I'm on a temporary visa here in Australia and I want to import a Mustang from the US...

The importation paperwork and costs will vary from state to state, so you need to check with your home state’s authorities on what’s required. Your chosen shipping company might be able to help you with this, but make sure you check it all out at the Australia Border Force website (abf.gov.au). While your budget rules out the latest shape Mustangs and the early classic models, you might just find a 1980s Fox-body Mustang or a 1990s model that’s already on the road here. Doing it that way, you stand to wind up with a better car than a cheapie from the States that will swallow several thousands of your budget dollars just to land it here. Which is another way of asking why you’d import something that was already available here? Even if you still want to import a Mustang, be aware that you’ll be up for costs including (but not limited to) pre-shipment costs (removal of asbestos and steam cleaning) freight and insurance, all government charges and duties, storage charges, customs broker’s fees, wharf and transport charges and processing fees. And that’s before we even get to the modifications you might have to make to the vehicle to make it legal to drive in Australia. And did we mention that, right now, global supply-chain problems are holding up literally thousands of containers on the docks in the US? Perhaps the one advantage you have is that, as a temporary resident, you can (under some conditions) import a car for a limited time (up to 12 months) without paying duties and taxes.

Is the 2018 V8 Mustang worth the money?

That's the big question on our lips too John, and I'm afraid we won't be able to answer it until we drive it when the car arrives in June. Given the Mustang's popularity, I'd be very surprised if dealers were willing to deviate much from the recommended price after launch. Perhaps 18 months down the track when demand subsides though!

Should I buy a demo car?

Demos are not generally abused; they are mostly driven normally with reasonable care, often under the supervision of a salesman. You’re worried unnecessarily, and besides, the car will still be covered by Ford’s warranty if it happens to have a problem.

When will the 2018 Mustang arrive in Australia?

A Ford spokesman told us: "The 10-speed automatic will be available in the 2018 Mustang, which is due in Australia most likely around mid-2018 at the earliest. An evolution of the current Mustang, the 2018 model will benefit from increased Driver Assistance Technology, including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane-Keep Assist. We would not speculate on the outcome of any potential future testing, but would reiterate that consumer safety is a priority for us, and we are constantly developing more safety technology for consumers. The 2018 Mustang will benefit from such advancements." With respect to a safety rating we can't say what it will be until the new Mustang has been assessed by ANCAP, but you would expect it would be given a higher rating than the Mustang currently has.

Is the 2017 Mustang V8 safe enough to buy?

Ford says that the Mustang has met all relevant safety standards in America, which they say demonstrates that it is a safe car. But the Mustang is now a relatively old model, having gone on sale in the USA in 2014, and it doesn't have some of the safety features most other cars have. While it's lacking in some areas, it's not an inherently unsafe car, it's just not as safe as other cars that have a 5-star rating. Ford says the 2018 model will have features such as AEB, so perhaps wait for that.

Will a twin-turbo Mustang come to Australia?

It seems to me that they're quite different cars; the Golf R is an under-the-radar raider, the Mustang an in-your-face statement. If you want an exhilarating drive on those weekends away go for the Golf, if you want a more leisurely fun drive with a high look-at-me factor go for the Mustang. For my money I would choose the Mustang. There is talk of a twin-turbo Mustang coming as a GT500 Shelby in 2018, possibly with a 5.2-litre V8. Not sure if it would make to Australia.

Mustang, 370Z, IS350F, 86 or MX-5?

If you don’t want a convertible, which rules out the MX-5 as my easy first pick, then the 86 is the car for driving enjoyment on a reasonable budget. But don’t overlook its Subaru twin, the BRZ, which is my choice of the two. Both get The Tick, having shared our Car of the Year award.

Ford Mustang 2015 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Ford Mustang 2015 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

ACCC issues fourteen recalls in past fortnight

14 Mar 2017 · by Daniel Gardner

A number of potentially hazardous faults have been identified in vehicles sold in Australia, prompting a wide range of recalls.

Car bra or clear plastic covering, which is better?

Answered by CarsGuide 6 Jul 2016

I have no personal experience but know that car bras can chafe, potential cause overheating and can be difficult to fit and remove. Personally, and knowing that companies such as Porsche fit the clear plastics to all of their demonstrator cars for paint protection, I would choose it ahead of a car bra.

Future classic: Ford Falcon XR8 vs Ford Mustang

Answered by CarsGuide 7 Dec 2015

I can’t see any XR8 going up in value, so you should buy the car you want to own and drive. For me, the Mustang will be better on that front.

Mustang GT delivery delayed?

Answered by CarsGuide 6 Nov 2015

It could be because you ordered a manual. Contact Ford directly and ask for the reason the car has been delayed. At the same time ask them if there are other cars in the system or in stock that you might be able to get before March.

Poor communication about new Mustang

Answered by CarsGuide 19 Oct 2015

Well, there is an 18-month waiting list from people buying without looking or driving. Or is that cynical?

2015 Commodore Series II Redline update

Answered by CarsGuide 21 Sep 2015

We'll be driving the Series II, with its major V8 engine boost, very soon for a road report. My heart says Mustang for the shape and history but the head would go Commodore in a showroom.

Camaro or Corvette coming to Australia?

Answered by CarsGuide 14 Sep 2015

We hear lots of speculation but nothing solid yet. If it happens it's most likely to be the Corvette, which will be easier to convert to right-hand drive. GM International boss Stefan Jacoby told CarsGuide's Joshua Dowling in January: "We will bring a true sports car to Australia for the brand Holden."

Mustang delivery date?

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Jul 2015

We cannot give an exact date for your car but Ford Australian maintains that the first Mustangs will be with their owners in November.

Importing Mustang to Australia

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Feb 2015

The place to start is www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports. For that site you can determine if your make and model is currently approved for import, and a Registered Automotive Workshop that could assist you with the approval process and conversion.

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