AUD Dive - Shop More or Less in the US?

LoBelly · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 05:34 PM

Was reading an article on the exchange rate this-morning which had the following prediction

Quote:

...St George is forecasting the Australian dollar to be trading around 61 US cents at the end of December, before declining to 59 US cents in March next year.

It sees the currency recovering to 71 US cents at the end of 2009...

Good for Farmers (if it rains) & Exporters I suppose

My old rule of thumb was that if the AUD was > .75USD you were getting a good deal and the higher dollar had a major impact on my ability to put together a nicer engine - but the drop will probably curtail discretionary spending on car for a bit.

The knock on effect of the GST being levied on the AUD value of an imported item will be bigger too.
However the margin added by the local vendors generally makes importing look pretty good - guessing they can't absorb too much of the price difference.

What do you think? Wind back and wait for a better rate or suck it up and deal with the new reality?

LoBelly

macloft · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 05:43 PM

OR Move to America like me and continue to buy for when I come back.
Bruce

albanycobra · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 06:59 PM

I love buying from the States but now the Honey moon is over.
I have a heap of bits I want, but have shelved the idea for now.......I feel for the Guys buying US kits now at 61 cents in the dollar, must really hurt.

Merv and Sharon · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 07:31 PM

Yes, importing parts will have to be shelved unless the US$ dives. Some of us got our wheels and tyres from the States when it AUD0.97 = US$1. We won't see those days again for some time unfortunately. It also makes Australian sourced motors now a bargain in comparison.

Merv

C0braed · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:04 PM

It will still be viable to import from the us as all the parts they sell in Australia will be coming in the same as before so the local price will go up accordingly.
The biggest difference between you bringing it in yourself and a wholesaler bringing it in is that you can sometimes get it in duty and tax exempt but the wholesalers will always pay duty and tax. The only benefit the wholesalers have is that they but in bulk and at much better prices than we get retail (us) Just requires more homework on your behalf as to which is the better option

albanycobra · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:07 PM

Funnything is I felt ripped bringing my FFR kit into Oz at
92cents as the dollar climbed to 98c. I got my wheels at 96cents.

Rob. Smith · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 04:00 AM

I want a centerforce clutch.. does any one know of an Australian distributor with a reasonable price ? I think I am doomed to buying one at 60 cents.
Smithy