THE best currency rates in years have American car enthusiasts
out hunting for bargains, but inadequate research and hasty
decisions could turn driving dreams into nightmares, Australia's
leading independent importer has warned.
Queensland-based Performax International, which has imported
Chevrolets, GMCs, Fords and other American brands for more than 20
years, says private importers must thoroughly investigate any
proposed purchase and ensure that it can be safely converted to
right-hand drive for Australian use.
The company has issued a checklist of questions to help American
car owners make correct decisions, based on its experience of
converting around 150 new or near-new vehicles every year.
"This is a great time for the enthusiast who hankers after a
Corvette, Camaro, Mustang or other American vehicle, but it's easy
for the inexperienced to make a costly mistake by dealing with
unprofessional or even unethical operators," Performax
International General Manager Glenn Soper said.
"For instance, we recently heard of a buyer who imported a 2011
Ford Mustang via an Australian company that claimed to do
conversions, only to discover after the car had landed that the
company did not have the expertise.
"While on the face of it, the conversion company might have
appeared to be capable, in fact this particular Mustang came with
electric-servo steering assistance, for which the company had no
experience or parts.
"Fortunately, Performax International was able to complete the
work to Australian Design Rule standards and help the owner get his
dream car registered, but it has been a painful and costly
exercise."
By knowing what to check, American car buyers can ensure they
are dealing with a suitably accredited and professional conversion
company.
Performax International's Top 20 list of items to check for in a
conversion is (the full checklist is available at www.performaxint.com.au) -
- Is the conversion company ISO accredited?
- Will the company back its own product (not use aftermarket
warranties)?
- Are you able to inspect and test drive a fully completed
vehicle?
- Do they use any hand-made parts (fibreglass opposed to plastic
injected)?
- Is it a well established company with a proven history of
steering conversions?
- Is the company experienced in your particular vehicle
model?
- Do they offer a full spare parts service with back-up
Australia-wide?
- Does the dashboard fit neatly?
- Do all the gauges, vents, stereo, AC controls fit
properly?
- Are the pedals positioned correctly for ADRs?
- If power seats are fitted do they work correctly?
- Will you be supplied with the owner's manual?
- Does the car have ADR compliant headlights?
- Have the fog lights been disconnected as per ADR
requirements?
- Have the side marker lights been disconnected as per ADR
requirements?
- Does the car have amber indicators as per ADR
requirements?
- Does the car have the correct tyres for Australia ?
- Does the vehicle maintain the correct geometry and feel in the
steering?
- Has the Australian compliance plate been fitted?
- Is the steering full right-hand drive with no crossover
components?
Performax International operates from a modern factory at
Gympie, near the Sunshine Coast, which is equipped with hi-tech
facilities such as computer-aided design, 3D parts prototyping and
injection moulding.
Work is completed to ISO 9001 Quality Assured standards, meaning
its quality management system has been developed and implemented to
the highest standards.
Performax International is Australia's leading importer,
steering converter and retailer of high-performance American
vehicles, consistently producing right-hand drive vehicles that are
factory-original standard in finish and driveability.
It produced the world's first right-hand drive version of the
new Chev Camaros and subsequently has supplied examples of this
exciting vehicle to V8 Supercar stars Russell Ingall and Lee
Holdsworth.
Intending buyers can contact Performax International for a free
vehicle history check. This extensive report includes information
on recalls, insurance claims, accidents, genuine mileage, when the
vehicle was last registered and much more.
Glenn Soper
General Manager
Performax International
Cnr Bruce Highway & Hall Road
Gympie, OLD 4570
Phone 07 5482 7833
Mob. (0407) 010 451
gm@performaxint.com.au
www.performaxint.com.au