[WhiteKnuckle1320]

As an update, I received the below quote for my Dodge in Oregon, where I understand there's no sales tax, which should save a few thousand dollars.

Is someone able to advise - what level of negotiating is reasonable? I don't want to come off as arrogant or insincere, however my requirements were:

• R/T in white knuckle
• automatic transmission
• performance handling group

The dealer appears to be charging no markups, however the additional options significantly increase the cost of the vehicle and are not what I was after.

The vehicle also appears to be located in Idaho, and I note that there is a $1600 dealer delivery charge. As I need this to go to the docks in Los Angeles, does this fee generally include the cost of shipping to a location of my choice?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pursuitlx]

I was hoping someone had something useful to add. I checked my local dealer, and saw they had several frostbite 2022 R/Ts, auto and manual. Hope you were able to negotiate a few thousand off!

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

I was hoping someone had something useful to add. I checked my local dealer, and saw they had several frostbite 2022 R/Ts, auto and manual. Hope you were able to negotiate a few thousand off!

May I ask, even if through a private message, which local dealership this is?

 

[Bricol]

As an update, I received the below quote for my Dodge in Oregon, where I understand there's no sales tax, which should save a few thousand dollars.

Is someone able to advise - what level of negotiating is reasonable? I don't want to come off as arrogant or insincere, however my requirements were:

• R/T in white knuckle
• automatic transmission
• performance handling group

The dealer appears to be charging no markups, however the additional options significantly increase the cost of the vehicle and are not what I was after.

The vehicle also appears to be located in Idaho, and I note that there is a $1600 dealer delivery charge. As I need this to go to the docks in Los Angeles, does this fee generally include the cost of shipping to a location of my choice?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
View attachment 1073146

I'd be checking first if they can sell you a new car as a non-US national.

Previously owned cars are no problem - and if you are exporting, then they shouldn't be charging you sales tax - the dealer I bought from declared it for export and didn't charge it.

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

It's taken me a little while but I'm putting down a deposit on this beauty! I think that its quite a rare model and would be a blast to drive!

 

[quiddy22]

I decided to import my Redeye February of last year year and all up it cost $180K AUD. Now if you want one it will cost close to $250K. You have to do your research and contact at least three or four of the main importers and see which one suits your need. My advice is if you do decide to buy one is go for the one that does the mirror conversion and not that stupid bar behind the dash I forget what its called but if you need more feedback you can connect with me via FB. Name I use is Dodge Redeye.

Hi - I’m looking at doing the same. When you say circa 250k AUD, does that include the purchase cost in the US? Asking it another way - 2023 models are going for about 100k USD, so call that 150k AUD. Is it then about 100k AUD on shipping/import/duties/conversion/etc?

 

[OzCat]

Hi - I’m looking at doing the same. When you say circa 250k AUD, does that include the purchase cost in the US? Asking it another way - 2023 models are going for about 100k USD, so call that 150k AUD. Is it then about 100k AUD on shipping/import/duties/conversion/etc?

Yeah - the figure quoted above does include the purchase cost in the US but you'll be lucky to get a new Redeye now for 250kAUD, maybe a low optioned Hellcat. I guess the good thing for you now is that the exchange rate can't get any worse.

 

[Stay Thirsty My Friends]

I guess the good thing for you now is that the exchange rate can't get any worse.

I am thinking of someone can pay $150k+ for a Challenger, they are not too concerned about the exchange rate.

It's taken me a little while but I'm putting down a deposit on this beauty! I think that its quite a rare model and would be a blast to drive!

2022 or 2023?

Can't go wrong with a 1320...though several members here will say "strictly a track" car.

How much would a set of Nexen Sur4g tires cost you? Here we are about $1800 + tax + install, so $2k.

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

Hi - I’m looking at doing the same. When you say circa 250k AUD, does that include the purchase cost in the US? Asking it another way - 2023 models are going for about 100k USD, so call that 150k AUD. Is it then about 100k AUD on shipping/import/duties/conversion/etc?

If it's of any assistance, I'm expecting that I'll be paying about $165k for my 1320 when all is said and done. I've found the bank that gives the best exchange rate (HSBC), I bought from a dealer in a state which has no sales tax (Oregon) and is located close to California from where it'll be shipped, and a dealer who doesn't do markups and are easy to deal with and speak to (can provide their details if you like - feel free to message me).

