill the client. If there are extra costs like brake rotors of roadworthy items unable to be included in the compliance these costs have to be passed on to the owner.

Delivery

The car may be picked up or trucked interstate if required. SVi may assist to get the best trade rate for the client.

If the customer needs help to register the car the consultant may, at their discretion, assist the purchaser to achieve this.

Why not buy from Japan without SVi?

Buying from Japan can have mixed results, some people have bought and been lucky that the vehicle they bought was an OK one, many more have been disappointed with the delivered vehicle, what do you do then? SVi only buy from reputable agents whose descriptions are consistently good and who need SVi business so they are careful not to make careless mistakes. SVi agents in Japan inspect the vehicle and take multiple photos which we send to you prior to purchase. We also guarantee the quality of your purchase this is unique to SVi

Can I get the car complied myself and save money?

Only a RAWS can import a car to Australia and only that RAWS can comply that car. The negotiating power of SVI means that an individual is unlikely to get the same deal as SVi and the package must remain intact to insure smooth transit through the many complex papers and forms. It is easy to forget or overlook something if you are not used to a certain process. It’s very expensive to store vehicles on the docks where things may get damaged or even go missing. SVi have established practices to deal with all paperwork. SVi will use the best, reputable compliers not necessarily the cheapest. Vehicle not complied correctly may be subject to recalls. RAWS that do not comply cars correctly may take lengthy periods to have a plate approved so your car could sit for up to six months, This happened to one of our clients who bought a vehicle through us and asked to use a certain complier, whom we will no longer use, took all that time to get a plate. Cheapest is not the best when it comes to compliance .

What can SVi do that I can’t do myself?

SVi can save you thousands of dollars and at the same time source the vehicle you want, have it inspected prior to purchase and guarantee the quality. SVi can do all the paperwork for you, arrange the import, compliance, customs clearance, quarantine in Japan and in Australia, transport to the docks in Japan and from the docks in Australia at trade rates. SVi can arrange interstate delivery at a fraction of what local domestic clients ever could. SVi can help arrange insurance in Australia for most people. There are many more savings with SVi that are too many to mention.

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Svi can sell you a car from stock at a great price saving you money.