Buying an Imported Car Secondhand.

Ted_Hutchinson

I'm considering buying a Japanese second-hand imported car on Sunday. (providing it looks OK) I've checked out the insurance and my present company have given me a reasonable quote on it, so that's no problem.

Because it's an import I'm paying less than I expected to pay given Parkers Private Good Private Poor Part Exchange prices for that model & year. I've offered the Private Poor price and while I haven't looked at it yet, I'm expecting it to be in immaculate condition.

I assume that when I come to sell it in some years time I will also have to expect somewhat lower than the usual market value.

But are there any other problems associated with buying an imported car secondhand, assuming it's the same model/specification as would have been available in the UK?

ttoli

İ owned a grey import Honda Del Sol, make sure that the cars timing has been adjusted to account for the fuel octane in the UK. İn Japan they use 100 octane petrol. Normally the importer will run it thru a SVA test, which unfortunately means a cheapo Fog light on the rear bumper(Not normally fitted in Japan) - Though i changed the right hand reverse light to serve as a Fog light (perfectly legal), cars in Japan also have a speed limiter fitted restricting top end to 113mph, a de-limiter is very,very easy to fit approx 50 quid(ads in Banzai magazine)and before i get shot, it would only be for when you are on a racetrack(!). Aside from that Jap spec cars often have many more options fitted, including dıfferent shades of tinted glass that can be difficult to source in the UK, on the downside you cant check the cars Jap history. What Make Model is it?, there are a growing number of owners forums that may be able to offer more advice.at one time Main dealers wouldn't touch them(servicing), but thats changing now, would i buy another import??, i did !!.. Good luck and happy motoring

redux

Are you buying it direct from an importer, or has it already been driving around for a bit? There are some type approval issues, which I don't know enough about, eg some of the light requirements (fogs?) are slightly different, but I'd expect a reasonable dealer to have sorted all this out.

There are some dodgy traders, so you need to be confident it hasn't been damaged and repaired below standard, as you won't be able to do any HPI or similar searches.

Ted_Hutchinson

redux wrote:

Are you buying it direct from an importer, or has it already been driving around for a bit? There are some type approval issues, which I don't know enough about, eg some of the light requirements (fogs?) are slightly different, but I'd expect a reasonable dealer to have sorted all this out.

There are some dodgy traders, so you need to be confident it hasn't been damaged and repaired below standard, as you won't be able to do any HPI or similar searches.

I'm buying privately and it was new when imported. The guy who bought it imported it himself. Thanks for the info about lights will double check they are UK specs.

redux

Sounds like you won't have any problems

burbs_2

Hi Ted

Having dealt Jap Imports for 4 years now and currently having a stock of 200 vehicles (why did you not come to me!!! LOL) I think you will be absolutly fine buying an import. The main problem with imports is not the buying of it, its the running of the vehicle after buying it. I have numerous people buying vehicles and driving off only to blow their engines through stupidity and complete disregard for the way to look after the vehicle.

What car is it you are going for?

As Redux said it would have had to been made road legal over here, it obviously has undertaken this else it would not have MOT and Tax and wouldnt be driven. It would have also have passed the SVA test if it was required (Long story, not all imports need them).

I would seriously have the car checked over before you part with any cash, especially if you are buying a Scooby, Evo or Skyline privately as these are the main cars to take a beating by their owners.

Times have moved on since when the imports were a dangerous car to buy. Most now come with service history, they can also come with guaranteed mileage etc so not many worries on that part. If the guy imported it himself then he would have still had to use an agent in Japan to purchase it at auction (i assume this is where he got it from). Most agents are excellent and only source quality vehicles, although some do give out bad vehicles.

Get it checked, ask him any questions about how he ran the vehicle as you dont want to change anything too drastically and most of all enjoy it.

Ted_Hutchinson

burbs wrote:

Having dealt Jap Imports for 4 years now and currently having a stock of 200 vehicles (why did you not come to me!!! LOL)

Your website URL isn't in your personal profile unlike mine.

burbs_2

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

Your website URL isn't in your personal profile unlike mine.

Already had my hands slapped for advertising on this forum before. How do i get it in my profile? You mean as a signature at the bottom? If not can you give me a quick guide so as i can get it whacked in there.

Silent_Bob_3

What car is it?

That thing about timing is to my knowledge not correct - as they Engine Management Unit will adjust to compensate for the change in petrol RON - well my FTO does anyway.

Check out the Owners Club for things to look for and for insurance , Sky, APlan, AON and Adrian Flux are the best to go with.

Ted_Hutchinson

burbs wrote:

Already had my hands slapped for advertising on this forum before. How do i get it in my profile? You mean as a signature at the bottom? If not can you give me a quick guide so as i can get it whacked in there.

At the top of the page click on User CP, you will then have to select Edit Profile you will then be able to enter your Home Page URL

Then when anyone clicks on your name that will be able to see your website.

Ted_Hutchinson

Silent_Bob wrote:

What car is it?

Bit reluctant to put the car details on as I think it's a bargain and I don't want anyone to read this and snap it up before I get there. I don't for one moment think you would but the other reader might.

Silent_Bob wrote:

That thing about timing is to my knowledge not correct - as they Engine Management Unit will adjust to compensate for the change in petrol RON - well my FTO does anyway.

Thats worth knowing.

Silent_Bob wrote:

Check out the Owners Club for things to look for

Good idea will do.

I was quite pleased with the quote my current insurers EGG gave. It's lower than my current Peugeot 306 and really not too bad. The advantage of using my current insurers as they will allow me to have both cars on at the same time, so I've got 3 months to sell the Peugeot and I don't have to start with a no no claims discount for the second car which I thought I might.