Shipping is 9k, taxes are 21k depending on exchange rate so give or take. Conversion is around 50k

By all means if you have any questions happy to have a chat to you.

2022 or 2023?

Can't go wrong with a 1320...though several members here will say "strictly a track" car.

How much would a set of Nexen Sur4g tires cost you? Here we are about $1800 + tax + install, so $2k.

It's a 2022 that I'm getting - realistically I'm never selling this beauty so being the last year model makes minimal difference to me. Plus I save a few thousand dollars which never hurts - I'll put it to other things on the car.

While it's a track car, I'll take it for a spin at the drag strip... however I also like how rare such a model is, and am hoping 2023 production numbers put it at less than the amount of demons built.

Your tires seem quite expensive! It's about $600 per tire here, so $2400 all up. That equates to $1650 USD which includes fitting

 

[Stay Thirsty My Friends]

I think that its quite a rare model and would be a blast to drive!

As I understand the situation:
659 1320's produced for 2021.
334 for 2022.

So you are in short company.

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

As I understand the situation:
659 1320's produced for 2021.
334 for 2022.

So you are in short company.

From memory including 2019 and 2020, there's a smidgen over 2,000 built, so just hoping that there's less than 1,000 1320s made this year!

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

My vehicle was transported from East Oregon to California the last week, pictures of it sitting in a shipping yard.

Next steps are to obtain approval from the Australian Government to import it, give it a good clean, and confirm that there is no asbestos in the car (apparently USA accepts 1%, Australia has a zero tolerance policy).

For a 4 month process, we're one week in. Just 3 months and 3 weeks to go. As an aside, is it too much to also want that silver beauty in the background?

 

[2020GoMango]

My vehicle was transported from East Oregon to California the last week, pictures of it sitting in a shipping yard.

Next steps are to obtain approval from the Australian Government to import it, give it a good clean, and confirm that there is no asbestos in the car (apparently USA accepts 1%, Australia has a zero tolerance policy).

For a 4 month process, we're one week in. Just 3 months and 3 weeks to go. As an aside, is it too much to also want that silver beauty in the background?
View attachment 1089438 View attachment 1089439

I've been following your journey since I posted way back in November (post #6). I've stayed out of the thread as I get too frustrated with government's intervention in our lives. As I stated I feel bad enough for my friend in Adelaide who could not buy my GT/CS and who also cites endless issues with buying quality goods in South Australia. I imagine it's the same for the entire country.

I just hope it all goes through for you. I absolutely enjoy the Vanishing Point white cars. I'm sure you have seen the 1971 flick (if not, do NOT watch the horrific re-make made in the 90's).

Just for your info, since you obviously are a serious car dude, my Aussie friend's collector car is a 1971 Valiant Charger 770 with a 265 Hemi. I never even heard of it before until he told me all about it. I believe they are quite expensive today. He is slowly restoring his but it's one of those projects that may never get done,

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

I've been following your journey since I posted way back in November (post #6). I've stayed out of the thread as I get too frustrated with government's intervention in our lives. As I stated I feel bad enough for my friend in Adelaide who could not buy my GT/CS and who also cites endless issues with buying quality goods in South Australia. I imagine it's the same for the entire country.

I just hope it all goes through for you. I absolutely enjoy the Vanishing Point white cars. I'm sure you have seen the 1971 flick (if not, do NOT watch the horrific re-make made in the 90's).

Just for your info, since you obviously are a serious car dude, my Aussie friend's collector car is a 1971 Valiant Charger 770 with a 265 Hemi. I never even heard of it before until he told me all about it. I believe they are quite expensive today. He is slowly restoring his but it's one of those projects that may never get done,

Not gonna lie, I'm pretty unhappy at some of the hoops that need to be jumped through, especially butchering a perfectly functional vehicle to make it right hand drive. But, them's the breaks so what can you do? This only existed because we used to have a local car manufacturing industry (Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi and GM's Holden). Since they've all shut up shop, its made no sense to keep it, but government won't act.

Its a shame your mate couldn't get the Mustang. They weren't sold here for a while, until the most recent generation (mid 2010s?). It would have been nice to have! South Australia would definitely have similar laws to the rest of the country but can't say I know too much about it.

(Bracing for possible outrage from whoever reads this) I hadn't even heard of the film Vanishing Point until I started looking into buying one of these vehicles (ok, maybe I heard the name but had no idea what it was about). I'm just a brother who, when in the mid 2000s as a teenager, saw the concept car and fell in love, wanted this car for its body....and now its engine output.

