Importing a car from Japan
Discussion
Hi guys,
I've found a car I REALLY like, but the only issue I've got is it's in Japan. The car wasn't ever sold here, so I can't just "buy a local one".
I'm sure plenty of you guys have imported cars into the UK so was hoping some of you could give me some real life experiences / processes. I've read the gov websites before you link me to them, but was hoping I could get some proper info from you experienced folk.
TIA
I've found a car I REALLY like, but the only issue I've got is it's in Japan. The car wasn't ever sold here, so I can't just "buy a local one".
I'm sure plenty of you guys have imported cars into the UK so was hoping some of you could give me some real life experiences / processes. I've read the gov websites before you link me to them, but was hoping I could get some proper info from you experienced folk.
TIA
Sorry guys - been a bit busy with some other stuff.
The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.
Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.
Thanks again
The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.
Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.
Thanks again
The Spruce Goose said:
7heGeneral said:
so I can't just "buy a local one".
There about 300+ on eBay so it seems you can buy local, you have comeback as well. Also as it's a cheap'ish car I'd like the experience of it all. As I said I'm in no major rush for it, so I'd like to try it for myself.
Trevor555 said:
sjg said:
If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.
This 100%And I've seen obviously forged auction sheets as well, funny how all of them are grade 4's even though the vehicles had clearly been repaired (Badly)
One dealer I knew packed up saying he couldn't sell his nice honest ones when the dodgy dealers were taking all the business.
I strongly suggest anyone buying an import that's already here to do a Bimta check.
They tell you the mileages (Kilometers) of the vehicles when they went through the Japanese auction (done on the Vin no.)
rampageturke said:
7heGeneral said:
Sorry guys - been a bit busy with some other stuff.
The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.
Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.
Thanks again
Does it have to be an Alphard specifically? There are plenty of Nissan Elgrand's in the UK and they are the same kind of vehicle.The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.
Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.
Thanks again
But fwiw, there are also a few Alphards on autotrader, they do come up now and then as people have imported before.
sjg said:
I did it for a Honda Stepwgn a couple of years ago - wrote it up here: http://stepwgn.uk/2019/06/07/my-import-process-par...
I don't think you really save much by doing most DIY, but you do get a much better selection to choose from at auction so if you're fussy about colour or spec and you want something to keep for a long time then you can get exactly what you want.
Worth trying the traders with cars on autotrader/ebay though - the import specialists tend to have dozens of cars in the process of being shipped over, and may have something suitable on the way. If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.
Thank you very much for this! Your link is exactly what I'm after I don't think you really save much by doing most DIY, but you do get a much better selection to choose from at auction so if you're fussy about colour or spec and you want something to keep for a long time then you can get exactly what you want.
Worth trying the traders with cars on autotrader/ebay though - the import specialists tend to have dozens of cars in the process of being shipped over, and may have something suitable on the way. If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.
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