Japanese imports

[Derek Smith]

I've been looking for a 124 Merc, probably saloon, possibly estate, preferably 6-cylinder, might stretch to a 4-pot if otherwise great.

Used mainly as a second car as I've got an SLK I use as a daily driver.

I've seen a number of Japanese imports. Many are described as immaculate.

Is it a good idea? Are their any hazards that are hidden? What are the additional costs if any?

Ta,

Derek

[Derek Smith]

Trabi601 said:

You may need an MPH converter for the speedometer and a rear fog light.

There's import duty and VAT to pay, as I understand - so if you've bought a car for £5k in Japan and it has cost you, say, £1k to transport it and £250 for transport insurance, your total cost, landed in the UK, but pre-registration, would be £8250.

Thanks for that. I appreciate the help.

Most imports from Japan are low mileage but that's good and bad.

I'm told that rust proofing is markedly less on Japanese cars so that's in the budget.

[Derek Smith]

I've just phoned Specialist Cars http://www.specialistcars.net/ and chatted to their sales bloke.

Their charges are all inclusive. That's a new MoT, service, change of milometer and speedo face, UK spec.

I've just been looking for a car to suit me. I've got a minor medical problem and need an auto and more vertical seating. I've gone through the list in a local car supermarket and nothing in my price range, up to 12K, but 15K if needed, excites me. I had a '94 W124 up until ten years ago and I enjoyed it. I looked at a couple a few years ago, one described as 'near immaculate', with no extra charge for the lump of non-undersealed Isopon under both front wings, so was put off. But these Japanese imports seem to answer most of what I need, and i'll find them fun to own.

The company gives a 3-months parts and labour warranty on a 20+ year old car, so they must have a certain amount of faith in their product.

The prices, 9K seems the top for an estate with sub 30,000 miles, leave me enough to keep as a contingency fund, more so for a saloon.

I was told that they waxoil all Japanese cars due to the lower level of rustproofing for cars imported via Merc dealers.

Edited to add: cheap to own as well. Higher fuel consumption but very little depreciation.

[Derek Smith]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

It would be worth posting ion the Barge 1-5 thread. There are lots of Merc experts there, and some experience of imports and importers.

The kind of money you're mentioning is a lot for one of these cars; either be sure that JDM cars offer VFM or that you wouldn't be better buying a decent base and then getting it brought up to scratch yourself.

Thanks for the advice. I'll go to the barge - Barge! - thread.

I did consider doing up one that was rough around the edges. I'm experienced enough as I've built two of my own kit cars, rebuilt one and helped two friends with theirs. I've got the gear but I haven't got the back. I broke three vertebrae some years ago and bone growth on the breaks is threatening nerves and stuff. Not helped by 50 years of cycling. I thought I was healthy but I've damaged my L5 quite badly. So lifting and twisting with weights is a no-no.

I think I could get one that will suit me with about 6k, which is well inside my budget. Money left for contingencies and some holidays.

Thanks again.

[Derek Smith]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

I think you could get a very nice one for that, and even having to pay someone else to do the heavy stuff your budget would see you end with a cracker.

Have you seen r129sl's Reader's Ride thread?

Thanks for the link.

I've got a couple of mates up there. I'll ask them if they'll take a look.

I've got a little SLK 320 at the moment. I'll use that until the end of the summer and then accept that I'll have to give into the demands of my back.

[Derek Smith]

rallycross said:

Whatever you do do not buy a car from them without having it fully inspected before handing over any money - I know from my own painful experience what a bunch of chancers they are - one to be avoided unless you check everything twice and be sure it's as described.

Thanks for that. Can you give details of your experience? If it would break the name/shame policy on PH, I'd appreciate a PM.

Derek

[Derek Smith]

rallycross said:

Hi

Yes sure will send you the details.

Appreciate that. Ta.

[Derek Smith]

MDMA . said:

what about this -

http://neweraimports.com/carDetails.jsp?carId=617

The testimonial pages are quite impressive. Thanks for the heads up.

[Derek Smith]

I will drive up and have a look at their set-up.

Thanks for all the help and advice, guys. Much appreciated.

[Derek Smith]

MDMA . said:

Just googled them. Doesn't make for good reading. You'd think PH would have some sort of standard for its trade sellers.

I've just found Car Dealer Watchdog and read the feedback, which I assume is what you are talking about.

I know you have to be careful of an individual complainant, but consistency is persuasive.

I've recently read up on restraint of trade and as a publisher PH has to be very careful about blacklisting or commenting on an advertiser.

Buyer beware I suppose.

[Derek Smith]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Derek,
I've said this already, so forgive the nagging, but why not post a request for a 124 in the 1-5 Smoker Barge thread? Someone there will find you something, I've no doubt. If not a car, it's a rich seam of knowledge to be tapped.

I'll be in the market around May. My son wants my current car, a Focus estate, but not until then, for business reasons. I could buy another earlier, but that will mean I have three cars as my son has nowhere to store his. I'm also after something towards the top end of the range as I'm considering taking up concourse and I didn't think Smoker Barge described the quality I was after.

But I'll go there now.

Derek

[Derek Smith]

Trabi601 said:

You can get smartphone apps which will translate on the fly, reading it using the camera. Massively useful when in Tokyo!

Or you can have an elder son who is fluent in Japanese have him marry a Japanese woman who has a degree in English Language. I've got it cracked.