98 soft top replacement or repair

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 1:20 pm

Sorry didn't even look to see if it was vinyl just read glass heated window and assumed

Toolbox · Post by **Toolbox** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 8:07 am

On top of that you have to pay GST on anything over $60.00 (expect clothes etc which you pay GST on any value) and a biosecurity levy ( which very one has to pay on imported goods) Give Customs a ring for any more information they are only to willing to help.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 8:39 am

[quote="iamjohngalt"]Kieran, I do not see a fabric/cloth top from the trademe vendor; all appear to be vinyl.
Looks more and more like importing from the US is more economical.
On this page:
http://www.topsonline.com/model/Convert ... Eunos.html
is a 1 Piece Look Top with No Zipper Heater Defogger Glass Window - 6 year warranty for US$409 (NZ$500). Add about NZ$100 to ship and NZ$50 customs fees.
(Identical top is available thru a NZ source for NZ$975 plus GST incl shipping.)[/quote

On a similar value import from the states i had to pay just over in $100.00 in duty & fees so the $NZ500.00 will likely end up costing you over $600.00 & maybe closer to $700.00 as you get charged duty on freight as well!

Toolbox · Post by **Toolbox** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:09 am

Wideopen Throttle has failed to mention there is GST 15% to pay not just on the purchased price but on frieght as well. Do ring Customs for full details dont rely on other peoples hair say and be in for a rude awakening

tomtikki · Post by **tomtikki** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:21 am

I think you will find if you read his post again that he has included the tax mate, I couldn't say about his hair though.

Toolbox · Post by **Toolbox** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:34 am

As a Custom Officer I rest my case

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Sun Oct 07, 2012 10:31 am

Ok!...the facts,

My last US purchase was US$413.00

Total payment including items,shipping,exchange rates,impot fees,gst & DHL courier duty collection fees ended up at

NZ$651.91

So what ever the US price is then if you multiply it by 58 percent then thats approx what it MAY cost you in $NZ dollars.

And that was for a lightweight item about the size of a 2 litre icecream container.

iamjohngalt · Post by **iamjohngalt** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:41 pm

Thanks for all the input on importing and customs duties.

Based on comments (and customs website) it appears:
cost of fabric top NZ$500
Shipping about NZ$100
Import duty 5% NZ$30
Customs/biosecurity fees NZ$40
(approximate based on prev import)
Subtotal to compare to local price before GST NZ$670
The price I have found in NZ for this is $975 plus GST.
(GST will increase the savings by about $40.)

I am still looking for a local supplier, but so far import "appears" to be more economical (albeit without local support.)

Please let me know if anyone has another source to contact.
(Have had no reply from Mazbits.)

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:36 pm

I think your import duty at 5% is too low [20% more likely on everything inc shipping] and then 15% gst on everything again!

iamjohngalt · Post by **iamjohngalt** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:07 pm

The customs website says 5% duty for Motor vehicle parts on this page:
http://www.customs.govt.nz/features/cha ... fault.aspx
I'm guessing that includes a replacement soft top.

tomtikki · Post by **tomtikki** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:18 pm

I got told by UPS when I got stung that it was 5% on new motor vehicle parts and nothing for 2nd hand.
However let's all get hippy on this and think happy thoughts - you may get it thru without paying anything extra!...

iamjohngalt · Post by **iamjohngalt** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 1:39 pm

I posted a question for the softtop vendor on Trademe asking for a cloth softtop with defogger-glass window. Here is the reply:
Yes I can supply the cloth hood (German canvas) for NB body shape. Price $1700.00 and delivery 3 weeks

Importing gets more appealing, but still looking.

Anyone else interested in importing a softtop? Might be able to get a better price if we order as a group.

stooji · Post by **stooji** » Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:02 pm

i'd be interested - my soft top is on its last legs to be sure.

iamjohngalt · Post by **iamjohngalt** » Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:17 am

stooji, what are you looking for in a top?
cloth vs vinyl?
color?
what year mx5?
glass vs plastic window?
defogger?

Have a look at the website I posted to see what they have and let me know.

Need4speed · Post by **Need4speed** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:40 pm

Looking to replace top soon. Was wondering if there was any update on price and availiabilty local and imported

iamjohngalt · Post by **iamjohngalt** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:31 am

Hi, Need4speed,
If you read through the thread you know as much as I do.
I am looking for a fabric top (not vinyl) with glass window w/defogger for a '98. The local prices I found start at $975 plus GST and go up from there (not including installation, not incl rainrail.)
The best prices I found for import are at:
http://www.topsonline.com/model/Convert ... Eunos.html

Thats from the USA (in USD) and added costs will be shipping, customs fees, import duty which I estimate add up to about NZ$170. Add GST to that also.

What features do you want in a top? Maybe we can combine an order if you are interested.

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:03 am

I would trade someone my fabric softop with glass window and defogger + cash for a hardtop

Need4speed · Post by **Need4speed** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:35 am

Thanks iamjohngalt, have read thru the thread but was just wondering if anyone had actually bought a top in recently and how it worked out.
Just bought our mx5 yesterday knowing the roof has'nt got a lot of life left in it. A mate has a fabric one with the glass window and me thinks this maybe the way to go. Probably will wait until new year before ordering, let the bank a/c heal a bit but would certainly look at combining then.

98 soft top replacement or repair

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