The car import process doesn’t have to be a headache. At Garage Apex, we’ve spent over 20 years perfecting the car import process, turning import dreams into driveway realities. Here’s how our simple, eight-step car import process works — easy to follow, and fun enough to read!
1. Initial Consult
Tell us exactly what you want. Whether it’s a 1998 JDM icon with under 100,000 km, a turbocharged SUV, or something truly bespoke, we’ll check the latest market averages and whip up a ballpark estimate for you to peruse. No guesswork—just real numbers, straight up.
2. Auction Search Kick‑off
Our specialist buyer team swings into action daily, scouring global auctions for the perfect match. We’ll send you any promising finds before we bid, or-if you’d rather set and forget-just give us your budget and we’ll auto‑bid on your behalf. Sit back and relax; we’ve got this.
3. Vehicle Purchase Celebration
Pop the virtual champagne-we’ve won! Once your new ride is secured, we convert the currency and invoice you in AUD for the purchase price. Payment cleared? Your car is officially “yours,” and we shift into shipping mode.
4. Shipping
Time to hit the high seas. We’ll move your vehicle either to our depot or straight to the port, then onto the ocean voyage-typically 1.5 to 2 months-from overseas dock to Aussie wharf. Plenty of time to map out your first drive.
5. Arrival
Welcome home! Once your car touches down on Australian soil, allow about two weeks for customs clearance. Then we’ll have it trucked to our workshop, where the compliance and engineering magic happens.
6. Compliance & Engineering
Every import must meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Plan on roughly two weeks (often less) for the compliance process. If your car is over 25 years old, it heads through VASS Engineering in Victoria instead – quick, thorough, no drama.
Planning to modify the car once it’s on the road – a bigger turbo, an ECU tune, an exhaust? The compliance rules don’t stop at registration. Our compliance partners at Tuned by Apex have written a plain-English guide to what’s legal to modify in Victoria once your import is complied and plated.
7. Roadworthy & Registration
We make it seamless. Want us to handle your roadworthy test and registration? Consider it done. From paperwork to plates, we’ve got you covered so you can drive away stress‑free.
8. Handover & Hit the Road
All set? Excellent. We’ll arrange a handover day, settle any final shipping or compliance costs, and hand you the keys. Then it’s yours to enjoy coastal cruises, family hauls, or showing off at car meets.
Why Choose Garage Apex?
Every car import process is different, and that’s exactly why we don’t run a one-size-fits-all operation. Whether you’re chasing a rare JDM classic or a family-friendly SUV, our team tailors sourcing, shipping, and compliance to your specific vehicle and timeline – so nothing gets lost in translation along the way.
Because we’re more than just middlemen-we’re a team of 15+ dedicated pros on the ground across every major city. From specialist buyers to customs whizzes, compliance engineers to logistics coordinators, real people in real departments collaborate behind the scenes so you get a truly seamless experience. Faces you can trust, processes you can rely on, and the horsepower of a full-service operation made for car lovers like you.
Drive Your Dream Today
That’s our eight‑step promise: transparent pricing, expert handling at every stage, and a personal touch honed over two decades. Ready to get started? Contact Garage Apex, and let’s bring your perfect import home.
Our Car Import Process, Step by Step
At Garage Apex, the car import process is handled end-to-end – from auction sourcing through to compliance and handover. Every step is managed by our team so nothing falls through the cracks.
If you’re planning an import and want to talk through your options, contact our team – we’re happy to walk you through the process.
*Garage Apex – 54 Miller Street, Epping VIC 3076 | 1300 112 220 | VicRoads approved, ISO9001 certified*
