Bill, here's a few things to throw into the hat.
There are reliable aussie connections for inspecting and buying in the USA to talk to, all of whom have their contacts on the forum, including a new chap who is just starting up and says he's keen to build a reputation.
Beware US Ebay as there have been some absolute horror stories about wrongly described cars. Very risky and scammers seem to lurk in droves wanting money sent. Craigs List is a USA site with a lot of used cars for sale.
Locally talk to Steve at Mustangs of Melbourne in Kilsyth who imports a lot of cars, and offers a RHD conversion service. If you are a new P Plate driver and intend to use the car in weekday traffic, I'd strongly suggest you go RHD. (having had both). Then there's Russell at Just Mustangs out at Riddells Creek, who has been in business importing Mustangs for many years, and who is very informative and helpful. Others advertise in "Just Cars" magazine.
In talking to these guys you might even be able to order a car in the model and red/black trim you prefer, seeing you are not in a hurry. If VicRoads require you to drive a six whilst on P Plates, these are scarcer and it could take a while to suss out a good one.
Basically the equation is that buying locally gets you a car you have inspected, and at a known final price. Importing means more risk of something going wrong, but sometimes a price advantage. There's no right or wrong way.
