How do I maintain an import car?

Question

I'm thinking about buying an import car from Japan to US, specifically the Toyota Sprinter Trueno(AE-86). Wondering how I can maintain this car, if I get it, if the car parts are unavailable in the US, and importing car parts is too expensive.

Are these mechanics who specialize in imports expensive?

Answer 1

There are mechanics who deal specifically with import and foreign vehicles. They are probably going to be expensive because the parts are more obscure.

Answer 2

It won't be too hard to maintain - it's mechanically almost identical to the Corolla GT-S over here, so you can still get parts for it. Strangely, sometimes it's easier to get an engine imported from Japan than to find one in an American junkyard, possibly because Americans put a lot more miles on their cars.

Answer 3

Take it back to the dealer for check ups every once and a while.

The Stig