Japanese imports
Discussion
samoht said:
They emit below the required quantity of NOx per km but crucially they do so on the Japanese test cycle, which is different from the Euro test cycle (different speeds for one thing).
Therefore being below the limit on the Japanese test doesn't mean it necessarily would be on the Euro one.
(It very likely would in 99% of cases, but you can't prove it without re-testing the vehicle on the Euro cycle)
The same cycle applied for JDM cars that are exempt, they simply use a cut off date and assume it's compliant, still using the Japanese standard.Therefore being below the limit on the Japanese test doesn't mean it necessarily would be on the Euro one.
(It very likely would in 99% of cases, but you can't prove it without re-testing the vehicle on the Euro cycle)
It would be interesting to know if anyone had tried to get the status changed for a pre 2005 JDM and had been successful/unsuccessful.
The SVA test being carried out is listed on the V5C where it states the emissions levels, the one item it doesn't state in NOx, it lists lambda, %CO, HC
520TORQUES said:
Post year 2000 JDM petrol meets ULEZ emissions standards, the chassis plate shows you the code for the Japanese emissions standard the car was built to.
To get that accepted for ULEZ in practice i haven't tried, but technically it complies.
My particular car has the emissions code GH which is Japanese standard for 2000-2005 with a compliant Nox value required.
This page is helpfull https://toyota-club.net/files/faq/10-10-15_faq_eco...
Useful link and discussion above. To get that accepted for ULEZ in practice i haven't tried, but technically it complies.
My particular car has the emissions code GH which is Japanese standard for 2000-2005 with a compliant Nox value required.
This page is helpfull https://toyota-club.net/files/faq/10-10-15_faq_eco...
I can't believe there were no emissions standards upgrades between 1978 and 2000 based on that first table if I've understood correctly.
The official Ulez checker has a webpage regarding non-UK registered vehicles yet it still expects a UK VRN or it will say "no information held". Seems like an incomplete search function.
Its would be helpful if there was an option to check make, model, year, fuel/engine/transmission etc so that vehicles on foreign plates or imported vehicles can be verified.
TommoAE86 said:
captain.scarlet said:
Cheers for the insight as always.
I can access the wiring behind the cover in the boot and did inadvertently (I think) reconnect the factory numberplate lamps which I'm assuming had been disconnected from a sort of clip-in junction boxes in favour of wires for the Japanese numberplate back-lights.
They're screwed on quite firmly so I was unable to remove the Japanese numberplate frame. I've now got a plastic frame screwed on top of it, which is why it extends back enough to be able to impede the factory lamps.
I think I could feed the wire back through the holes and remove the bulbs before then determining how easily removable the wires themselves are. I guess they could be harmless being dormant or 'inert' like that.
Priority for now is finding a new valve cover gasket for a 1G-GE engine or an identical part used in a similar engine or Toyota/Lexus. I've found one online for the FE that looks the same so it's a matter of gambling on it.
I've also been advised that for oil filters, an oil filter for a Toyota Hiace will fit...
Hmmm doesn't sound like fun tracing all that back tbh.I can access the wiring behind the cover in the boot and did inadvertently (I think) reconnect the factory numberplate lamps which I'm assuming had been disconnected from a sort of clip-in junction boxes in favour of wires for the Japanese numberplate back-lights.
They're screwed on quite firmly so I was unable to remove the Japanese numberplate frame. I've now got a plastic frame screwed on top of it, which is why it extends back enough to be able to impede the factory lamps.
I think I could feed the wire back through the holes and remove the bulbs before then determining how easily removable the wires themselves are. I guess they could be harmless being dormant or 'inert' like that.
Priority for now is finding a new valve cover gasket for a 1G-GE engine or an identical part used in a similar engine or Toyota/Lexus. I've found one online for the FE that looks the same so it's a matter of gambling on it.
I've also been advised that for oil filters, an oil filter for a Toyota Hiace will fit...
For parts have you found the part number on Amayama? I use it on the Crown and then go to Toyota or my local guys and see if there are cheaper/available closer, although some parts I've found to be cheaper from Japan (like bonnet gas struts)
, just have to put up with the wait. The company I spoke with recently was Soars Performance and had this item but it is for a 1G-FE rather than GE. Again, I'm tempted to take a punt on it:
https://www.soarsperformance.co.uk/product-page/1g...
Edit: according to this ebay checker, the part is compatible. Time to take the plunge!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392985920138
Further edit. It isn't compatible! Back to square 1.
Edited by captain.scarlet on Monday 11th December 11:24
Resurrecting this thread to ask the following question:
If I were to buy a used BMW imported from Japan, would a BMW Indy be prepared to work on it? Would their plug-in gizmos still work? Would they still be able to read (and correctly interpret) fault codes?