Ahh, the Valiant....the one that got away. Was going to buy one with my brother 20 years ago. Prices have skyrocketed so probably won't ever have one....your friend is a lucky guy! They were actually quite popular within the Greek community in the 1970s, so a lot of older folk still have them. A Greek lady I work with who is in South Australia, her father has 3 of them. I'm working on her to keep me in mind if ever they want to sell.

If ever you wanted to import some Aussie muscle to the 'States, you can get a shell of the 770 for about $20k USD (just for the shell): https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/de...om.au/cars/details/1978-chrysler-valiant-charger-770-auto/SSE-AD-14576220/?Cr=1

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

It took 18 days to get from Los Angeles to Auckland (a stop off before heading to Sydney), but I'm in the home stretch now! The vehicle should be leaving Auckland bound for Sydney shortly, which is estimated to take 4-5 days, and will be in my possession within the next 2-3 weeks!

For reference sake, I'll keep updating this as long as that's OK, so if any other Aussies have any questions in the future they can come to this thread.

After all, the vehicle began its Journey on the 1st of July, so we're over 2 months in!

 

[OzCat]

It took 18 days to get from Los Angeles to Auckland (a stop off before heading to Sydney), but I'm in the home stretch now! The vehicle should be leaving Auckland bound for Sydney shortly, which is estimated to take 4-5 days, and will be in my possession within the next 2-3 weeks!

For reference sake, I'll keep updating this as long as that's OK, so if any other Aussies have any questions in the future they can come to this thread.

After all, the vehicle began its Journey on the 1st of July, so we're over 2 months in!

Looking forward to seeing a photo of it on Aussie soil my friend.

 

[rajunz]

Cool thread, keep us posted please.

 

[Batfink]

Following this thread closely. Have lived in the US for a couple of years but know I will return to Australia eventually.

Bought a Challenger 50th Anniversary new in 2020 and absolutely love it.

Trying to work out what's feasible if I want to bring it back to Oz.

• I'm really scared a RHD conversion will ruin my beautiful car. Any feedback?
• I get that a conversion would need to move the steering console, pedals, and re-align the mirrors. How do they build a RHD dash from scratch? Anything else I should be aware of?
• Do you need to change the tail lights given the US tends to have flashing brake lights rather than separate yellow indicators?
• Should I move to Darwin as the NT seems to allow LHD cars? Can you register in NT and still drive interstate if it is still LHD? (Considering all options)
• How do we get the government to change their stupid rules that protect a car manufacturing industry that no longer exists?

 

[WhiteKnuckle1320]

Following this thread closely. Have lived in the US for a couple of years but know I will return to Australia eventually.

Bought a Challenger 50th Anniversary new in 2020 and absolutely love it.

Trying to work out what's feasible if I want to bring it back to Oz.

• I'm really scared a RHD conversion will ruin my beautiful car. Any feedback?
• I get that a conversion would need to move the steering console, pedals, and re-align the mirrors. How do they build a RHD dash from scratch? Anything else I should be aware of?
• Do you need to change the tail lights given the US tends to have flashing brake lights rather than separate yellow indicators?
• Should I move to Darwin as the NT seems to allow LHD cars? Can you register in NT and still drive interstate if it is still LHD? (Considering all options)
• How do we get the government to change their stupid rules that protect a car manufacturing industry that no longer exists?

I fear the exact same thing, that a conversion will ruin the vehicle. Minor details like the footrest tend to not be moved over, which reduces the aesthetics of the conversion. The company I'm using to convert the vehicle have received glowing references from V8 Supercar drivers like Russell Ingall and Jamie Whincup. Admittedly, Russ had a Camaro converted a decade ago, but he said that the workmanship was amazing, so maybe that helps to allay some fears?

The companies that do the conversion use some components from a Chrysler 300, they have companies that build the parts from scratch, and they usually end up having manufacturing capabilities themselves. Some things don't get completely mirrored, and I can go into more detail if you'd like. The tail lights I believe need to be changed...these are all part of Australian Design Rules, which are required to be followed. If it helps, this article came up in Dodge Garage, which surely has to add to the legitimacy of the quality of work: Converting a Dodge Challenger or Charger for Australia Takes 250 Hours

Do you really want to live in Darwin? Apart from being tropical and hot as hell, and the wear that'll have on your vehicle, from my understanding the crime and demographics there will not be the best. It's true that NT allows for left hand drive vehicles,but other states aren't necessarily required to honour this, so you may be pulled up in the other states were you to travel interstate.

