Car companies in Australia have been accused of ripping off buyers, but there are ways to save tens of thousands when buying a car.

Peter Chronis saved $30,000 after buying an imported car instead of the vehicles available across Australia.

The Chronis family needed a large car and comparing prices against imported vehicles saved them thousands.

Family cars like the VW Caravelle cost $45,000, and a Mercedes Vito costs $80,000. Peter Chronis bought an imported car, a 2005 Nissan El Grand, for just $18,000 which is similar to the VW and Mercedes.

The federal government allows only a handful of cars to be imported. Around 30 dealers across Sydney sell them at prices far cheaper than their big brand equivalents.

Jack Sandher from Top Secret Imports told 7News that his business imported a 2015 Aston Martin, but the exact same model is $150,000 more expensive in Australia. Mr Sandher said, “We are being ripped off!”

The new imports are refitted to make sure they meet safety and emission standards, and most have low kilometres.

7News invited the two main car industry groups for an interview but they both cancelled.

Both groups are lobbying the government to put a stop to new and imported cars. By controlling the flow of vehicles into Australia they can keep prices high.

If you are interested in finding more details about buying cheaper cars you can head to [www.topsecretimports.com.au|Top Secret Importers] and/or [www.cosmopolitancars.com.au|Cosmopolitan Cars]

A list of Federal Government approved cars for import is also available.