20 replies to this topic

[Rosssco]

I'm considering making a move to Perth WA in a few months time (been offered a job, assistance to move etc.), and the query has come up whether I would want to take my SC VX220 with me.. Now the thought does initially appeal, especially since I've put so much time and effort into it, and the spec is now pretty good but there are also a number of drawbacks

 

Brief list on Pro's / Con's (feel free to add):

 

Yay

• It'd be unique / rare / never see another one
• Performance / cost ratio would be excellent compared to buying an equivalent Lotus product here
• I'd get the use out of it potentially more given the much warmer climate
• Value wise, even accounting for cost of keeping the car (12k ish) and import etc (4.5-5k ish) I doubt I'd loose any money if I had to sell it in Aus given rarety
• It wouldn't be an only car anyway (I'd have a daily for commuting and road trip / paramotor carrier)
• I love the little thing
• I'd probably rent a house with a garage, so it'd be snug
• Although never sold there, being a parts bin car, oily bits can be sourced from Holden-mobiles / Saab (drivetrain) or Lotus (suspension / brakes) etc. So they isn't a bit concern. And I do everything myself anyway..

Nay

• Shipping, import and rego costs - calculated all in by a reputable specialist this would be around GBP 4.5k. Even adding that onto a 12k value estimate, I wouldn't be able to pick up an Elise here for that, unless it was a very early K-Series probably
• It has no A/C - the current weather in the autumn / winter months is acceptable with early 20's C during the day. Summer it would be an absolute sweat box though and probably only useable for long drives with the roof off, or evenings (as I'm a pasty-ish Scot)
• Its small and would get run over by locals who wouldn't see it..
• There isn't an huge selection of 'drivers' roads, as you'd find in UK / Europe. Mostly straight line stuff unless you venture away from the city a decent distance
• It'd be unique / rare / never see another one
• Spares and parts - The oily bits are fine, Lotus dealers here, I'm switched on with compatibility, and plenty GM products for general stuff. VX specific parts such as body and interior would be a nightmare, and a bit accident would mean it would be potentially worthless if the clams weren't repairable..
• Selling would mean I'd get to try some local metal for a change (not that there's much comparable..)
• I hate the little thing

[Madmitch]

I have supplied sandwich plate gaskets to Australia and I know that the cars attract huge interest there and they don't seem to have any more difficulty keeping them going than we do in Europe.  They certainly enjoy them out there, Perth has a beautiful climate, with all that you have invested in that car I would say keep it. 

[Rosssco]

I have supplied sandwich plate gaskets to Australia and I know that the cars attract huge interest there and they don't seem to have any more difficulty keeping them going than we do in Europe.  They certainly enjoy them out there, Perth has a beautiful climate, with all that you have invested in that car I would say keep it. 

 

Thanks Mitch. Yeah it's likely slightly better climate for no A/C than some of the eastern states like QLD which are a bit more humid all year round.

 

Ironically, one of the (small) reasons I fitted a new Saab motor last year was to get away from the VX oil cooler and sandwich gaskets

[rob999]

I’m sure there was the guy in HK who retrofitted AC years ago?

I’d take it Ross; hardly any over there so you’d get your money back should you sell it.

The not being seen bit surely is not that different to driving here. Yes road trains are a bit different but....

Perth is out on its own a bit but there must be some driving roads out there along the coast. Lucky chap though; good luck over there....

[NickB787]

Difficult decision, body spares would be the main hassle, there is a chap with one in Sydney I think, he is/was on the forum, maybe worth a pm too.

 

If you do take it get adjust the suspension up high so when they do their inspection, they drive the car over basically a big bit of wood to see if it has the required clearance, I spoke to someone who imported a mustang mk1 and said they were pretty harsh

”if it rips the bottom off it’s too low” 

ground clearance due to big drainage gutters in the roads and at the end of parking bays was definitely one of my concerns

 

You will need to change the stack due KPH.

 

Get a second opinion on charges shipping should be the main one, it won’t fall fowl of the luxury car tax, 4.5k seems a bit much

 

https://www.infrastr...ptions/pis.aspx

 

http://www.carshippi....uk/auspack.pdf

 

been looking at taking the Jag

 

Other problem, Police they are VERY hot on speeding 62kmp in a 60 zone and you get a heavy fine.

