Importing a car from Japan
Discussion
AmitG said:
I have a desperate urge to own a Toyota Century.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Century
Importing one is the only way to do it, but even if I did, I assume that the local Toyota main dealer will not want to know
They would most likely struggle as they do for my Skyline. Having said that it's production was from 1967 - 1997 I can't see there being much to a) go wrong, or b) a spanner set couldn't fix. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Century
Importing one is the only way to do it, but even if I did, I assume that the local Toyota main dealer will not want to know
You only come a cropper when you need some unique parts (wings, interior bits), being that it's unbelievably unique you're looking at getting bits from Japan.
I'd say do it, looks awesome, and you can turn up everywhere with something no one else has
Not used them myself (yet!) but Torque GT seem to be a name that pops up on here and other places as being reliable and getting hold of good stock. An extra expense over importing yourself but I think for the removal of hassle/peace of mind it would be worth it.
Good choice on the Isuzu, I like the oddball styling
Good choice on the Isuzu, I like the oddball styling
Torque GT have a great rep from anyone I have spoken to about importing
Then you have various others such as JM Imports or SVA etc. Remember these companies tend to be in far flung parts of the UK from Devon to Hull so be mindful of that also when choosing who to go with.
On the whole, you have a decent amount of cover importing, you can reject the car if its not as described and most companies like those named above have people on the ground in Japan to inspect if necessary.
Then you have various others such as JM Imports or SVA etc. Remember these companies tend to be in far flung parts of the UK from Devon to Hull so be mindful of that also when choosing who to go with.
On the whole, you have a decent amount of cover importing, you can reject the car if its not as described and most companies like those named above have people on the ground in Japan to inspect if necessary.
Echo the above, I used Torque GT and it was worth the extra (about £1k over a UK one) for just one auction. Translated the auction sheet everything checked out, their guys in Japan were going to bid on it, email next morning "we didn't bid, the guys there heard it drive in, rattly engine! We will get the next batch".
After care was also great too, helped sort out my HICAS FOC, which seeing as most people lock it out/remove it is great
After care was also great too, helped sort out my HICAS FOC, which seeing as most people lock it out/remove it is great
kuruma-ex.jp is the best website to browse for JDM cars, as it aggregates all the major japanese online sites such as goo-net & car-sensor, plus others. It has good search facilities, and importantly for us non-japanese readers, works well with google translate.
http://kuruma-ex.jp/usedcar is the starting point.
Using google chrome as your browser, go into settings, advanced settings , languages - then tick the box to translate languages.
http://kuruma-ex.jp/usedcar is the starting point.
Using google chrome as your browser, go into settings, advanced settings , languages - then tick the box to translate languages.
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