Importing a vehicle from the US

[bugeyeguy]

I have a classic sports car that I'd like to take to NZ with me when I relocate. I have read, although I can't seem to find the site now, :icon_rolleyes: that I do not have to pay GST at importation IF I keep the car for two years and it is used for my personal transportation. True?

Does anyone know the website for this sort of information

Any contacts for reputable vehicle shippers from US immigrants would be appreciated.

Thanks> BTW the EOI goes in tomorrow. Anyone in NZ need a good diesel mechanic?

Tom

Hi
Yes, you are correct about importing the car. You might want to have a look at this link for more info:

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/importing/

I dont know any vehicle shippers though, sorry.

Hi, Tom,

If you are shipping over a container with your personal possessions, you can just tuck it in there for a nominal fee. My husband and I looked into this extensively before deciding to sell our car. The cost difference to bring our car in our container was $200. If you are shipping just the car, I might be able to refer you to a good shipper.. let me do a little investigation and I'll send you a PM. You're well situated near Long Beach, which helps a lot!!

Is it a left-hand or right-hand drive car? If a left-hand drive, we were given to understand that we had to keep the car for 5 years, not 2, before selling it without GST. I may have misunderstood that part, though.

All the best, Rae

Thanks Taffy and Rae.

I'll be sure to investigate that link and the idea of shipping a car with the household goods.

Rae, I like the "Cleverly disguised" statement. It's sort of in keeping with one of my favorites: "I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up!"

Cheers,
Tom

Hi, Tom,

I'm always glad if anything I impart is of help to someone -- I've been helped so much by others here, and supporting each other is so important in pursuing such a life-altering decision.

LOL, thanks re the 'Cleverly disguised...' tagline. I can't recall where I first heard it, but it suited me to a tee. And lots of others I'm sure, too!!

Best of luck in your immigration adventures!!

Rae

I've heard that if it's a left hand drive car you need to convert it to a right hand drive car after a year. However this came from the flatmate that said diabetes is absolutely not a problem in NZ. Take it with a grain of "sugar"

The other flatmate works with artificial limbs, and a huge majority of clients are diabetes related. So let's just say I take everything the one that thinks diabetes isn't a problem with a grain of salt.

Hi, James,

Your flatmate is partially correct. Most lefthand drive vehicles must be converted to righthand drive, but there are exceptions. The vehicle can only be registered as lefthand drive (LHD) and driven on NZ roads are vehicles considered exempt from the law. For a vehicle to be considered exempt, it must meet the following criteria:

1. Gross vehicle mass of not more than 3500 kg;

2. Imported by you, for your own personal use;

3. Manufactured less than 20 years before the date it was imported;

4. You have registered, owned and operated the vehicle overseas, for 90 days or more;

5. In a 5-year period, you can only register one such vehicle in NZ;

6. The vehicle must be registered in your name for at least 5 years after its first registration in NZ unless the vehicle is 20 years old or more.

If the vehicle is 20 years old or more, then the following criteria apply:

1. Gross vehicle mass of not more than 3500 kg;

2. Imported by you for your own personal use;

3. Was manufactured 20years or more before the date it was imported;

4. In a 12-month period, you can only register one such vehicle in NZ.

These are the main points to consider if you're thinking of importing a LHD vehicle for your own personal use on NZ roads.

Here's a link you might find useful: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/factsheets/12.html

Hope this is helpful!!

All the best, Rae

Rae, et al.

The car in question is a 1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite (Frogeye in the UK). Hence my bugeyeguy name.

It has long surpassed 40 years of age, let alone that 20 year mark. I've owned it over 10 years and it's always been registered and insured in my name during that time. I intend to keep it for my personal use as a weekend driver.

It will probably NEVER see a metal road unless I'm caught out by road construction without notice (figure those odds!).

If I leave NZ within 5 years it will go with me as it's more a companion than a dog could ever be. Am I in love with my car? Play Queen's "I'm in love with my car" and you'll get the idea of what I mean. I guess it qualifies to remain LHD.

We're getting closer to our goal of emigrating to NZ. We were selected on September 29th. I have received a package from a Palmerston North based trucking service firm about my possibly going to work for them, and a lot of things are positive right now... Keep good thoughgts everybody!

Cheers,
Tom