Buying a a car previously imported from Japan
Discussion
I've seen some nice used BMWs and Mercs that have been imported from Japan.. These are say 15 year old cars that have been brought here in say the last 3 to 5 years. Cosmetically, they are generally nicer than most.of the UK supplied cars, so they are tempting.
In addition to all usual used car checks, what additional things do I need look out for on a car brought in from Japan?
In addition to all usual used car checks, what additional things do I need look out for on a car brought in from Japan?
I'm not totally sure, but ask to see the grading export sheet as this should help you understand what it was classed as when exported. Note most older vehicles can't obtain the highest grade I believe.
May want to see evidence of the KPH/MPH conversion if undertaken to ensure mileages are accurate.
Also want to consider underseal/rust proofing and whether that's been applied in UK.
May want to see evidence of the KPH/MPH conversion if undertaken to ensure mileages are accurate.
Also want to consider underseal/rust proofing and whether that's been applied in UK.
Insurance will likely be more expensive. Tax often cheaper though, especially for polluting vehicles.
They may also need additional undercoating when they're imported, not all of them get it so they'll look great for a couple of winters and then start to rot.
Sometimes they butcher bumpers to fit fog lights when a reverse light could quite easily be converted to a fog and Speedo healers can upset some other systems, on my insight it confused the hybrid system so I just removed it and learnt the main kph to mph conversions.
They may also need additional undercoating when they're imported, not all of them get it so they'll look great for a couple of winters and then start to rot.
Sometimes they butcher bumpers to fit fog lights when a reverse light could quite easily be converted to a fog and Speedo healers can upset some other systems, on my insight it confused the hybrid system so I just removed it and learnt the main kph to mph conversions.
I don't think the fog light is an issue on these cars. They either already had them or if been retrofitted in the cluster where they would have been anyway. The only thing is if there any bodgery been done with the to reinstate it.
Good point re: the radios. Although thats not a big issue for me.
Undersealing, I need to do some research. As these are from Euro manufacturers would they have the same protection as the models sold here, or did they cut back for Japan, not sure...
Will check insurance out too.
Good point re: the radios. Although thats not a big issue for me.
Undersealing, I need to do some research. As these are from Euro manufacturers would they have the same protection as the models sold here, or did they cut back for Japan, not sure...
Will check insurance out too.
My Merc C200 estate is an import. Some parts are different spec to UK cars, most recently a hose. PITA. The Merc specialist I use had to go to three suppliers for different parts of the hose and fitting kit.
It was cheaper and better condition than the UK equivalent. It was like new underneath. The insurance is more. The radio only receives Radio 2.
Other than that, nice car. Very well looked after.
It was cheaper and better condition than the UK equivalent. It was like new underneath. The insurance is more. The radio only receives Radio 2.
Other than that, nice car. Very well looked after.
I looked into buying a Japanese import the radio and MPH/KMH thing doesn't always have to be an issue, not sure if more modern cars have a locale that can be set, like a phone. This Volvo for example shows MPH and is showing Radio 4 on the images of the radio -
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1852841
There are websites that you can use to check the history of the car using the VIN https://japancarhistorycheck.com/
If the car does come with any paperwork then Google Translate can help with that. Insurance wise using Confused.com a Japanese import seemed to add around 20% to the cost of the insurance, but the cars I was looking at were all top band tax, so the offset of the cheaper tax more than covered the insurance hike.
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1852841
There are websites that you can use to check the history of the car using the VIN https://japancarhistorycheck.com/
If the car does come with any paperwork then Google Translate can help with that. Insurance wise using Confused.com a Japanese import seemed to add around 20% to the cost of the insurance, but the cars I was looking at were all top band tax, so the offset of the cheaper tax more than covered the insurance hike.
Bemmer said:
The usual Car Checks you can do here don't really mean a thing.? There's no record of accident damage recorded overseas and i think also many miles are lost from leaving Japan to arriving in the UK...
Use a dealer here who works with a dealer there to buy a car at auction that meets your spec and check the numbers tally. And remember that having bought it, the car will be in transit for three months. Do not get all excited and sell your car prematurely. Like someone not a million miles away did. Like a eejit.
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