 

Edited by NickB787, 22 May 2019 - 06:52 AM.

[Benz]

Ross,

 

Take it.

 

Alternative is that you leave it with me and I'll make sure it is well used

 

Co-incidently, yesterday I got an email from my ex boss who has been in Perth for a few years now.  His take on it - nice weather, a bit like the UK was in the 80's (no idea what he means by that, but he is originally from Salford...) and things are expensive.  Overall, he likes it there.

[Rosssco]

I’m sure there was the guy in HK who retrofitted AC years ago?

I’d take it Ross; hardly any over there so you’d get your money back should you sell it.

The not being seen bit surely is not that different to driving here. Yes road trains are a bit different but....

Perth is out on its own a bit but there must be some driving roads out there along the coast. Lucky chap though; good luck over there....

 

Yeah, I'm sure A/C is feasible, but as a second car it wouldn't be essential. And agreed that people don't see you here either..! In all honestly, I don't hammer it over here anyway.. Mostly just cruise about! 

 

Early days anyway. Its all just a concept at this stage..

[Rosssco]

Difficult decision, body spares would be the main hassle, there is a chap with one in Sydney I think, he is/was on the forum, maybe worth a pm too.

 

If you do take it get adjust the suspension up high so when they do their inspection, they drive the car over basically a big bit of wood to see if it has the required clearance, I spoke to someone who imported a mustang mk1 and said they were pretty harsh

”if it rips the bottom off it’s too low” 

ground clearance due to big drainage gutters in the roads and at the end of parking bays was definitely one of my concerns

 

You will need to change the stack due KPH.

 

Get a second opinion on charges shipping should be the main one, it won’t fall fowl of the luxury car tax, 4.5k seems a bit much

 

https://www.infrastr...ptions/pis.aspx

 

http://www.carshippi....uk/auspack.pdf

 

been looking at taking the Jag

 

Other problem, Police they are VERY hot on speeding 62kmp in a 60 zone and you get a heavy fine.

 

Yeah I've been here working for a couple months (due back soon). Roads don't seem to bad (better condition than most UK roads). 

 

On suspension, I use Exige Bilsteins so ground clearance is plenty The car is fairly modified, but looks fairly standard-ish and OEM (ignoring the SC..). Not sure how much of any issue mods can be, but the chap at the import place didn't seem to bother about them.

 

Price wise, probably can get cheaper, but I contacted the folk below and they offer a full service to bring it in. Last thing I'd want is to have it languishing in a warehouse as I'd missed something.

 

 

https://www.ironladyimports.com/

 

Might be a few KPH stacks about with people fitting the LCD screen thing..

[Rosssco]

Ross,

 

Take it.

 

Alternative is that you leave it with me and I'll make sure it is well used

 

Co-incidently, yesterday I got an email from my ex boss who has been in Perth for a few years now.  His take on it - nice weather, a bit like the UK was in the 80's (no idea what he means by that, but he is originally from Salford...) and things are expensive.  Overall, he likes it there.

 

Scott, welcome to it now - its sitting outside in Aberdoom You need to get it running though, as it hasnt for a while!

 

Yup. Lovely place. Quieter and less hectic than the UK (and east coast Aus). Roughly 10-15% more expensive for a lot of things (including booze). Wee bit behind with some other things, but I wouldn't say the 80's (not sure if that's weather or general tech haha). You can get pretty much everything here same as at home. And they are building / developing a lot of public spaces. Apparently it has changed quite a bit in the last 10 years, and is fair more 'European' than it was perhaps...

[vocky]

AC would be quite an easy option, just use the Europa AC parts and a z22se aircon compressor.

 

If it was me I would take the car, perfect weather for a vx220, unlike the uk ....

[Rosssco]

AC would be quite an easy option, just use the Europa AC parts and a z22se aircon compressor.

 

If it was me I would take the car, perfect weather for a vx220, unlike the uk ....