Also, what about parts? I know, for example, that on a BMW E87 (Mk1 1 Series) UK cars had hydraulic PAS before the facelift and electic after. Japan models had hydraulic both before and after. Chances are, the hydraulic PAS on the post facelift Japan models probably uses the same parts as the pre facelift UK cars. But that's just one example where UK and Japan models are different.
Would it be a nightmare trying to maintain a car with Japan specific parts (that we may not even know about), and would a BMW Indy be prepared to work with something like that?
Thanks
If I were to buy a used BMW imported from Japan, would a BMW Indy be prepared to work on it? Would their plug-in gizmos still work? Would they still be able to read (and correctly interpret) fault codes?
Also, what about parts? I know, for example, that on a BMW E87 (Mk1 1 Series) UK cars had hydraulic PAS before the facelift and electic after. Japan models had hydraulic both before and after. Chances are, the hydraulic PAS on the post facelift Japan models probably uses the same parts as the pre facelift UK cars. But that's just one example where UK and Japan models are different.
Would it be a nightmare trying to maintain a car with Japan specific parts (that we may not even know about), and would a BMW Indy be prepared to work with something like that?
Thanks
Just a follow up, have you tried importing them from Japan? And how is the registration process?
Charlie-3erg5 said:
Hi all,
Not sure if this is the right sub forum for this so apologies if it is not.
I buy and sell cars and have done for years but have found some good deals for cars in Japan I want to import, mostly these will be German brands, BMW/Audi/MB/VW I have done some homework and asked around and I am fairly confident with the procedure/registration and tax side of things.
The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
The other question I had was to do with paperwork, I can't do VIN/registration checks to see their full history, so I am concerned that if one has been in a crash however minor or severe will this appear on my log book as a CAT S/N?
Also once the IVA test has been completed does this note onto the new UK logbook that the car is now an import?
Do these cars loose much value as they are imported?
Not sure if this is the right sub forum for this so apologies if it is not.
I buy and sell cars and have done for years but have found some good deals for cars in Japan I want to import, mostly these will be German brands, BMW/Audi/MB/VW I have done some homework and asked around and I am fairly confident with the procedure/registration and tax side of things.
The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
The other question I had was to do with paperwork, I can't do VIN/registration checks to see their full history, so I am concerned that if one has been in a crash however minor or severe will this appear on my log book as a CAT S/N?
Also once the IVA test has been completed does this note onto the new UK logbook that the car is now an import?
Do these cars loose much value as they are imported?
I import cars from Japan, I started a business - Sandhurst Cars. Registration is a bit tricky to get the form 100% right and any small issue they reject it and send it back to redo and it take a while but once you have done a couple its pretty straight forward.
Anything over 10 years old doesn't need an IVA, just an MOT before you register it. I import VAG group cars and they are basically the same as UK ones bar the KM/H speedo and satnav firmware, all of which can be updated. You'll read online about lack of underseal etc but this doesn't apply to VAG cars. I have an Erwin account so can access the service history from Japan and UK main dealers will work on them and most parts companies can look up the parts from the VIN without issues
Anything over 10 years old doesn't need an IVA, just an MOT before you register it. I import VAG group cars and they are basically the same as UK ones bar the KM/H speedo and satnav firmware, all of which can be updated. You'll read online about lack of underseal etc but this doesn't apply to VAG cars. I have an Erwin account so can access the service history from Japan and UK main dealers will work on them and most parts companies can look up the parts from the VIN without issues
adam.watson1 said:
I import cars from Japan, I started a business - Sandhurst Cars. Registration is a bit tricky to get the form 100% right and any small issue they reject it and send it back to redo and it take a while but once you have done a couple its pretty straight forward.
Anything over 10 years old doesn't need an IVA, just an MOT before you register it. I import VAG group cars and they are basically the same as UK ones bar the KM/H speedo and satnav firmware, all of which can be updated. You'll read online about lack of underseal etc but this doesn't apply to VAG cars. I have an Erwin account so can access the service history from Japan and UK main dealers will work on them and most parts companies can look up the parts from the VIN without issues
Hi there wondering if you can help me, i've been looking to buy a mk7.5 gti from Japan. I thought 7.5 = 7 speed DSG gearbox as it does in the UK, however read somewhere that this isn't the case in the USA and early mk7.5's still had the 6 speed, and that this could also be the same for Japan. Don't suppose you have any experience with this model? ThanksAnything over 10 years old doesn't need an IVA, just an MOT before you register it. I import VAG group cars and they are basically the same as UK ones bar the KM/H speedo and satnav firmware, all of which can be updated. You'll read online about lack of underseal etc but this doesn't apply to VAG cars. I have an Erwin account so can access the service history from Japan and UK main dealers will work on them and most parts companies can look up the parts from the VIN without issues
Panamax said:
Question: What's the appeal of Japanese imports where similar cars are already available over here? I can see it for stuff like Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Cube and some of their performance cars but the rest is a mystery to me.
