Shocks, springs, coilovers ? ? ? $ $ $

[gareth_oau]

the ex-supplier purchase price is used to determine the duty asseable value, which has an exempt threshold of AU$1000, and the value of the freight component is not considered, for this duty assessable value.

Therefore anything under A$1000 will be exempted from the process.

Customs use the RBA declared exchange rate on the day it arrives in Oz, not the day of the purchase (so be cautious if the A$ is dropping at the time).

However, if the ex supplier value does exceed A$1,000, then customs will add in the value of the freight to calculate how much duty and GST is payable.

If the goods are declared as USA origin, ie made in USA, then they will be exempt from import duty, under the free trade agreement, However, they will still be subject to an extra 10% GST (again, only if the value exceeds A$1000). Actual GST will also be added to the freight charges.

So, if you are looking to buy something ex USA, ask the supplier if it is made in USA, or just exported from USA, but originally from elsewhere, as it could make a difference in your landed cost.

Typically for car related purchases over A$1,000, duty is 5%, and GST is another 10%.

also assume the local customs agent will hit you for $50-100 to provide the local clearance service

So for example, lets assume youve purchased something , not made in US, with an ex US value of US$1100, plus US$200 freight. and an exchange rate of 0.90

worked out as follows:

[gareth_oau]

any chance this duty detail can be stickied, it gets asked a lot

[99_FGT]

to my understanding if we keep it under the $1000 (AUD), we don't pay import tax.

Anyone have an understanding of what VAT is, the percentage and whether it applies?? Trying to compare "real" prices.

A mate with a Clio Sport is looking at getting the Koni's delivered for about $830 AUD. Fortunately for him, fitting to a clio is easy, the Polo I'll probably pay someone else to do, springs were a PITA and I gave up.

Also, are Koni's FSD dampers better/worse than the sport? Anyone with experience or knowledge?

Mate with the Clio Sport here...
VAT is 17% in the UK, so that price from DPM Performance looks good. 458 - 17% ~ 391 pounds.
BUT.Koni's international website doesn't list that FSD part number for the GTi, only for the 9N "excl. 'Fun', Cross Polo & GTi".
See here for more info.
Plus the FSD Dampers are not the adjustable ones like the Sports listed on Demon Tweeks.
Al..

[TazzyVR6]

When I bought my Bilstien B8 shocks this year they cost me ~$950AU (got hit with taxes as I ordered other stuff) from ECS. I got Eibach Pro-Kit Springs from the Australian clearance store for $375. Fitting was about $300. The ride on this set up is fantastic, better than stock for both comfort and performance. I drive 350km home every few weeks on some preaty poor Tasmanian roads and apart from one 20km stretch of B road that has been majorly neglected by the council, the ride is very livable with.
There are plenty of good cup kits out there, Koni FSD/Eibach, Bilstein, H&R, Bilstein B8/H&R Springs. If you don't need adjustment then don't bother paying extra, and yes they do ride just fine.

[seangti]

ECS Tuning is an american company isn't it?? So they won't get Polo gear.

I spoke with GSA (GSA Wholesale Suspension - George Shepheard Auto) at Slacks creek, Brisbane whom offered very good service. Koni sport front $335.13 each and rear $188.52 each = $1047.30. Bilstein front for $402each and rears $265 each = $1334

A fellow he knows with extensive VW experience rated the bilstein well above the Koni, said the price difference more than justifies the difference in ride and performance when on the edge. As I'll be doing semi-regular track days, I'm now scratching my head whether they're worth 30% more. I've been happy with the ride and performance in other polo's with the Koni's, I haven't experienced a polo on bilstein.

[gtimonkey]

seangti

Happy to help you decide. I live in Brisbane and run Bilstien B8's with H&R springs.

[WHTPOLOGTI]

Can anybody comment on the ride comfort with the combination of Koni Sport Yellow Shocks with H&R Springs please

[Gti Dave]

Also not to mention the extra benefit of a 5yr/100,000km warranty on Bilstein and H&R products if purchased locally.

[VWindahouse]

Can anybody comment on the ride comfort with the combination of Koni Sport Yellow Shocks with H&R Springs please

Both front and rear Koni shocks are fully damper adjustable and can be adjusted back to a stock suspension feel and in turn cranked up to stiff as hell. I'm not sure how this guy can really compare a non adjustable shock to an adjustable??

PS. I have the H&R and Koni combo

[seangti]

Can anybody comment on the ride comfort with the combination of Koni Sport Yellow Shocks with H&R Springs please

I've been in two with the koni set up and both had good ride quality, couldn't make any complaint, smooth and good bump/rebound absorption, but had handling depth far better than standard.