Has anyone tried ordering tyres and or wheels from o/s, especially tirerack.com???
I ask because the rubber and wheels in the US appear to be so much cheaper.
I've had good luck buying all sorts of other stuff from the US via mailorder, but have never tried automotive parts..

cheers

LJ

Do you want to start up a business...

I know for a fact that the Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 which I dearly love is not available in Australia and it is for Japan only. It has the same listed price as the Michellin Pilot Sport series 2 which is 27000 Yen which is a mere $360 a tyre.

I have a quote for both Michellin Pilot Sport 2 and Neova AD07 quoted in 235/40 18 (for another car). And it comes as $570 for PS2 (from local distributor), $810!! :eek: for Neova AD07.

They explain to me there are huge shipment and tax cost on those. I wonder how much!!!
I reckon shipment ain't cheap - especially from the US.

Love to have them brought in bulks but I am sure you will be persued by the distributer here. Coperate bastards! :mad:

Worth asking though :p you will never know. Could you tell me what you have find?

Do you want to start up a business...

I know for a fact that the Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 which I dearly love is not available in Australia and it is for Japan only. It has the same listed price as the Michellin Pilot Sport series 2 which is 27000 Yen which is a mere $360 a tyre.

I have a quote for both Michellin Pilot Sport 2 and Neova AD07 quoted in 235/40 18 (for another car). And it comes as $570 for PS2 (from local distributor), $810!! :eek: for Neova AD07.

They explain to me there are huge shipment and tax cost on those. I wonder how much!!!
I reckon shipment ain't cheap - especially from the US.

Love to have them brought in bulks but I am sure you will be persued by the distributer here. Coperate bastards! :mad:

Worth asking though :p you will never know. Could you tell me what you have find?


Hey Taka,
1. No, I don't want to start up a business. Just feel like we're being shafted down under.
2. Where did yuou get the quote for the PS2 for $520? I just got quoted $625 and that was supposed to be a "special" price
3. I just sent an email to tirerack.com, I'll keep you posted on how I go.


Cheers,

Do you want to start up a business...

They explain to me there are huge shipment and tax cost on those. I wonder how much!!!


Thats for sure. I had an old friend who was the importer for Work wheels. The taxes & duties were huge. He almost went out of business when guys from Sydney started buying Work wheels from retail outlets in Japan and bringing them into the country as aluminium wheels which have hardly any taxes/duties.

Because they were not paying all those legal/legit costs they were supplying the wheels with tyres for retail prices through tyre shops at less than what my friend was able to offer wholesalers with no margin built in for himself.

Thats says it all for how much the government takes on your set of wheels!

2. Where did yuou get the quote for the PS2 for $520? I just got quoted $625 and that was supposed to be a "special" price

John it was 570... Well you must have quoted for the 245/40 or 225/45 18s. 235/40 18s is much cheaper since Porsche front tyre, HSVs, FPVs are using this size. I think 225/45 will be more expensive as there are limited market; hence less stock, and not as much discount in price.

John it was 570... Well you must have quoted for the 245/40 or 225/45 18s. 235/40 18s is much cheaper since Porsche front tyre, HSVs, FPVs are using this size. I think 225/45 will be more expensive as there are limited market; hence less stock, and not as much discount in price.


yes you are quite right. It was for the 245/40/18

what about tyres from japan? importers bring in enough wheels the tyres wouldn't be that much more trouble.

There are plenty of shops here on the goldcoast selling second hand japanese tyres (caveat emptor)

cheers
michael

what about new tyres from .jp?

what about new tyres from .jp?

Don't know of where to get them..
I've never imported anything from Japan, but am always open to suggestions.

Here are the basic cost components in importing something:
1. Cost from the exporter ("F.O.B." cost)
2. Shipping charges
3. Shipping brokerage charges (if you use a shipping broker)
4. GST on the goods
5. Customs charges

If the item is relatively small and doesn't weigh much, air parcel post is the best option. You only have to pay GST and possible customs charges (~$50 or so).

It's also relatively easy if your business has a DHL or Fedex account and you can use it. Shipping, and brokerage charges are usually bundled in and you only have to pay the GST and customs charges up front before delivery. This is good for goods say up to 20kg.

For heavy bulky stuff you're probably looking at sea freight, and this involves using a broking company. This is when it gets complex and expensive.

Tire Rack is a massive enterprise and can use its market reach to secure great buys for its customers. USA+Canada = more than 300 million people, 15 times our population. That's at the root of our problem.

