Import Car Valuation

Getting your head around the import process can be tricky

If you have imported a car to Australia from Japan, UK, USA or another country that was bought some time before the import date and has depreciated since then (or was bought from a friend for a nominal value), then you won’t be able to use your original purchase invoice or paperwork for Customs valuation when it comes time to import your car.

You will then be left asking “Who can provide an import car valuation ?” or “How much is my car worth for the calculation of import duty and GST by Australian Customs ?”.

How do you provide Customs with an import car valuation if you don't have a recent purchase invoice?

In this situation Australian Customs will ask for an alternative car valuation method and your car will almost always go “redline”, meaning further information / investigation by Customs is required prior to clearance.

Your pride and joy will be stuck on the wharf until Customs is satisfied.

Considering wharf storage can cost between $40 and $100 per day, you will want to provide all requested information as soon as possible so your car can be quickly cleared from the wharf and delivered to you before incurring any unnecessary costs.

Sure, you could obtain a free valuation from some online car value guides such as the red book car valuation, but online guides for used car values like this won’t be accepted on their own by Customs in Australia as an expert car valuation for the purposes of Customs duty calculation.

What Australian Customs want is an accurate valuation from a reputable car valuation expert. After all, even if Customs Officers had access to comparative pricing for similar vehicles, they don’t have time to research this for you (and frankly it’s not their job to value cars).

How to Obtain an Import Car Valuation

1. Choose a provider

We are a licensed motor vehicle dealer specialising in imported vehicles.

We provide expert valuations for imported cars whether they are a modern or classic car.

Our professional valuation can be immediately used when submitting your Customs entry, and costs only $220 + GST:

We email your car valuation to you in PDF within 24 hours
We are available to Customs Officers at any time should they require more information

Other import car valuation services charge up to $500.

2. Provide details

What we require from you so we can accurately value your car:

Pictures of your car
Details of condition, kms, extras fitted, past repair history and any existing damage
Origin country
Previous value when purchased
Copy of registration paperwork
Your contact information

PLEASE NOTE: Our import car valuation is for Australian Customs entry. We do not provide valuations for local vehicles, or for insurance, finance or legal matters.

Trusted by thousands

Honda Fit

I would give 6 stars if I could. Caylon was very diligent and responsive, and helped me secure my lovely Honda Fit. From auctioning and purchasing to paperwork, shipping, and passing Australian compliance, the entire process was transparent and completely headache‑free – all I need to was pay the required amount. If you’re looking for a JDM car, I would highly recommend Prestige Motorsport.

Thomas

Mitsubishi Pajero Mini

This is the second time Prestige Motorsport have assisted in importing a car from Japan for me. Like the first experience, this time was highly professional and the result is another great car for my partner and I to enjoy. Thanks so much to Caylon for making a potentially complex process so easy and with great communications. Highly recommended

Colin

Toyota Landcruiser

Huge thanks to Caylon & Prestige Motorsport for sourcing a JDM HDJ81 suitable for Aussie import. Loving the cruiser gents, it’s an absolute weapon. I’m just getting used to driving it on the road now, on the highway from Geelong to Mount Gambier at 100 I can feel how much more it can still give in 5th gear, so absolutely loving it.

Lachy

Mitsubishi Delica D5

Big thanks to Caylon and the team for helping me find a Delica D5. Caylon was very thorough in helping me sift through the auction lists, pointing out hidden quality issues with various vehicles to avoid. Once we found the right one, it went for a great price. The team also ensured all communication and documentation were handled smoothly throughout the import process. Thanks again to Caylon and the team!

Nick

Subaru Forester Cross Sport

Importing my 2006 Subaru Forester Cross Sport was a smooth and very well informed journey thanks to Caylon at Prestige Motorsport! From start to the finish, Caylon was super helpful answering my many queries quickly with great detail and an expert opinion.

Rory

Nissan Serena

Huge thanks to Caylon and team taking care of us & organising to bring bring our Nissan Serena from Japan as a personal import. Awesome job mate!

Taishi

Mitsubishi Pajero Mini

I had a great experience working with Caylon at Prestige Motorsport. The whole process, from scouting for vehicles to actually taking delivery in the United States of my 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Mini was both professional and a pleasure. I would do business with Prestige again without any hesitation!

Christopher

xxx

Good clear comms, easy to follow.

Responsive and always ready to assist – even when it’s not his job.

Recommended if you’re thinking about finding/importing a vehicle.

Peter