Japanese Imports

[Bergeruk]

Has anyone actually imported a car from Japan? was it worth it? I know they are cheap but what about the cost of running it? did u get it from an auctions here or import it privately?

[Skids]

I haven't imported one myself, but Japanese imports are ten-a-penny (you've probably seen loads without realising it) so they're easy to get hold of within the country.  Most Japanese cars are available to purchase from main dealers here anyway.  For example, a Mazda MX-5 is the same car as an imported Mazda Eunos Roadster, the Lexus IS200 is basically the Toyota Altezza, and there are many more most having the same names.  So the running costs for an MX-5 will be the same as an Eunos Roadster, and so on.  The problem with Japanese imports, or grey imports, is that main dealers won't touch them.

[Impret-Sir]

If the vehicle is a model that is not officially imported into this country, known as a Grey import, then they can prove more costly to run, as insurance and spares can be more expensive and difficult to find.  I was looking for a Japanese spec Subaru Impreza, as they are a lot more powerful and better equipped than UK models, however, the insurance quotes I got for them were a lot more powerful too! It is true than UK franchised dealers will often not want to work on these cars, but there are lots of places who will, there are dealers around who import, sell and service the cars. The actual importing bit is usually not too difficult these days, there are lots of companies willing to do all the papaerwork for you for a fee. Get hold of a copy of "Car Import Guide" magazine from Smiths or similar, it tells you all you need to know.