Good question, it's less obvious but there are a few reasons:1) Many cars are in good condition. In general cars in Japan cover fewer miles, suffer less rust, and are well maintained, so after ten years they can have aged less in some ways. There are exceptions, but the average ten year old Japanese car is in better condition.
2) Spec - Japan wasn't fooled by the diseasal fraud of the 90s and 00s, so there are more family cars with petrol engines than in Europe. As our leaders make a swift U-turn and levy sudden high taxes on the diesel cars they until lately promoted, the option of buying say a 2010-era family car that won't cost £12.50 a day to run, nor suffer endless DPF or AdBlue issues, becomes quite appealing.
3) Road Tax - imported cars pay £350 a year under the PLG rate, which is attractive compared to the £700 for a thirsty petrol car under the 2006-17 system. Japan can also be a good source of big-engined Mercs etc which sold in tiny numbers here.
So basically considering Japanese imports can make it easier to find the car you want, in excellent condition, that will cost less overall (purchase, maintenance and tax).
The downsides are mainly insurance and infotainment.
Panamax said:
Question: What's the appeal of Japanese imports where similar cars are already available over here? I can see it for stuff like Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Cube and some of their performance cars but the rest is a mystery to me.
I've got a Nissan Elgrand which I imported back in 2019, which has been an absolute pleasure and dream in our ownership. It's twenty years old this month and you really wouldn't know to look at or drive it. (only 54k verified miles on the clock)Sorry, I digress as my specific JDM case doesn't apply to what your asking, but some of the same traits will carry over (for a fresh import):
Often better bodywork condition (on a like for like basis by age) - There are numerous reasons for this
Often better interior condition (except smoke odour, see below) - Again, numerous reasons for this
Often better suspension/running gear condition (bushes, shocks, springs, ball joints etc) as their roads are generally better engineered and maintained than ours
Often much less rust due to lack of salt on the roads during winter
Often more selection of examples with a lower mileage
Often much better service history coverage into later life
Often lower ownership numbers, which generally tends to 'better condition' as a rule in my experience (routine servicing, repairs etc)
Often a better standard of crash repair (if applicable)
Larger engine vehicles (such as our 3.5 V6 Elgrand) pays a lower rate of VED, but due to very tight JDM emissions (2 cats from factory) has been certified as ULEZ and CAZ compliant.
My brother has an imported Golf Mk7 GT (TSI) - For him, the added bonus of a JDM vehicle were:
'Better' specification (or combination) of options (when like for like trim levels are compared) - Privacy glass near always standard.
Alternative colours/interior trim options available, not available in the UK (sometimes power outputs may vary also)
Cheaper than a UK supplied car, on a like for like basis
The (potential) downsides:
Zero/low underbody protection particularly on JDM only vehicles (easily resolved, but at cost)
Sat Nav, Radio frequencies and Speedometer Incorrect (mostly easily resolved, but at cost)
More likely to have been smoked in (Not so easily resolved, plus cost)
Some main dealers/garages may be funny with servicing/repairs and recalls may take more effort to get actioned
May be more expensive to insure, but usually not an issue
Depending on time of year of import/shipping, may come fitted with aftermarket winter wheels (tyres)
JDM only vehicles often need to be run on higher octane (98+) fuel such as Shell V-Power / Momentum / Esso Supreme, leading to increased running costs
JDM only vehicles may need works to install a rear fog light
Larger vehicles sometimes fitted with additional ugly mirrors
However, I wouldn't think twice about having another.
Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 3rd March 17:12
Tony_T said:
Hi there wondering if you can help me, i've been looking to buy a mk7.5 gti from Japan. I thought 7.5 = 7 speed DSG gearbox as it does in the UK, however read somewhere that this isn't the case in the USA and early mk7.5's still had the 6 speed, and that this could also be the same for Japan. Don't suppose you have any experience with this model? Thanks
not sure, I have only imported a few mk7 golfs. If you're seriously interested look up Sandhurstcars.co.uk and give me a call to discuss what you're looking for and I can do some research and try and find the right car for youTony_T said:
Hi there wondering if you can help me, i've been looking to buy a mk7.5 gti from Japan. I thought 7.5 = 7 speed DSG gearbox as it does in the UK, however read somewhere that this isn't the case in the USA and early mk7.5's still had the 6 speed, and that this could also be the same for Japan. Don't suppose you have any experience with this model? Thanks
Forgot about this but I looked up the last Golf I imported, 2015 1.4 tsi, and the spec sheet from VW lists it as a DQ200 QRM gearbox which is 7 speed I loved my Toyota Land Cruiser Japanese import....awesome car. Never missed a beat for 3.5 years until it was stolen last year.