If you're an enthusiast who demands the absolute highest level of performance in a tyre, then be prepared to pay the price. For those of us who demand less from our car, there is a choice of more modestly priced tyres. Check the thread on the Nankang tyres. From the web reviews I've read the general consensus is that they offer excellent value for money.

As has been stated many times before in this forum, probably the best compromise size for the RX-8 is the 245/40 18, consistent with availability/price, effect on speedo reading and load factor.

Here are the basic cost components in importing something:
1. Cost from the exporter ("F.O.B." cost)
2. Shipping charges
3. Shipping brokerage charges (if you use a shipping broker)
4. GST on the goods
5. Customs charges

If the item is relatively small and doesn't weigh much, air parcel post is the best option. You only have to pay GST and possible customs charges (~$50 or so).

It's also relatively easy if your business has a DHL or Fedex account and you can use it. Shipping, and brokerage charges are usually bundled in and you only have to pay the GST and customs charges up front before delivery. This is good for goods say up to 20kg.

For heavy bulky stuff you're probably looking at sea freight, and this involves using a broking company. This is when it gets complex and expensive.

Tire Rack is a massive enterprise and can use its market reach to secure great buys for its customers. USA+Canada = more than 300 million people, 15 times our population. That's at the root of our problem.

If you're an enthusiast who demands the absolute highest level of performance in a tyre, then be prepared to pay the price. For those of us who demand less from our car, there is a choice of more modestly priced tyres. Check the thread on the Nankang tyres. From the web reviews I've read the general consensus is that they offer excellent value for money.

As has been stated many times before in this forum, probably the best compromise size for the RX-8 is the 245/40 18, consistent with availability/price, effect on speedo reading and load factor.


I don't forsee any problems if Tirerack.com is able to break up the package into 4 separate items and voice each for 1/4 of the total package cost. So long as each parcel has a value of less than AUD$1000 inc shipping, then the taxes will be minimal.
With regard to the dimensions of the parcel, a box that holds a wheel and tire isn't much larger that a box that holds a bicycle wheel. So this should be probs with USPS or Aust Post. You can get away with shipping a whole Mtn bike via Aust Post.
I have received an email from them saying that they are able to ship internationally. So I'm just waiting for a quote on some SSR Comps plus Pilot PS2 or PZero Nero M+S

Total for the order with the Pirelli PZero Nero M&S tires would be USD$2758 and it would be USD$3042 with the Michelin Pilot Sport tires. (245/40R18)
Both with SSR Competition, Anthracite w/Mach Lip (18x8.5)
That's not including duty if any into Aust.

That is shipped but without duties right...

That is ok price... although I don't know about how much the SSR wheel cost here, do you know?

Just completed changing my tyres with second hand stock Brigestone RE040 thanks to rotaryenvy :) wheel alignment changing the tyres rims + decided to get Nitrogen filled tyres total cost $600.00 including the tyres :D

cheers
michael

That is shipped but without duties right...

That is ok price... although I don't know about how much the SSR wheel cost here, do you know?

I found it hard to get prices on the SSRs, but I think they're a good price cos all the places that I spoke to said that to get anything in that weight range, the wheel would have to be forged.. and that would be a min of $1500 ea but most likely more...

59000 Yen in the Japan website. I think they will be about $1000 each shipped. So I think your tire package is a good price package.

I found it hard to get prices on the SSRs, but I think they're a good price cos all the places that I spoke to said that to get anything in that weight range, the wheel would have to be forged.. and that would be a min of $1500 ea but most likely more...

forged jap wheels cost around $800 to $1200 .au. say volk te 37 where being quoted to me for as low as $990. some quotes were over $1100 tho
the price looks good as it looks like your getting the tyres for free. even 1 wheel wont be under the radar so you will be lucky if you don't get hit with import duty and GST.

OK.. after my new wheels and Tyres got stuck with a brain dead Fedex Customs lady, who didn't know what automobile tyres and wheels were ( kept asking for more detail) they finally arrived this afternoon :D
the total cost was a little more than I expected AUD$4850.00 so that equates to AUD$1212.50 per corner - this is to my door. I was only expecting AUD$1100, but duty was 10% instead of 5%.
Oh well, still a worthwhile exercise in my books though. So I guess I paid just about full fair for the wheels and got the tyres free.

Oh btw.. paying for the goods was a bit of a PITA, cos TireRack wanted to confirmation of details from the bank. But banks in Aust don't give out personal information, so we ended up doing a conference call.

