Grey Imports

The term grey import refers to new and used vehicles commercially imported by people other than the original manufacturer or distributor.

The majority of grey imports are used vehicles from Japan, though the term can also apply to new and used vehicles from other countries. All grey imports are significantly different to any vehicles sold new in Australia.

Commercially imported vehicles must meet Australias standards for safety and emissions, requiring modification and certification before they can be registered.

The supply of replacement parts for grey imports is often seen as a problem. While it is true that specialist grey importers and some local new car dealers can source replacement parts, delays in obtaining them are likely.

Service information could be another problem, particularly for vehicles that were originally destined for a non-English speaking market.

Other points to consider are that many repairers are reluctant to take on an import, and some insurance companies will not cover vehicles that were not sold new in Australia.

Buying a grey import can be an effective, and sometimes low cost, way of getting a performance car or something different. Before you decide to buy, it is wise to look into parts supply, service information and insurance cover. Having a used vehicle independently inspected to determine its condition is important, as there is usually no way of checking its service history.