May 2025 Update: New Models, Classic Imports & Key Reminders

Chamod Guna

May 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Here’s your May 2025 update on what’s new in compliance – including two exciting additions to the model list and a quick guide to importing under the 25-Year-Old Classic Vehicle Scheme. This May 2025 update also covers everything you need to know about classic vehicle eligibility.

✅ Now Eligible for Compliance

Toyota Yaris Hybrid (MXPH15, MXPH17)
Build range: 02/2020 – No end date
A practical, fuel-efficient hybrid now available for compliance — ideal for eco-conscious city drivers.

Mercedes-AMG SL43 (232450 Series Convertible)
Luxury meets performance with this sleek, turbocharged roadster — a strong option for buyers after prestige and driving excitement.

🛠️ Considering a Classic? The 25-Year Rule Explained


Importing under the 25-Year-Old Vehicle Scheme offers a flexible alternative to SEVS for classic vehicles. To qualify, a vehicle must:

If eligible, the vehicle can be imported and registered with a valid engineering certificate — with the exception of unmodified pre-1969 vehicles, which typically only require a roadworthy certificate (RWC).

📍 Engineering certification currently available in Victoria only.

✔️ Why the 25 Year Rule is Worth Considering

  • No SEVS compliance needed – no need to stick to the compliance model list
  • Access to iconic models like the Rover Mini or Land Cruiser Prado
  • Strong demand among collectors, restorers, and investors


⚠️ What to Keep in Mind

  • Restoration may be required due to age or condition (try to buy clean, rust-free cars to avoid this)
  • ADR compliance can be costly (e.g. airbags, side intrusion bars)
  • Registration varies by state
  • Vehicle must be registered within 30 days of the certificate being issued
  • We can only provide an accurate quotation of modifications required upon inspection. Applicable ADRs vary depending on the build year

Submit a new import application with us here: https://discover.garageapex.com.au/application

Stay Current With Our Monthly Updates

Every May 2025 update reflects real changes to compliance eligibility — models get added, removed, or renewed with little notice. Buying before checking the current list can leave you stuck with an ineligible vehicle.

At Garage Apex, we track these changes so you don’t have to. Get in touch before you buy to confirm your model is still eligible.

*Garage Apex – 54 Miller Street, Epping VIC 3076 | 1300 112 220 | VicRoads approved, ISO9001 certified*

Chamod Guna

1 year ago

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Chris Salisbury
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(Translated by Google) They were even more attentive and meticulous in choosing the car than I was, constantly giving me advice and replying to my messages on the weekend. I finally found my dream car within a week, and it was shipped across state lines in just three days. And importantly, the price was low! What reason would a customer have not to support such a car dealership? They’re the one to choose for buying your car!

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选车比我还上心 还细心 一直在给我建议 周末还回复信息 最后在一周内选到了心仪的车 三天就跨州运到了 而且 重要的是价格还低 顾客不支持这样的车商还有什么理由吗 买车找他们就对了

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J L
1 month ago

Garage Apex helped me import a Mercedes S400h, and the service was exceptional. Communication was clear, the entire process was seamless, and the vehicle is exactly what I was hoping for. I’m extremely satisfied and grateful to Garage Apex for their professionalism and support.

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Awindra Prasad
3 months ago

A great place to get your JDM imports. The staff were very friendly especially David who looked after me throughout the whole process. They are a one stop shop so no third party to deal with. I am very pleased with their help in sourcing my NBox. I highly recommend them if you are looking for your own JDM imports.

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bokeh7
4 months ago

Excellent importing, compliance & engineering services. Long term customer keep up the great work.

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Forge Motors
4 months ago

Honestly had such a great experience with Garage Apex! David and the team are so knowledgable and kept me up to date throughout the whole process. Could not recommend these guys enough.

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Hao Nguyen
4 months ago

Shoutout to David for helping me import and register my 08 GTR. Super easy to deal with and helped me find the perfect one with the specs I wanted. Will be coming back for my next!

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Krishna Kula
4 months ago

David and the team ant Garage Apex are just fantastic to deal with. From beginning to end everything promised was delivered and within the projected timeframe. David is honest and a great communicator.
The van was in better condition than described and all paperwork provided when or before required.
I would happily use Garage Apex again without hesitation and recommend them to others!

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Scott Vincent
4 months ago

Such a fantastic company to deal with. Professional, friendly and really good at communicating with the client. I love my new little town car that we imported from Japan and I have Garage Apex to thank for it! Seamless process from beginning to end and I would highly recommend 👏🏼🙏🏼

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Em Nicholson
4 months ago

I couldn’t be happier with my experience using Garage Apex to import my Daihatsu HiJet into Melbourne.

From start to finish, the service was absolutely sensational. The vehicle arrived on 28 January 2026 in excellent condition, exactly as described, and drives exceptionally well. The quality of the car exceeded my expectations, and the whole process saved me around $4,000–$5,000 compared to buying locally from a dealership.

The timing was also perfect — my mum and I returned from Vietnam on the same day the van arrived, and I was able to meet the team in person and collect the vehicle smoothly and without any issues. Everything was organised, transparent, and stress-free.

David and the team were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire import process. Communication was clear, expectations were well managed, and they genuinely care about delivering the right vehicle for their customers.

The full end-to-end service from Garage Apex was outstanding, and I’m extremely happy with my Daihatsu HiJet. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Garage Apex to anyone looking to import a vehicle into Australia — they truly deliver what they promise.

Thank you again to the whole team at Garage Apex.

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