I have since bought a Andi Q7 also Japanese import. Its true they have more options and generally less wear and tear especially on the interior. Leather seats much better condition. I bought this because its petrol and ULEZ compliant, where the same UK Audi is Euro 5 and diesel only.
The drawbacks
Insurance is more expensive and less choice
Many dealers wont take them in part-ex so more difficult to part-ex
Generally dealers will offer you very low part-ex value and use it as bargaining chip to haggle you down.
Next time because of my experience if I am going to buy a Japanese Import I will stick to some typically Japanese car e.g. Land Cruiser, Skyline or Supra. For European cars I would go with a UK model sourced from UK.
I have since bought a Andi Q7 also Japanese import. Its true they have more options and generally less wear and tear especially on the interior. Leather seats much better condition. I bought this because its petrol and ULEZ compliant, where the same UK Audi is Euro 5 and diesel only.
The drawbacks
Insurance is more expensive and less choice
Many dealers wont take them in part-ex so more difficult to part-ex
Generally dealers will offer you very low part-ex value and use it as bargaining chip to haggle you down.
Next time because of my experience if I am going to buy a Japanese Import I will stick to some typically Japanese car e.g. Land Cruiser, Skyline or Supra. For European cars I would go with a UK model sourced from UK.
evening all!!!
please tell me someone on here can advise & help me. I'm slowly loosing my mind going in circles.
so i've brought a Jap imported Audi A1.
First time i've brought an import. V5 looked good, was MOT'd and all good.
I know thus far, that, as its not Europe import it doesn't require a COC for me to update emissions/ euro status. Ive already tried going down this route. Was told to contcact VW Japan for the info- near on impossible
Now, at present, my issue is the tax is listed as PLG with DVSA as this is apparently standard for them to issue to imported vehicles and so I have to accept paying £220 a year for what should be £30 tax on an A1.( i can do it DD so its not ideal but spreads the cost out)
But that aside, my resident parking permit for my Council also bases their permit prices on emissions/ euro status.As this is not on my V5 i'm having to pay an eye watering amount because the V5 doesnt have this basic info on it.
Im trying in vein to find out if anyone has been in this position and has successfully worked out how to get this updated/ corrected to make the paperwork match and prices seem more inline with uk/ europe produced vehs of the same spec.
what paperwork do i need? Copy of the IVA from DVSA ? or some sort of paperwork from Japan ? at present all I have is the new V5. nothing else as i was advised it was all sent off to DVLA when the car was imported for them to be able to register the veh.
anyone please please help me?
thanks all.
please tell me someone on here can advise & help me. I'm slowly loosing my mind going in circles.
so i've brought a Jap imported Audi A1.
First time i've brought an import. V5 looked good, was MOT'd and all good.
I know thus far, that, as its not Europe import it doesn't require a COC for me to update emissions/ euro status. Ive already tried going down this route. Was told to contcact VW Japan for the info- near on impossible
Now, at present, my issue is the tax is listed as PLG with DVSA as this is apparently standard for them to issue to imported vehicles and so I have to accept paying £220 a year for what should be £30 tax on an A1.( i can do it DD so its not ideal but spreads the cost out)
But that aside, my resident parking permit for my Council also bases their permit prices on emissions/ euro status.As this is not on my V5 i'm having to pay an eye watering amount because the V5 doesnt have this basic info on it.
Im trying in vein to find out if anyone has been in this position and has successfully worked out how to get this updated/ corrected to make the paperwork match and prices seem more inline with uk/ europe produced vehs of the same spec.
what paperwork do i need? Copy of the IVA from DVSA ? or some sort of paperwork from Japan ? at present all I have is the new V5. nothing else as i was advised it was all sent off to DVLA when the car was imported for them to be able to register the veh.
anyone please please help me?
thanks all.
SandhurstCars said:
You won't get the tax status changed from PLG. The A1 should be registered as Euro 5 already
thats all fine it i cant change the tax, it is what it is, its been registered by DVLA as PLG and ill have to accept that. any idea how i can go about getting paperwork to show the euro status ? would this be on the IVA from DVSAGassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff