WA.... So what is it really like over there???

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

Hi,

I'm a radio technician who is about to become redundant and am looking at accepting a very very well paying job over in WA, most likely based out of perth.

If there are any members who are from over there that can tell me what it's like (apart from the glossy brochures tourism mobs send me) I'd really appreciate it as it will be a huge move for me.

I'm really interested to know where the good and bad areas are and if crime is a problem and where I should look for a house. I currently live on 140 acres over here and I could never never settle into a regular house block, I'd love to be on even just 5 or 10 acres maybe. somewhere with a bit more space than your average house block but I can't find much info on what suburbs and areas that are handy to perth have these qualities...

Also whats it like having an old series rover over there? is it bearable? parts easy to come by etc? Any good four wheel driving or four wheel drive clubs etc?

Much thanks I keep hassling you all for info and help, oneday I'll put as much back into here as I seem to be taking out... lol

[agrojnr]

You really have to look out of the suburbs for land that size but if you look around for a while you will find it.

Depending on where you choose to live the crime rate is about the same north and south of the river.

I live in a suburb of Kelmscott which does not really have a good name but I have never really seen that much trouble here unlike other suburbs.

If you can avoid perth area itself I would look towards the southwest area very nice and as some of the boys can tell you there is great area's for offroading.

I have lived in WA for 30 years but I would still move to another part of Australia if I had a chance but it all depends on what you really need eg; work, schools etc


Adam:twisted:

[Blknight.aus]

WA , its as good as queenslands advertising makes out queensland Is but its not so stuck up that it has to brag about it.

Plenty of good four wheel driving to be had and plenty of good people.

The tell says that theres even a nice old bloke with a tombraider edition 110 in the northern suburbs.

[HangOver]

Been in Perth now for 4 years-ish,(ex-uk) and love it.
IMO best place in the world to live.


Hi,
, I'd love to be on even just 5 or 10 acres maybe.

There's not too many places with blocks that size near the city, well not that is easily affordable. You are realistically looking at about 1hr + from the CBD for blocks that size. Check out maybe Gingin, bindoon bullsbrook or there abouts but I don't know Perth that well.



Also whats it like having an old series rover over there? is it bearable? parts easy to come by etc? Any good four wheel driving or four wheel drive clubs etc? pretty easy there are at least 3/4 land specialists excluding the main dealers.
You might want air come the summer but I'm a pomme so a bit soft.
As for clubs stick with AULRO and check out www.lrocwa.com.au
also www.westcoast4x4.com.au



I keep hassling you all for info and help
isn't that what AULRO is for ?;)

[taff]

any where in towards the city with that amount of land is going to be big bucks but as hangover says bullsbrook or gingin and you may get it.
my missus works in bullsbrook and there was a property for sale not so long back with a 40m x 60m shed, 5 bedrooms , 7 bathrooms, b/g pool and a fair bit of land for $600,000.
if it weren't so far in land and hot/dry we'd have probably bought it - but then i'm a soft pommie too.
as for your l/r parts should be easy enough to get and if you need any work done then speak to rich (kie 4).
we currently live in the northern suburbs (butler) and as far as i know crime is'nt an issue - i've forgotten to lock my car's a few times and even left my garage open 1 night with all my tools in there.
jason

[CraigE]

any where in towards the city with that amount of land is going to be big bucks but as hangover says bullsbrook or gingin and you may get it.
my missus works in bullsbrook and there was a property for sale not so long back with a 40m x 60m shed, 5 bedrooms , 7 bathrooms, b/g pool and a fair bit of land for $600,000.
if it weren't so far in land and hot/dry we'd have probably bought it - but then i'm a soft pommie too.
as for your l/r parts should be easy enough to get and if you need any work done then speak to rich (kie 4).
we currently live in the northern suburbs (butler) and as far as i know crime is'nt an issue - i've forgotten to lock my car's a few times and even left my garage open 1 night with all my tools in there.
jason
Bullsbrook, Inland?? Hot and Dry??
Mate have you not been far out of Perth???
Take a drive to Meekatharra then see hot and dry.
:p

[CraigE]

No its a terrible place to live. We do not want any banana bender over here. Place is full, gates are shut.
:angel::wasntme::p
Just kidding, I am a South Aussie originally. WA is probablly the best state in Australia. If you want land you will be 50 - 200 kms from the CBD depending on what you want to pay.

I can sell you a nice little property for $900,000 just a little bit Nth East of Perth, practically a suburb, on the doorstep of the ocean (just a short drive). It is called Wiluna.
:o

[JamesH]

I love it. If you want want some room on your block you're looking semi-rural. There is a very big urban sprawl so 5-10 acres means a bit of a commute. But freeways are going through especially down south. Pinjarra/ Serpentine/ North Dandalup are rural areas south of Perth 75 minutes to Pinjarra which is furtherest.

Perth is really a fantastic place. It's a bit weird, you don't really get it until you live here and you wonder what is different in your life, and then you realise, it's beautiful weather, beautiful clean air* and everything is just so incredibly easy. The city can be a bit dull, because it is so laid back and neat.

Bad news: Everybody in Western Australia apart from me is absolutely coining it so if you want just 5-10 acres (cough splutter) bring $$$, and lot's of it, coz that's what it's gonna take. Heaps of easterners moving over here in industries directly or indirectly attached to mining. All on six fugures and all having sold up over east.

* 90% of the time.

[isuzurover]

Perth/WA is a great lifestyle if you don't mind sand...

I have lived here for almost 18 months now. It seems a lot like a small town in many ways (which is a good thing).

house/land prices are pretty hideous though. D3Jon has a property - so maybe ask him for some first hand info. Will be big $$$ either way.

Landie parts places are a lot smaller than I am used to in Brisbane - but no major problems getting the bits I need.

Only big issue is that most things come from "over east", so you pay east coast prices + freight. And often may have to wait for parts to be freighted over.

Most of the 4x4ing is sand, beach driving, but there is also some dirt/mud/rock stuff around Harvey and elsewhere. Haven't found any really steep hills yet like on the east coast.

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

what a response and so quickly....

Perth and the whole of WA for that matter is sounding like I've been led to believe it's like. I nearly moved over there in 2004 but was offered more money to stay here so didn't move.

I'm not looking to buy yet, only rent to sus things out but looks like I might have to settle for something a little smaller... lol. ah well..


Definately appears to be no shortage of landy supporters over there though, after all your comments I'm starting to get pretty serious about heading over there... Hope fuel isn't too much worse than over here though. currently 143 a litre for diesel....

Thanks all yet again :)

[jik22]

Been here nearly a year now, from the UK. Love it...nice laid back pace (Which is great, until you want something quickly!!) and not really noticed any crime in any of the suburbs I've been too. I'd happily live anywhere I've been in Aus though, so it's not as if you're going to get a bad comment out of me anyway! :)

Can't help you land wise - but as other's have said, you're going to be looking a long way out of the city for that amount of space, and unless you choose somewhere in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn't expect it to come cheap either. Me, I'd love to be in the middle of nowhere with a big block of land as long as I could get a fast Internet connection for work, but my wife is a city girl, so we'll never leave the suburbs!!

[taff]

Bullsbrook, Inland?? Hot and Dry??
Mate have you not been far out of Perth???
Take a drive to Meekatharra then see hot and dry.
:p

give me a break i've only been here 8 months :angel::D

i think i'll be doing most of my inland travelling past bullsbrook in the winter then. :p :D

[LandyAndy]

Hey Jason
If you have only been here 8 months you is really going to love the next 5 :D:D:D:D.
Have the flies hit Perth yet????
They are real thick here,have been for a couple of weeks.According to the AG dept due to the drought out east and north there were no dung beatles to deal with what they deal with,the bushflies have bread up wicked.
34degC in Perth by monday:D:D:D:D
ENJOY!!!!!
Andrew

[RichardK]

Where is your job to be based from? That will be important in relation to the area to live as larger tracts of land are at the extremities of the greater Perth area so having this information will enable us to better pinpoint an area for you.

The 4wding wont be as good as on the East coast, particularly the east coastal areas and such marvelous areas as the High Country however each state is different and there is certainly a lot of exploration that can be done in WA.

Parts for the S111 shouldn't be that bad but as previously said there are not a lot of outlets, the best bet is to buy up some wrecks to scavenge parts from.

And as far as Craig E trying to sell you that beautiful property of Wiluna.......he cant..........I own it, bought it of some guy in a pub a couple of months ago, can't wait to take it over, described as a tropical paradise
:eek::eek:

[jik22]

Have the flies hit Perth yet????


Don't! I was shooting at Wanneroo on Sunday, and they were a ****ing nightmare! :mad:

[Jezzaol]

I moved here from Vic in Jan to work in the 4WD industry, as far as economy goes its the place to be ! Lots of close 4WD action, The hills have some challenging stuff, Plenty of sand and endless beach driving, climate is good !Cost of everything is too much (especially rent and property) Im renting at the moment too. I have a Ser 3 and others :angel: and everything is available (better for me than where I was in Vic)
Nothing beats the Vic High Country for ticking all the box's but I like the closeness of the 4WD action in WA.

Also I have most of the East side of the map covered with black marker and now started on the West side :cool: Just got back from a long weekend down at Bremmer Bay (between Albany and Esperance) Talk about a nice streach of coast down there !!! And plenty more beach to drive on ! :D

Let us know when you get here ! We'll give you a Landie Welcome !

[Jamo]

WA is the best place in the world IMHO.:D:D

If you want acreage then there's some similar lots to the size you've got now around York, Beverley, Gingin and other places like that. They're all around 80km to 140km out of Perth and some are more expensive than others.

PS. Some of those spots though, you may need to pack your banjo!;)

[DirtyDawg]

Hey Jason
If you have only been here 8 months you is really going to love the next 5 :D:D:D:D.
Have the flies hit Perth yet????
They are real thick here,have been for a couple of weeks.According to the AG dept due to the drought out east and north there were no dung beatles to deal with what they deal with,the bushflies have bread up wicked.
34degC in Perth by monday:D:D:D:D

ENJOY!!!!!
Andrew

Yep building a house down Baldivis and they are freakin thick as, aeroguard working overtime:mad:
As to the initial question
Most Isolated capital city in the world.
Any family here...as the Mrs will get home sick
2nd windiest city after Chicago
Very expensive real estate for no apparent reason than greed.:mad:
I wouldn't live anywhere else by choice:D
can watch sunsets over the ocean , like there supposed to be viewed.
I do miss the "Locality" of the eastern states.. ie :couple of hours to get to most places, snow etc.
I don't miss the freakin huge ethnic groups that take over suburbs though..don't get that here;) if you don't include poms that is:D:D:D:D:D

[Frenchie]

If you want semi-rural but close to the city and don't mind a slightly smaller block, say 2-5 acres, there are properties available in the hills only 30km from Perth, but bring lots of dosh.

Place around the corner from us is for sale, just over 2.5 acres, nice house about 5 yrs old, they want $1.125m. :eek:

[taff]

Hey Jason
If you have only been here 8 months you is really going to love the next 5 :D:D:D:D.
Have the flies hit Perth yet????
They are real thick here,have been for a couple of weeks.According to the AG dept due to the drought out east and north there were no dung beatles to deal with what they deal with,the bushflies have bread up wicked.
34degC in Perth by monday:D:D:D:D
ENJOY!!!!!
Andrew

hey andy
i think the flies are just starting to come now and i'm already freakin out.:mad:
bring back the rain :D

[stevo]

Ah Wiluna,what a great place used to work not to far from there used to do a beer run on my shift change, good road for the commadore and what a great pub bit of a eye opener for a small town kiwi boy.

[5teve]

been here 14 months now...

went back to the uk for 3 weeks... to do the family thing... wanted to come back as soon as we landed.. says it all really...

perth is home now.

as already said tho... its full of us poms! and full of v expensive property.. easy to find your way around tho as theres a few roads north and a few south...

as for the flies... we have a major infestation with hoverflies (someone called them sunflies) seem to get under the shadecloth and then die from the heat! daft sods... normal flies dont seem too bad yet.. he says hoping...

one thing to note is that rentals are meant to be hard to come by over here... so its worth doing some digging around first... there was a website dedicated to rentals but i cant dig the info out of my brain! anyone else?

Thanks

Steve

[Bigbjorn]

WA is really a very small community in a very large piece of dirt. Aside from mines there is virtually nothing outside a 150 mile radius of Perth CBD. I was there often as a major accounts rep. It was a good and easy territory as virtually all business is done, and decisions made, in Perth where the head offices are. You didn't need to travel to the actual work sites except maybe once a year to show your face. Perth and environs are sand, sand, and more sand. Every machine we pulled out of our Perth operation for sale in the Eastern States had to be dismantled to clean out heavy accumulations of sand under bonnet, under foot plates, in belly guards, in nooks and crannies around the frames. Sand gets in everything, blown in by the frequent strong winds. Had some good sessions in the Kewdale pub. Hated the red-eye flights though.

[jik22]

if you don't include poms that is:D:D:D:D:D

Oi! :D

[Frenchie]

Aside from mines there is virtually nothing outside a 150 mile radius of Perth CBD.

:angrylock:

You obviously never looked outside Perth while you were here.

[Bigbjorn]

aside from sheep and wheat and desert? I really meant virtually no major business is done outside of Perth.

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

the company I am looking at working for over there is located in Welshpool. But I don't think it matters much if I'm a bit out of town as most of their work is sly in fly out of the mines 2 weeks on 2 weeks off sort of thing.

The place keeps sounding better and better though, only put off is the huge expense of getting vehicles back and fourth, the Indian Pacific obviously knows how much fuel it costs to drive over and have made their transport cost just over it so you just go "ah well bugger it it'll cost the same at least I don't have to drive though".... lol

Already given up on the idea of taking my furniture over etc. just buy all new stuff as I plan on keeping my house here anyway, just take my swag and the trailer packed with all my tools should do...

[cjc_td5]

I'd say take the plunge and get over there. My wife lived in WA for eight years (1996-2004) and loved every moment. Great, laid back lifestyle, no one cares what school you went to or what car you drive, just as long as you back a WA AFL team!:p

We lived in Bunbury (180km south of Perth) so can't comment on Perth real estate. The SW of WA is a real gem though, got great beaches and forests that you can still access, unlike NSW which has locked most of theirs up. :mad:

Moved back in 2004, just as the boom was getting into gear. Our house has increased in value by 50% since we sold it!:twisted::twisted::( It seems that WA real estate is pretty expensive to buy into now, I'd be waiting for the market to settle down a bit before committing too much to buying.

When moving back, we had to put two cars and a trailer on a truck. (My new employers wanted me to start ASAP so we couldn't drive over east.) From memory the vehicles cost approx $1,500 each Perth-Sydney.

[ATH]

Hi Sheikh of whereever.
If your work will be in Welshpool try the hills areas like Mundaring or Sawyers Valley for acreage. Won't be cheap but it's got plenty of trees and it's not flat and is an easy run down to Welshpool.
Message for Taff............. yer a taffy Jason so don't go giving us Poms a bad name by claiming to be one.
See you at the weekend maybe.
Cheers.
Alan.

[HangOver]

the company I am looking at working for over there is located in Welshpool.

hi
I work in a suburb very close to welshpool it's not exactly a plush suburb but neither is it the bronx. As suburbs go there's a fair bit of light commercial places in the area which can be a good thing if you want some thing blasted or powder coated AND one of the few landy parts shops/garages south of the river is in welshpool so there's a bit of luck :D:D

Welshpool is a few mins from the CBD but easy to get to from either the south or east which is where most of the semi-rural properties are. You will not find any rural properties within say 40mins for welshpool even if you spend big $$

I dont really like the suburb where I work either but I come home to what I think is a nice suburb and I have a reasonable standard of living.

[harryw]

All of what they said.

We came from the UK in 1986 and wherever you go in Australia is good but Perth is the place I would choose over all the others.

We chose to live in the Nortern suburbs because it was nearer to the beaches and stiil live in that area.

The far north of the state is fantastic if you like isolation and unspolt scenery.

The South is just as good but different.

Can't comment too much on the Eastern part as I haven't had time to go there yet but retiring next year so theres time coming up to do that

Hope you enjoy it, most of the people I know are migrants of one sort or another and have had no trouble settling in, plus you have the advantage of this site to help you solve whatever problems may arise.

best regards

[BradM]

Came to the Pilbara via SA, NT, QLD, NSW, Canberra and Victoria. Born and grew up in Queensland.

I am surprised that these guys have told you so much as they like to keep it all a secret over here.

WA is just fantastic and probably the best state or territory that I have lived in. Bought a house in Perth last month for my retirement and the secret is to look around and when you see something good, jump on it before someone else does.

Acerage close enough for a reasonable commute will cost you "Big Bucks".

Regards,
BradM

[CraigE]

Down Armadale / Bedford way you can still get acerage, maybe not the size you want though.

[jik22]

Bought a house in Perth last month for my retirement and the secret is to look around and when you see something good, jump on it before someone else does.


Hmm...having also just bought, I'd be surprised if you now have anything left to retire on! ;)

Never thought I'd have to pay this much for a house in Perth when we first started planning to move here. Still, as everything is still expected to continue going up, I'm glad we did!

[taff]

Hi Sheikh of whereever.
If your work will be in Welshpool try the hills areas like Mundaring or Sawyers Valley for acreage. Won't be cheap but it's got plenty of trees and it's not flat and is an easy run down to Welshpool.
Message for Taff............. yer a taffy Jason so don't go giving us Poms a bad name by claiming to be one.
See you at the weekend maybe.
Cheers.
Alan.

you pomms already have a bad name. :D
thing is most people don't realise wales is a country and think it's a town in engl*** :mad:

[HangOver]

you pomms already have a bad name. :D
thing is most people don't realise wales is a country and think it's a town in engl*** :mad:

I think you'll find it's a Principality :o ;)

[RichardK]

Well, if you're working out of Welshpool and looking for space there is perhaps Gidgegannup, Toodyay, Pickering Brook, Chittering Valley, Gin Gin, Bindoon, Sawyers Valley and Helena Valley to name a few rural areas, mind you they won't be cheap but a good lifestyle and all would be around 45- 60 mins from Welshpool

[taff]

I think you'll find it's a Principality :o ;)

unfortunately technically true :(

but still not in england.. or scotland.. or ireland or wherever everybody seem's to ask "where are you from" when trying to place my accent and then looking totally puzzled when i say wales. :mad:

[LoveMyV8County]

The other attraction of WA not previously mentioned is that the people here are very friendly and welcoming.

If you're working in Welshpool I would second ATH's recommendation of Mundaring or Sawyers Valley (Stoneville, Gidgegannup also possibilities). If you want acreage then the hills east of Perth offer the best mix of affordability and access to the city. Great mountain-biking country too.

If you want acres *and* beach nearby you will have to buy a very long way out as the city stretches mainly north-south along the coastline.

Chris

[CraigE]

unfortunately technically true :(

but still not in england.. or scotland.. or ireland or wherever everybody seem's to ask "where are you from" when trying to place my accent and then looking totally puzzled when i say wales. :mad:

Wales, isnt that on the East coast of Australia?
:angel::wasntme:;)

[Dunnie]

I moved to Perth from Liverpool UK in 1983. My usual analogy is that it's like going to heaven while you're still alive in comparison to where I used to live. Crime? Not by my previous standards. Loads of Landy parts available ex. stock Perth at good prices; e.g. Brit Parts, Rovercraft. Because of the support provided by Perth for the huge WA mining industry you can get anything made here at a reasonable price. House prices have just flattened out. Try Guilderton on the coast up by Moore River, north of Joondalup/ Wanneroo to the west of Gingin. There is a new highway going through there (Indian Ocean Highway) in the next couple of years and the Realty speculators haven't quite caught on yet. Still looks like the location for 'Sea Change'.

[ATH]

Don't worry about it Taff, most of the WA population think the world ends at the border with SA or NT!
And the rest think it ends on the metro boundaries!!!
As long as most of them stay away from the bush, that's good.
Cheers.
Alan.

[Bigbjorn]

Don't worry about it Taff, most of the WA population think the world ends at the border with SA or NT!
And the rest think it ends on the metro boundaries!!!
As long as most of them stay away from the bush, that's good.
Cheers.
Alan.

We used to call Sandgropers the well balanced Australians, with a chip on each shoulder. In return, they called us the wise men from the east.

[CraigE]

We used to call Sandgropers the well balanced Australians, with a chip on each shoulder. In return, they called us the wise men from the east.
Brian,
The only wise men from the east are the ones that have moved over here.
:p:p

[Bigbjorn]

Brian,
The only wise men from the east are the ones that have moved over here.
:p:p

They were being sarcastic. Our branch people thought they knew everything and resented head office involvement in major accounts. I think the attitude of many Sandgropers towards the rest of Oz is a hangover from the days when they wanted to secede.

[ATH]

That's a good idea Brian, I wonder if we can restart the Seccessionist Movement and get those Easterners off our backs?
Alan.

[CraigE]

They were being sarcastic. Our branch people thought they knew everything and resented head office involvement in major accounts. I think the attitude of many Sandgropers towards the rest of Oz is a hangover from the days when they wanted to secede.
What do you mean "days when they wanted to secede". Most WA born people still do want to secede.
:o:o
Have to say WA is the friendliest state in general I have been too. Only state I have not been to is Tassie.
NSW is the worst with too many arrogant, self centred people. They seem to take an immediate dislike to vehicles with out of state plates. NT would be a close second best. Qld is not bad, as is SA. Vic is mixed.
:angel::angel:

[Searover]

Some of us still do, but sadly only a dream these days.

[LandyAndy]

At one stage there was an idea of dredging a canal down the WA border and becoming a seperate country,just to keep you easterntaters out!!!!
The idea was canned as the bit of water between aussie and NZ dont work at all:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Andrew

[BradM]

Originally Post by jik22
Hmm...having also just bought, I'd be surprised if you now have anything left to retire on!

Your right, lucky I do not retire for some time to come. :)

BradM

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

Ok well the decision has been made....

Just got off the phone from the new boss I've accepted the new position over there and I start in December...

It'll be too soon for me to pack stuff and drive the good old series 2 over there so looks like I might rough it there for a few months (its all 2 week on 1 week off stuff) and also see if I can buy a cheap car to get around in over there.... (landrover of course, what else????)

So maybe if any of the locals can point me in the direction of which the "good" realestate agents are in terms of renting and also if anyone hears of a any cheap rovers for sale in perth give me a yell.... saw a nice v8 disco for 3 grand in a yard there on the net....

Perth, here I come!!!

[isuzurover]

Ok well the decision has been made....

Just got off the phone from the new boss I've accepted the new position over there and I start in December...

It'll be too soon for me to pack stuff and drive the good old series 2 over there so looks like I might rough it there for a few months (its all 2 week on 1 week off stuff) and also see if I can buy a cheap car to get around in over there.... (landrover of course, what else????)

So maybe if any of the locals can point me in the direction of which the "good" realestate agents are in terms of renting and also if anyone hears of a any cheap rovers for sale in perth give me a yell.... saw a nice v8 disco for 3 grand in a yard there on the net....

Perth, here I come!!!

Congrats mate - when in December do you get here - we will have to get together for a beer.

You don't want your SII driven over for you in January do you??? (see my post in the courier service section).

If I see/hear of any cheap landies I will let yuou know.

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

They want me there by the first or 2nd week in december for inductions etc etc so pretty soon....

If I don't take the landy over with me in december I'll be coming back for it in feb probably and move all my stuff at the same time. A mate from sydney wants to ride shotgun for the trip over and I've promised him yes so great offer and thanks alot for it but I've got the landy sorted. However I may possibly have another car that may need transport, not sure yet have to see how it goes.

As for having a beer sometime I'm all for that, after all who could say no to beer???

[CraigE]

Welcome to WA and the best bit of Aus apart from real estate prices worse than Sydney.

[RobHay]

No its a terrible place to live. We do not want any banana bender over here. Place is full, gates are shut.
:angel::wasntme::p
Just kidding, I am a South Aussie originally. WA is probablly the best state in Australia. If you want land you will be 50 - 200 kms from the CBD depending on what you want to pay.

I can sell you a nice little property for $900,000 just a little bit Nth East of Perth, practically a suburb, on the doorstep of the ocean (just a short drive). It is called Wiluna.
:o



Hey ! Take it easy......he is from NSW....You know...those people that Queensland flogs in the League State of Origin:D

[marc81]

a disco for 3 grand in perth:o Where did you find that

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

there was a red 91 or 94 or something v8 disco that looked in ok nic on either carpoint or carsearch or one of those sites like that. It was a few weeks ago that i saw it and it was $3400

[isuzurover]

there was a red 91 or 94 or something v8 disco that looked in ok nic on either carpoint or carsearch or one of those sites like that. It was a few weeks ago that i saw it and it was $3400

I haven't yet bought a car over here, but from what I have seen they are usually a bit more than "over east" - maybe 1.5k more on a 5k car.