I'll post pics soon...

Well done...

What did you get again? SSR comp with Michellin/P0?

Well done...

What did you get again? SSR comp with Michellin/P0?

SSR Comps w/ Mich PS2 245/40 ZR18..
Sorry the pic are a little blurry, took them with my XDAII mini. I'll post some better pics once i get my Digicam back off my friend.

Nice wheel

I think it matches tit grey.

looks good! nice match as taka said.

weird photos :eek:

Ahh, I knew I had seen these wheels on a titanium car before - now I know where. ;)

LJ, I'm thinking of copying your wheel choice (we obviously share the same impeccable taste) and method of purchase but I figured I'd get them in 18x8 instead of 18x8.5 and just fit my OEM tyres as they still have heaps of wear. I'm thinking I can then purchase 225/45s replacements in either Michelin or Pirelli in due course with the money I save by getting them through tirerack.

Any pros and cons with wheel choice and method of purchase over and above what I've just read in this thread?? What do you reckon about buying 8" instead of 8.5"??

Ahh, I knew I had seen these wheels on a titanium car before - now I know where. ;)

LJ, I'm thinking of copying your wheel choice (we obviously share the same impeccable taste) and method of purchase but I figured I'd get them in 18x8 instead of 18x8.5 and just fit my OEM tyres as they still have heaps of wear. I'm thinking I can then purchase 225/45s replacements in either Michelin or Pirelli in due course with the money I save by getting them through tirerack.

Any pros and cons with wheel choice and method of purchase over and above what I've just read in this thread?? What do you reckon about buying 8" instead of 8.5"??

Rev,
buying from OS can be a PITA if your shipment falls into the wrong hands.
A few things to consider
1. Duty is 10% on auto parts not 5%, then add 10% GST for the whole package.
2. If you buy tyres as well. Then the whole package will go through quarrantine and you will wear the cost. About $50
3. If all goes well if should take about 5 working days. Keep an eye on your package via the tracking number and start harassing people if it appears to get stuck in customs for more than 1 day. - There are some really stupid customs officers who don't know what wheels and tyres are :mad:

Other than that.. it should be smooth sailing.
I got 8.5, cos I was led to believe that 245 would be a better match with 8.5. Other than this, there was no reason for me to go 8.5
I found SSR Comps real hard to buy in AU, that's why I got them OS. Only buy the Anthracite finish if you have a Ti. It's almost an exact match, but I can't see it matching any of the other colours..

that's all folks..

Thanks for that info LJ :)

Wonder why they are so hard to get here? :confused:

Might be simpler if I just get the wheels and have tyres fitted locally. Is it possible to avoid duty if they get shipped individually so as to bring it under $1,000 (seem to remember you floated that idea at one stage or maybe I read that someplace else)?? :confused:

Regarding width - I'm torn between sticking with 8.0s so I can use my OEM tyres to keep the cost down (and maintain steering feel) and going to 8.5 so as to free up my replacement choice and maybe get slightly better traction through the increased width. At the end of the day I suppose there is very little difference in it.

And yes, I do have titanium, which is why I liked the anthracite. ;) :)

Have you noticed any downside with them? E.G. scratching, cleaning, theft worries, etc?

Thanks for that info LJ :)

Wonder why they are so hard to get here? :confused:

Might be simpler if I just get the wheels and have tyres fitted locally. Is it possible to avoid duty if they get shipped individually so as to bring it under $1,000 (seem to remember you floated that idea at one stage or maybe I read that someplace else)?? :confused:

Regarding width - I'm torn between sticking with 8.0s so I can use my OEM tyres to keep the cost down (and maintain steering feel) and going to 8.5 so as to free up my replacement choice and maybe get slightly better traction through the increased width. At the end of the day I suppose there is very little difference in it.

And yes, I do have titanium, which is why I liked the anthracite. ;) :)

Have you noticed any downside with them? E.G. scratching, cleaning, theft worries, etc?


I forgot to answer your last question..
Cleaning is much easier than stock cos it's more open
I haven't scratched mine yet...
Theft??? well I still have mine... :p



this response requires a PM ;)

You can still use 225 in your 8.5" but it will be a scretch.

Theft? "Lock nuts" - helps? They cause $100 for a good set.

Thanks guys. :)

Slowly gathering more info. :o

Theft? "Lock nuts" - helps? They cause $100 for a good set.

Taka, what do you recommend?

Anything that matches with the wheels. :)

MazdaSpeed? haha they don't have one.