Import guides · Australia
Import a Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB to Australia
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB (GDB) was built from 2000 to 2007: 2.0 L turbo flat-four (EJ207), all-wheel drive. Here is what one costs landed in Australia, whether you can import it, and what to look for on the auction sheet before you bid.
What it costs landed in Australia
A Subaru Impreza WRX STI GDB in decent, mostly original condition typically sells for about ￥1,800,000 to ￥5,000,000 at auction. Here is the full cost stack for a ￥3,400,000 car, at ¥109.17 per AUD (live rate, 2026-10-15). Likely range $39,865 to $51,465.
| Line | AUD |
|---|---|
Vehicle price Hammer or FOB price converted from JPY. Exporter fees and Japanese inland transport are extra (roughly ¥50,000 to ¥150,000). | $31,144 |
Shipping to Australia (RoRo)est. Roll-on roll-off to Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Fremantle is at the high end. Containers cost more. Typically $1,500 to $4,500 | $3,000 |
Marine insurance(1.5%) Optional, but the border includes an insurance amount in the taxable value either way. | $467 |
Customs duty (JAEPA, Japanese-built)(0%) 0% for cars built in Japan under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement. Must be claimed on the import declaration with an origin document; otherwise the general rate is 5%. | $0 |
GST(10%) 10% of the value of the taxable importation: vehicle plus freight, insurance and duty. Typically $3,311 to $3,611 | $3,461 |
Luxury car tax(33%) 33% of the amount above the threshold, GST-exclusive. The LCT value includes freight, insurance, duty and GST. Applies on first import whatever the car's age. | $0 |
ROVER import approval (older vehicle) Concessional RAV entry approval for 25+ year vehicles, includes the RAV charge. SEVS route is $95 plus $109 RAV charge instead. | $42 |
Port handling and customs brokerest. Wharf and unloading fees plus a broker to lodge the import declaration. Typically $700 to $1,800 | $1,250 |
Biosecurity inspection and cleaningest. DAFF inspects used vehicles on arrival and charges per 15 minutes. Dirt, seeds or insects mean paid steam cleaning and re-inspection. Typically $200 to $1,400 | $800 |
Asbestos assuranceest. Zero tolerance at the border for any age of vehicle. Pre-2000s cars are most at risk; test or replace gaskets, brake and clutch material before shipping and keep records. Typically $200 to $3,500 | $1,850 |
Compliance (older vehicle: roadworthy, VIN, engineer)est. 25+ year cars need no workshop modification, just state roadworthy and paperwork. Cars under 25 on the SEVS register need a Registered Automotive Workshop: budget $3,000 to $10,000 instead. Typically $1,800 to $3,500 | $2,650 |
First registration and CTPest. Varies by state. Excludes state stamp duty on first registration (roughly 3% to 4.2% of value), which can add thousands on a $50k car. Typically $500 to $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Estimated total landed | $45,665 |
| Excludes exporter commission, Japanese inland transport, state stamp duty and any repairs needed to pass roadworthy. Duty, GST and LCT follow official rates; other lines are typical market ranges. | |
Estimate only, from the same rules as the calculator (last checked 2026-09-30). Auction prices are a rough guide (checked 2026-10-16): Estimated from Japanese dealer listings (carsensor.net, retail asking prices run roughly 15–35% above hammer), exporter-published hammer ranges (acrossjpn.com, logi-net.com) and exporter listings (jdmbuysell.com), checked 16 Oct 2026. Ranges target a straight, driveable car, not concours or special editions. Condition, mileage, grade, colour and trim move prices a long way, especially for GT-Rs, Supras and NSXs.
Can you import a WRX STI GDB to Australia?
Australia allows private imports of used cars mainly under two pathways: the older-vehicle rule (25 or more years old) and the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) for listed models under 25. An import approval from ROVER is needed before the car ships.
- Built 2000YesLikely eligible via Older vehicle (25-year rule)
- Built 2001 to 2007MaybePossible via SEVS register
With the build month unknown we assume December, like the rules do. A car built earlier in the year may qualify sooner.
The full answer for a 2007 car
SEVS register: Check whether this exact make, model and variant is listed on the SEVs Register. Only listed vehicles qualify under this pathway.
Australia allows private imports of used cars mainly under two pathways: the older-vehicle rule (25 or more years old) and the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) for listed models under 25. An import approval from ROVER is needed before the car ships.
Every pathway we checked
- Older vehicle (25-year rule)NO
Vehicles whose build date is at least 25 years before the date of the ROVER application can be entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles without modification.
Built 2007, about 18 years old. It needs to be 25. Roughly 7 more years (month of manufacture matters, so check the build plate).
Official source (checked 2026-09-30) - SEVS registerMAYBE
Vehicles under 25 years old can be imported if the exact make, model and variant is on the SEVs Register and a Registered Automotive Workshop holds an approved Model Report to comply it.
Check whether this exact make, model and variant is listed on the SEVs Register. Only listed vehicles qualify under this pathway.
Official source (checked 2026-09-30) - Personal effects (migrants and returning Australians)MAYBE
Only for people moving to Australia who owned and used the car overseas for at least 12 months. Not available for a car bought at auction from Australia.
Only applies if you lived overseas, owned and used this car for 12 or more months before arriving, and apply within 6 months of arrival. Otherwise ignore this pathway.
Official source (checked 2024-04-01)
- Any asbestos-containing part (gaskets, brake or clutch linings) is prohibited at the border regardless of vehicle age. source
- Importing a road vehicle without a ROVER import approval is an offence; the car can be held, exported or destroyed at your cost. source
- A significant modification less than 25 years old (engine swap, chassis, brakes, steering conversion) resets the build date and pushes the car out of the older-vehicle pathway into a non-registrable approval. source
Rules last checked: 2026-09-30
When can I import it?
Older vehicle (25-year rule): a car qualifies once it is 25 years old, counted from its build date.
| Built | 25 years from build date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | January 2025 to December 2025 | Old enough now, whatever the build month |
| 2001 | January 2026 to December 2026 | Depends on the build month. Every car built that year is old enough in 46 days |
| 2002 | January 2027 to December 2027 | The first ones become old enough in 77 days |
| 2003 | January 2028 to December 2028 | The first ones become old enough in 442 days |
| 2004 | January 2029 to December 2029 | The first ones become old enough in 808 days |
| 2005 | January 2030 to December 2030 | The first ones become old enough in 1,173 days |
| 2006 | January 2031 to December 2031 | The first ones become old enough in 1,538 days |
| 2007 | January 2032 to December 2032 | The first ones become old enough in 1,903 days |
What to check on a WRX STI GDB auction sheet
- Age. Only the earliest GDB cars are near 25 years old; see the countdown and check other pathways for your country.
- Spec C versions are lighter and rarer. Check the grade line against the listing.
- Replaced panels (XX) and repaired corners (W).
- Modifications in the notes; many have tunes and exhaust work.
- On any car: an R or RA grade means accident repairs, and a replaced or doubtful odometer means the real distance is unknown.
Codes to watch for on this model
Upload the auction sheet and get every damage mark on a car map, the inspector's notes in English, the landed cost in Australia for that exact car and a clear eligibility answer, in about a minute. From A$15.
The WRX STI GDB in other countries
General information, not legal or tax advice. Model names are used only to describe the cars; Kensa-ya is not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always confirm with a licensed importer or compliance workshop before you buy.