2007-10-17 05:20:23 · 10 answers · asked by Azhar 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I imported my car (Toyota Soarer) from Japan three years ago.
In my case the process was safe as houses. I got a lot of car for surprisingly little money, used japanese cars are ridiculously cheap, the whole process was dead straight.
Japanese models are often of a higher spec and come with more/better engine options than their UK equivalent model as well.
The car was exactly as described on the auction sheet and by the auction buyer acting on my behalf.
This is the company/auction buyer that examined and bought the car on my behalf.
http://www.japanautodirect.com/
(they show a lot of early 90's models because of Australian import rules, Aussies are big buyers of Jap imports)
2007-10-17 05:37:27 · answer #1 · answered by 203 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To do it personally? Mega hassle & expense. How's your Japanese for a start? If you look through the Auto Trader, there will probably be a few companies in your area who specialise in Jap imports, and will have got the cars registered and legal for the UK. They will also have picked the best cars, which may cost more, but you gets what you pays for!
2007-10-17 10:14:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of specialist dealers here in the UK that import Japanese imports.
The Japanese replace their cars after about 3 years. I cannot remember if it is to do with age or MOT, but it means large quantities of vehicles with low mileage and in excellent condition are available.
They are well worth buying. Look in AutoTrader for dealers.
2007-10-17 05:31:31 · answer #3 · answered by charterman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I'm confused here. It is safe certainly, just a tedious process and it would just cost several times more than buying a UK Supra. They are fairly common, why not just get one here?
2007-10-17 05:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No problem buying one BUT problems when it's time for you to sell it. I had a Celica Jap import and had trouble part ex ing it, dealers offered ridiculously low price even though it was immaculate and worth more, a lot of them don't want to touch imports. Sold privately in the end for a decent price.
2007-10-17 05:37:30 · answer #5 · answered by JP32 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi mate, jap imports are pretty cheap , already landed in the UK, no need to fly out there, i was going to go, but i found my skyline here ! Supras start a £3000 here !
2007-10-17 05:40:00 · answer #6 · answered by openyoureyespeople! 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That all depends. Have you taken into account the possibility that:
You may get ripped off and never get your car.
You may get ripped off and buy a duff car.
You will have to pay high shipping charges.
You will have to pay import duty, VAT and brokerage fees.
You will probably need to pay for an SVA test.
The insurance will be higher than a U.K spec car.
The resale value will be lower than a UK spec car.
In the end, it's your money, so it's up to you what you do with it...
2007-10-17 06:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by Nightworks 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It would be fairly safe if you knew how to go about it I know plenty of people who have done this just don't know how they have done it.
Happy motoring
2007-10-17 05:22:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the US you can't register a car that does not meet federal safety and emissions standards. Most cars built to foreign specs do not meet these minimum requirements, therefore can't be imported.
I've heard stories of guys buying expensive European spec autos and having a them sit at Customs for up to 7 years waiting for approval to import them.
2007-10-17 05:46:29 · answer #9 · answered by mccoyblues 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
why not just get one here?
2007-10-17 05:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