It appears that I may have to sell my car
I cannot find an insurance company willing to insure it (another story), but anyway it looks like it has to go.

I am looking at purchasing a V10 as my daily driver (the PSD will still be the workhorse).
We can't get them here in Australia (only PSD's, and a couple of 5.4's), so I am going to have to privately import it from the US.

My wishlist is as such:
Essential items:
V10
Stick

Preferred Items:
DRW - I love the look.
Long bed - far more practical IMO
CC (or at least a SC, I could live with a regular cab, but I would prefer not to)
XLT spec - I need aircon, but don't want any luxuries

Doesn't bother me between 4x2 or 4x4 as it won't be used for off-roading (I have a 4x4 diesel Ranger for that), so 4x2 will probably be a goer (cheaper).

Here are my questions:
What would be the prefered state to purchase a vehicle from?
I know the northern states vehicles generally rust pretty quick due to the salt...
Which states are generally cheaper?
Any ideas what a ballpark figure on a 2000

I am unsure about the rear gear ratio (I think if I get a DRW it will have to be 4.10, correct?)
It will do quite a bit of highway cruising, and not a lot of towing, so 3.73's with the stick should be sufficient I reckon.

I believe there were upgrades along the line, increasing the hp, and the introduction of the 6-speed, anyone have any more details of the changes, and dates?
I am not hugely worried about the spark plug issue, and having lower power wouldn't worry me, but would prefer the 6-speed.

Also, does anyone know of a good international shipping company for vehicles?

 

you might wanna ask this in the SD forum, since most of you Q's relate to the truck and not the motor, and the SD forum is way more populated

 

You might want to look at Canadian Trucks. Speedometer is metric. Your Auzzie dollar might go further in Canada and I have heard of people getting things moved on cargo ships. Good luck, Wrench.

 

Good point with the speedo, although I can use a speedo off a SD from here...

Are trucks cheaper in Canada 2nd hand?

 

I'm not sure but I'll look around and if I see what you are looking for I'll let you know.
A dually 6 speed V10 might be harder to find with our smaller population base.

 

I am not overly worried about it being a dually, just would prefer it, thats all.
I just want a manual, and I have to have a V10..

Thanks heaps Wrench...

 

What kind of car is non-insurable ? Have you tried some of the specialty co's ?

I would definitely think about 4.30 gears, single or dual wheels, especially with a stick. Your mileage will be about the same and when you do tow or haul a heavy load the lower gears will be helpful.

 

Thanks Ken, I was unsure with the gears, are 4.30's available way back until 99?

For a car to be uninsurable, it has to be risky (an extensively modified 700+hp sedan) and the driver has to be risky (below 25 male, admittedly with no convictions)

I have tried some of the specialty companies, and they still wont touch me...

I will try joining a car club, I have heard companies can be more lenient if you are a car club member.
Even still, it is going to cost lots $$$ to insure it, and I have got to the point where I don't think it is worth it.

 

have you tried Hagerty ? If you insure it as a specialty or a collector vehicle it can be pretty cheap, but it's for a once a week drive or so,,,, But, you'd be surprised how cheap they can be.

 

I use the vehicle on a daily basis unfortunately, and Hagerty's don't insure in Australia unfortunately...

 

you drive a 700+ hp car EVERYDAY ?? OMG,,,,, I can only dream of such antics,,,,

 

hehehe, no speed limits here
Stupid - YES
I rarely look at the practicality aspects however (I am most likely going to get rid of a 700+hp car to drive a V10 powered behemoth everyday...)

Besides, how many people have can almost hit 200mph on the way to work?
Even the missus has cracked 150mph on the way to the shops in her car...

 

I did 156 once AT work, but then I worked for a motorcycle shop and we just got the new GS1100 Suzuki in, first one in the Portland Oregon area. The mechanics put it together, put gas in it and as the sales manager it was my civic duty to see if it really was as awesome as everyone said. It was, it pushed the car I hit 75 feet sideways. I spent 11 days in a coma and broke alot of the existing bones in my body, and of course, the shop owner was not in ANY way amused. But, somebody was going to see how fast it was,,,right ?

 

Ouch......

 

What part of Australia do you live in that has no speed limits? Last time I was there there were speed limits and lots of cops eager to write tickets.