Government is full of inconsistencies, such as LCT for an automotive industry we no longer have. Writing to your local member may help, but I doubt it's their biggest concern given that it's kind of a niche market for those of us who want to be able to not convert our vehicles.

As far as I'm aware, the only other avenue is to wait another 22 years for your vehicle to be over 25 years old (also an archaic rule designed to protect our automotive industry), and then as I understand it, you could drive it in left hand drive. It's made me think if I should convert mine back in 24 years time, for instance. That's why you see older cars being allowed to have the steering wheel on the wrong side and being driven on the street.

 

[OzCat]

Following this thread closely. Have lived in the US for a couple of years but know I will return to Australia eventually.

Bought a Challenger 50th Anniversary new in 2020 and absolutely love it.

Trying to work out what's feasible if I want to bring it back to Oz.

• I'm really scared a RHD conversion will ruin my beautiful car. Any feedback?
• I get that a conversion would need to move the steering console, pedals, and re-align the mirrors. How do they build a RHD dash from scratch? Anything else I should be aware of?
• Do you need to change the tail lights given the US tends to have flashing brake lights rather than separate yellow indicators?
• Should I move to Darwin as the NT seems to allow LHD cars? Can you register in NT and still drive interstate if it is still LHD? (Considering all options)
• How do we get the government to change their stupid rules that protect a car manufacturing industry that no longer exists?

I fear the exact same thing, that a conversion will ruin the vehicle. Minor details like the footrest tend to not be moved over, which reduces the aesthetics of the conversion. The company I'm using to convert the vehicle have received glowing references from V8 Supercar drivers like Russell Ingall and Jamie Whincup. Admittedly, Russ had a Camaro converted a decade ago, but he said that the workmanship was amazing, so maybe that helps to allay some fears?

The companies that do the conversion use some components from a Chrysler 300, they have companies that build the parts from scratch, and they usually end up having manufacturing capabilities themselves. Some things don't get completely mirrored, and I can go into more detail if you'd like. The tail lights I believe need to be changed...these are all part of Australian Design Rules, which are required to be followed. If it helps, this article came up in Dodge Garage, which surely has to add to the legitimacy of the quality of work: Converting a Dodge Challenger or Charger for Australia Takes 250 Hours

Do you really want to live in Darwin? Apart from being tropical and hot as hell, and the wear that'll have on your vehicle, from my understanding the crime and demographics there will not be the best. It's true that NT allows for left hand drive vehicles,but other states aren't necessarily required to honour this, so you may be pulled up in the other states were you to travel interstate.

Government is full of inconsistencies, such as LCT for an automotive industry we no longer have. Writing to your local member may help, but I doubt it's their biggest concern given that it's kind of a niche market for those of us who want to be able to not convert our vehicles.

As far as I'm aware, the only other avenue is to wait another 22 years for your vehicle to be over 25 years old (also an archaic rule designed to protect our automotive industry), and then as I understand it, you could drive it in left hand drive. It's made me think if I should convert mine back in 24 years time, for instance. That's why you see older cars being allowed to have the steering wheel on the wrong side and being driven on the street.

I wouldn't hesitate to bring such an iconic / fantastic looking car like yours back to Oz if I were in your position.
I can comment on a couple of your points -

• The RHD conversion must be done to certain governmental standards and as such they (the ones I have seen anyway) are done to a very high quality. If that is what you mean by ruining your beautiful car. The dollar cost of getting it done is high though, currently running around AUD $50k.
• The company who done my conversion has the dash constructed by 3D printing. Once trimmed you would think it came from Brampton that way. Its that good. There is a lot of work involved, especially electrical / electronics mods, too much to cover here. My conversion is about a 99% mirror image.
• Tail lights do need to be modified. They modify the wiring and fit amber LEDs.
• Not too sure with regards to your Darwin question.
• The government won't change the rip off rules as its a money spinner for them. Have you calculated all the Federal / State taxes and fees you will have to pay to get it on the road.

There are minor details of the conversion that I'm disappointed with too but there's no other way. You want one of these over here - it is what it is. This is the best car I've ever had. Brings a smile to your face every time you look at it and take it out for a spin. Bring it over - pay the rip off fees - and get it converted. You won't regret it, I'm sure.