Importing Japanese Car

RDB

I am going to be importing a Japanese car soon, haven't yet finally decided on which model, has anyone any suggestions?

I want to choose a model that can have the highest resale value over here.

Has anyone any experience with this?

harveybobbles

RDB wrote: »

I am going to be importing a Japanese car soon, haven't yet finally decided on which model, has anyone any suggestions?

I want to choose a model that can have the highest resale value over here.

Has anyone any experience with this?

"import" and "highest resale value over here" go together like mushrooms and custard!

Stick to summat you can buy over 'ere!

RDB

actually there is a profit margin in it. You need to look at maybe 10 diff models that you'd be happy with, then look at Japanese autotrader type sites to see what you can get one for, then look at UK autotrader sites to see what you will get. Go for the 1 with the biggest margin. I dont think I'd risk a large sum until really knew what were doing though. Small profits means small mistakes!

DKLS

My mate imports from Japan & Germany, hugely different cars from each country, he buys, VW Type 2 Campers/Vans/pickups, and the odd Unimog for farmers and tree surgeons from Germany.
From Japan, he tends to buy seriously souped up Skylines and Type Rs, I scared myself silly in one of his 650bhp Skylines :eek:

Check the prices, check the import and conversion costs etc, and go from there.

RDB

Buying from Europe you have the problem of left hand drive, but Japan is right same as UK, so there is no conversion costs, just shipping and customs.

My budget doesn't go as far as a to buy seriously souped up Skylines and Type Rs, unless I go for an older one.

Does your mate buy more than one a year? because then you are classed as trade and have to pay tax and all, but you can buy one a year just for your personal car.

DKLS

My mate finds that LHD drive isnt a problem sales wise with the campers and unimogs, as your sat higher up, its not that much of an issue to Uk drivers.
The Jap, cars there are conversion costs mainly Speedos, Lights and Radios and the SVA test thingy, think the rules have changed on that so check that out.
He started as a hobby, initially he just imported as a hobby for himself, friends and family, then as word spread he went fully legit, vat registered etc and has now built himself a cracking little business.

For more background info, Check iut the appropriate Subaru, Syline, and Honda forums, see whats desirable and sellable.