[spookypt]

Hi Glen, yep done it.

1. How do you arrange payment to the owner and when do you pay.
Depends who you're buying it from but generally hand it over...then wait!
2. What shipping companies are good and reliable to deal with
AustOrient I HIGHLY recommend. You do get what ya pay for!
3. What sort of crating or container
Container. Insurer it for freight! Containers fall off ships EVERY day!
4. Any problems getting the car out of USA
No not really. But the good folk from the states can be a little different than us ozzies if your a sucker for constant communication and updates. West is easier and cheaper than East!
5. How easy is it to arrange a vehicle import approval
Depends what your importing? One would think a Race Built Ferrari built at Marenillo HQ for racing wouldn't attract LCT. But it does. Anything with or that can have a passenger seat does.. Although I got around this. You also have avenues with the AUSTRADE agreement subject to where your car was built etc. If built in USA there are options to get exemptions...
6. Any problems at this end with Customs
Nope, sweet as but others haven't been so lucky.
7. Are costs at this end limited to GST and import duty.
GST, import duty, potential LCT bla bla bla. It all really adds up!
8. Cost of shipping
Varies from east or west coast. Plys whether your sharing or using your own 20 footer. Vosts can range from 3 - 10 K.
9. Any other comments
Too much to list here. Due lots of due diligence. And then do a bit more....

Know your seller. That counts for allot as in the end that all you can trust your gut on who ya buying it from.! There are lots of advantages buying ex USA, but there are lots of negatives as well. Would I do it again, yep...but I know more now than when I did it!

Signing off from Moorea Tahiti.
Aloha
Spookypt.