Ordering performance parts from US - cheaper ?!
 

Hi guys, am new to this site, and I am the proud new owner of an '05 STI. I have been looking to modify it and going down the usual routes, but I am wondering if anyone knows what the laws / custom duties are, on buying aftermarket parts abroad (i.e. the US)... i'm finding them cheaper (for example Performance part from Weapon R intake Ksport coilovers Tein springs Walbro fuel pump RC injectors injectors Skunk2 racing Koyo Racing Radiators Luminics bulbs and Agency Power. California) !


For instance, was looking at a couple of mods:
HKS turbo timer, walbro 255, HKS reloaded air filter, and a couple of 52mm autometer gauges (boost and oil pressure) and this lot all came to $502 (about 300 quid). Reasonable saving compared to some of the larger subaru parts sites over here, they'd charge more than £300 for just the pump, air filter and turbo timer.

If I was to order online (would probably order more parts than this- and I know I have to take into account higher shipping costs), anyone know what the import duties might be ? I can only think of VAT (15% I can live with that) but I have a sneaking suspicion, her majesty might try and slap me with some other charges ?!?!

Hi, i've ordered a few things from the states. It depends on the company your ordering from whether or not you get done for import/vat duty. I bought something for about $200, the company put a $20 value on the shipping info on the outside.

i just got a few things
but after import/vat ect it was no cheaper

I've bought something car related. Was half the price than here, I got it faster than the UK supplier could supply it, was not duty or anything to pay on it.

I'd definitely buy again, but use a good company.

I am tempted to just go ahead with it. It's not that I am actually saving money, I have a budget in mind, I just want to maximise it... it's like 2 for 1 drinks, you never spend half right ? ;)
It might even make sense to fly to New York and get it all delivered to the hotel there and bring it back.

Can you imagine walking through customs with that lot in your bag... "excuse me sir, do you always travel with a turbocharger in your suitcase"

:lol1:

Also Addison, aside from the VAT can you see how much the import duty was ? Was it marked as a percentage or was it a flat fee ? cheers

i think it's 10% from outside euroland:wonder:

ok, so 15% VAT (for now) and 10% import... hmmm as was mentioned earlier, that's beginning to eat into the discount. We brits get well screwed here don't we, if it's not crap weather and lazy postman, it's import duties and fuel prices *sigh*