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Buying in the USA
Tasman - September 12th, 2006 at 02:58 PM

I am going to live in LA for a year next year.
I already drive a 1965 Type 3 Notch, but I am wanting to buy a Karmann Ghia over there to drive and bring it back when I move back here.
Does anyone know of any websites where they have these or any other vw's for sale? One I found was 'thesamba.com' but I am looking for more. Even vw clubs? Your help would be appreciated.

Can someone give me a rough estimate how much it costs to bring a car back from LA to Brisbane?
Thanks


Volkswagenboy - September 12th, 2006 at 03:03 PM

From LA to Brisbane is around 3 to 5 thousand in total, my father imported a Mercury Cougar last year (A large car) and all up it cost around 4 or 5 grand.
-Staggers.


squizy - September 12th, 2006 at 03:04 PM

If I were you I'd take your notch over there with you and get top dollar for it. Notch's weren't produced in the US and are much looked for.

Re bringing a car back - send decked dubby (Damian) a u2u. I'm sure he won't mind filling you in on things.


Tasman - September 12th, 2006 at 03:20 PM

It would be nice to take to the US, but I have no intentions of selling it. It was totally restored a couple of years ago and I love it too much to sell it. How much do they fetch over in USA. But as I was saying I am after a Karmann ghia


Bizarre - September 12th, 2006 at 04:38 PM

Have a look here

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ 


Nevada51 - September 12th, 2006 at 05:05 PM

Given you're going to be there for a while you may want to check with Customs in Australia regarding excemptions (import taxes, GST, etc) if you've owned the car for a while (>1 year), as this can be quite advantageous.
I agree with Paul - take one (Type 3) over there and sell it - they seem to get good $$$


Dasdubber - September 12th, 2006 at 09:27 PM

Perhaps try http://www.shoptalkforums.com  in the buying/selling section. Otherwise check out when the pomona swap will be on - quite a few vws for sale there (to my understanding).


karmen - September 13th, 2006 at 03:14 PM

if u r married each of u can bring back a karmann with change for the $ for the notch(more if ur kids can drive !!!!!)
taking the notch is about $3000 aud

dont know what the rules are re imports into U S
when u get there u will see LA full of vw stores and no doubt clubs

check out the scene 1st hand b4 committing

watch out for rusty ones in the snow regions (SALT)

enjoy


shaihulud - September 14th, 2006 at 06:42 AM

I suggest that you attend a Pomona Swap Meet at the Fairplex in Pomona. See http://www.pomonaswapmeet.com  It's not far from LA and you will be astonished at the range of cars available. While you are there look for the Meyers Manx tent.

Get there early, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend all day to see all of it only once. It is huge.


chrisvuc - October 4th, 2006 at 03:11 AM

southern california is the mecca for vintage used cars. the weather is right and the population has always been huge, so there are plenty of cars to choose from. you will see that ghia's are not as high priced in the states as they are in aus. when you get to the states, you can go into any convenience store (corner market, gas station) and pick up an auto trader magazine, where you will find atleast 20 vw's for sale per week. good luck hunting.

chris vuckovic


matara - October 4th, 2006 at 04:47 AM

http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com lets you search by zip code, and the US equiv of the tradingpost

Cheers

Steve