 

Yeah I thought of that, it was more the hassle of relocating battery, running pipes up the sill, fitting rad and wiring everything in.. An option however!

[siztenboots]

take it apart now , and we will post it to you , bit by bit , like those collectors magazines

[aquilaproejct]

G'day Mate,

You would certainly be joining a select few. We have an NA in Brisbane, a turbo in Adelaide, an opel that's gone AWOL and my NA (now SC post ship out) in Melbourne.

I bought mine in two years ago via personal import which is what you would have to do. Getting approval from the govt is a pain, but a well trodden path. Once landed you have to get a certified engineer to sign it off, which is where you are likely to get tripped up as they ask about any modifications.... Some you can hide as the car is unfamiliar... SC probably not.

The car is rare and people will stop you to chat about it and ask about it at traffic lights. You are definitely seen and I have never been concerned about being run over.😆

Car parts are easy to get with zafira, vectra and lotus sold here. only down side being UK shipping on vx220 parts.... The Speedo is fine with the small kph

As for AC... Yep definitely on the wish list. The sills inside the car get insanely hot in summer and you might want to install a heater bypass loop near the engine as an urgent stop gap. Melboure hits 42 degrees.

I am currently starting work on fitting an exige AC box with a z22se compressor... Early days in part collecting phase, but will make her much more useable. Consider buying parts in UK before coming out.

Highly recommend it you work out the SC situation...

Pm if you want to chat


Anth

[Rosssco]

Hi Anth, good to hear from an owner over here (there).. Sounds like you are all out east anyway!

 

Yeah, it does sound a pain, hence why the copy linked above apppealed (even though they charge $1000), good advice and experience is often worth it..

 

For the SC, its quite an OEM looking install, but yep, bit of a risk. Alternatively, I'm quite handy with the SC (having installed a few now) so it wouldn't be the end of the world to remove the SC and manifold and refit the standard manifold. It would be the slowest VX though as its now a 2.0 Saab engine (9.5:1 CR) but I can tweak OBD-Tuner to suit.. Anyway..

 

The other obvious mods are probably different wheels, brake discs, anti-roll bars. The rest (incl. exhaust) are OEM-ish and covered in undertray.

 

I'd look to ship a box of spares in the car (if thats feasible). And prob a few difficult to find bits just in case.

 

The car would be lovely this time of year actually, with no need for A/C. But yeah, summer..

 

If things move forward, I'll probably PM you for a couple of things!

 

Ross

[Rosssco]

take it apart now , and we will post it to you , bit by bit , like those collectors magazines

 

I might have to do something similar at this stage anyway Steve..

[aquilaproejct]

Yeah just do it!😆
SC reversal will be likely
Happy to share my cost book as well.
The link above will get your car to Australia, but not on the road.
Shipping parts in the car is also frowned upon on by customs... And they do inspect every used car coming in.

Good luck!

[VXRDon]

Get a fast Holden and blend in


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[VXRDon]

Bigger issue is the druggies, winos and brothels that feature in downtown Perth. Nice beaches near but Fremantle much nicer


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[Rosssco]

Bigger issue is the druggies, winos and brothels that feature in downtown Perth. Nice beaches near but Fremantle much nicer

 

Like every other downtown then..! Gotta have some form of entertainment. Lots of nice beaches (if that's your thing). Freo is good for a day out on the p*ss for sure

[Rosssco]

Yeah just do it!😆
SC reversal will be likely
Happy to share my cost book as well.
The link above will get your car to Australia, but not on the road.
Shipping parts in the car is also frowned upon on by customs... And they do inspect every used car coming in.

Good luck!

 

Think that is on the road:

 

 

Shipping costs

£945.00

Ocean Freight & Export Customs

 

Insurance (1.8% of nominated value)

 

Import Costs

$1,900.00

Customs, Quarantine & Port

$608.43

Import Duty

$1,379.75

GST

 

Registration Costs

$1,150.00

Compliance

$622.75

Registration

$0.00

Stamp Duty

 

Other Costs

$50.00

Import Approval Application

$330.00

Australian Customs vehicle valuation

$990.00

Iron Lady Imports fee ('A' Package)