[Griffo]

Why is it that there are a number of accessories available for the Forester in the US, that we can't get here. There are more options and the majority of the standard accessories are substantially cheaper in the US (including shipping) than they are here!

As examples, I'm about to order painted Splash Guards (Mud Flaps), a Front End cover (Car Bra) and chrome exhaust tip, none of which we can get here.

The Car Covers, Cargo Tray (available in Beige as opposed to black only), Bumper corner moudling, bumper cover (Rear Step) etc. etc are all substantially cheaper in the US.

Is it just markup here in Aus, or are there other factors involved?

What have other members bought from US that are either cheaper or not available here?

 

[Kevin]

Re: Accessoires - AUS vs International

Why is it that there are a number of accessories available for the Forester in the US, that we can't get here.

and visa-versa. There are some options not available over there. I think tax is our killer.

 

[Dave T]

I have noticed the same thing and have impoted some parts for that reason.
The US cars are made in the USA and have many minor differences from our cars wich are made in Japan.

 

[Roo]

I have noticed the same thing and have impoted some parts for that reason.
The US cars are made in the USA and have many minor differences from our cars wich are made in Japan.

That's not quite true of the Foresters. All of them come from Japan still.

 

[Griffo]

I've noticed some minor differences in spec, probably due to geographical reasons (eg. battery warmer). I understand when Roo says the USDM models are made in Japan...or at least the main parts.. I assume they are still assembled in the US, while ours are fully imported here in Australia.

While our taxes (10% GST) could be a factor for accessories, I don't see that as being the main one. There must be the old market factors, ie. supply vs demand.

I also think the Subaru Australia distributors see an opportunity to make some margin on some of the accessories, although I have been told by inside sources that the dealers make little or no money on fitted accessories, particulary things like tow bars etc.

What accessories have people from Australia bought, that we can't get here?

Dave T, which parts have you bought specifically??

Only 2 days until I pick up the new MY06!!!

 

[pug20g]

Before the GST there would have been potential for tariffs and the like. With accessories made in the US that should be less likely due to the FTA. Still it would appear that things like supply/demand or even managable inventory might be at play.

 

[Kevin]

I assume they are still assembled in the US

Fully imported I understand

 

[Subyroo]

Griffo, I hope you have also factored in the exchange rate between the AUD and USD, I don't think you are that short sighted though.

 

[I Want Candy!]

I knew there was a reason I got a black FXT - front flappies from the dealer are black.

Personally colour coded

 

[bjm]

It is not only accessories. Parts are quite often cheaper in the US too.
You can buy an airflow meter from the US and include shipping for less than half the cost from a Subaru dealer here.

 

[dicknose]

The US people complain we have all the good accessories!! The grass is always greener...

As for price, tax and volumes are probably the main reasons. Be warned that if you import stuff you might get caught on GST when it comes in depending on how much you order.

Shipping for any large/heavy thing will be a big killer.

As for the car-bra bit, personally Id avoid it. I think they look ugly and Ive heard that they can get dust/dirty or other bits in between them and the car and with rubbing actually cause some damage.
There are clear stick on solutions like rockblocker. Or just talk to a local window tint place, many of those now carry these films. Note that most use the same 3M film, the advantage of rockblocker is you are getting them pre-cut to fit, so its easier to do plus it uses less film. But for something as simple as the front of the bonnet it might be cheapier/easier to just get a local to do it.

Lastly - there is no reason that a subaru dealer cant charge you less than rrp for a part.

 

[Kevin]

Lastly - there is no reason that a subaru dealer cant charge you less than rrp for a part.

True - but most of them belong to Inchcape and they set the price across the board

I'd also avoid the car-bra; Peaty has some experience with them; send him a PM perhaps

 

[Griffo]

Dicknose,

Good point about the GST for imported goods.

Has anyone had any experience with this? What is the limit in AUD before GST applies?

I found the following on the ATO site; http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/13193.htm
# Items 32A and 32B - 'low-value goods' or goods on which customs duty and taxes is $50 or less and which have a customs value of

* less than $1,000 (for goods imported by post), or
* less than $250 (for other goods imported by sea or air).

So is it <$1000 or <$250, if I have it shipped in by United States Postal Service - Economy (Surface) Parcel Post??

Also a good point about the car-bra. I would only use it when doing long drives up the Pacific Highway to QLD, and would ensure both the bonnet and car-bra are clean before putting on.

Has anyone else had experience with the car-bras, both positive or negative???

 

[Griffo]

I think I found the answer for the GST on the Customs Site;

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4376

All goods (except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) may be imported duty and tax free if their value is $1,000 or less.

 

[Dave T]

I have noticed the same thing and have impoted some parts for that reason.
The US cars are made in the USA and have many minor differences from our cars wich are made in Japan.

That's not quite true of the Foresters. All of them come from Japan still.

Thanks for the info on that one, it must be other Subaru models that are made in the states.

 

[Dave T]

Griffo I imported from subiegal a rear bumper step panel, 6 oil filters and a set of wheel lock nuts for less than A$200 delivered to my door.

 

[I Want Candy!]

Griffo I imported from subiegal a rear bumper step panel, 6 oil filters and a set of wheel lock nuts for less than A$200 delivered to my door.

Dave. How much was the rear bumper step panel into Aussie ?

The local version from Subaru is $220 !

Edit - link http://www.subaru.com.au/explore/forester/accessorydetail.asp?body=Wagon&grade=XT&code=E771ESA000

 

[Griffo]

Candy,

According to Subaru Genunie Parts, the rear step is $36.62 https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=336

Shipping by surface mail (4-6 weeks) would be <$10.

Total cost into Aussie would be about $62.50!!! Bit cheaper than $215!!

 

[I Want Candy!]

Candy,

According to Subaru Genunie Parts, the rear step is $36.62 https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=336

Shipping by surface mail (4-6 weeks) would be <$10.

Total cost into Aussie would be about $62.50!!! Bit cheaper than $215!!

Agree !

Doesn't make much sense does it.

Cheers

 

[Subyroo]

Has anyone else had experience with the car-bras, both positive or negative???

I was going to buy one for my MY01 RX Liberty and the Subaru Salesman advised me not to buy one.
If you happen to get water or leaves under it and leave it in the hot sun (esp. Nth QLD) then you can get paint damage, ie. staining.

If and when I buy another new Subaru I will consider the Clear Bra concept but would like to see a car that has at least had it replaced, as it must surely get pitted over time from stones etc., so I'd like to see what the paintwork looks like underneath after it is removed - if it can indeed be removed.