Thoughts on Importing

[Syke]

Just wondering what people thoughts on importing cars is?
i am taking up a new job in the new year which gets me a bit more money therefore looking to get another car (still keeping the VR-X for daily as i already own it). Preferably something with a turbo(or two). Price around the 15k mark, maybe Silvia S15. Open to suggestions.

Most cars i look at are quite tidy in appearance with low km's and resonable prices. Where as the market on japanese cars here can be ridiculous.

Pro's vs Con's?
deal breaker for most people is not being able to physical inspect the car themselves but i'm sure buying through an import seller like j spec would give some reassurance. Handful of importers in australia
http://www.j-spec.com.au/

Yes? No? Would like to hear your opinions

[vermilioN]

Yeah agreed, probably easiest to just buy one in Australia.. Ive been told of horror story's about importing but I guess that isn't always the case.

[debonaire]

There's not much point importing unless you're after something very specific or really come across a bargain. I'm sure there are enough S15's around that you'll be able to find what you're after, there were even Australian delivered ones. Saves a lot of time and worry.

If you do want to import, my advice would be to choose a broker with spotless reviews and make sure you know the deal inside out, regarding your grounds if the car is not as described and other costs involved.

PS, never believe what the odometer says on a grey import, they're notorious for forgetting to bring half their km with them. You should be looking at the seat and steering wheel wear, carpets etc to see if it matches the claimed age of the car.

[Syke]

There are a number of Jap import places along Parramatta road in Sydney that it is not worth the time and effort to import something yourself. Thats my opinion anyway

this is what i was thinking. i wouldnt ever consider importing something buy myself. That is why these places exist.

PS, never believe what the odometer says on a grey import, theyre notorious for forgetting to bring half their km with them. You should be looking at the seat and steering wheel wear, carpets etc to see if it matches the claimed age of the car.

This is the sort of thing i dont hear about :/ however like i said most vehicles i look at are tidy both inside and out.


i will keep looking locally but it hard to find something that is close to stock with low km's for a decent price.

[evil.ralliart]

Mark, Try giving Skyline imports in Brisbane a call. Tom Parry is the owner. He has been importing Jap cars for about 25 years that i know of. He isnt a car yard but is fistidous about his cars. He mainly imports stuff like low K and i mean low k GTR's and the like for private picky buyers, He also used to do all the testing for australian grey import testing. He might have a car that there isnt 20'000 of as well like the S15 or a variation that isnt common over here.
We can have a chat about it on Wednesday when you come up to Vegas.

[XXVENUMXX]

importmonster.com.au

they can give you a price on the vehicle including compliance in AUS they do the paperwork for you

[Dire]

Why go to the trouble of importing a car thats already here?
Sure, most are riced to hell, but the hunt for the right one is half the fun.