JDM Import - What to look for?

[BlueJ]

Hello

I am interested in a used Legacy / Outback / Forester as a winter workhorse, and there are some clean looking JDM imports with specialists such as Torque GT. I'm aware that Japanese cars are not undersealed as they don't salt their roads, but beyond that what do I need to know and what do I look out for?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[stevekoz]

Hey.

I've done some digging in this area before. Plenty of websites to help you out. Though a lot geared towards you doing the import not a 3rd Party.

Same principles apply though.

1. Auction House Description - It won't list any minor damage or imperfections. It will assume you know that as a used car it will have some.
2. Grading - Each car is graded (see above). Lower the grade, lower the quality. However, each auction house has different ideas of what grading is good etc. One may say rust lowers a grade another may not take it into account at all. So do your research.
3. Mileage - Most will be in KM's not Miles and so often get converted as part of the 3rd party import process. But figure to have this done if not.
4. Limiters - Alot of Turbo JDM cars have limiters that don't apply over here. Not that you can go over 112mph for example. But again as above. Those are removed sometimes on import but factor in to have it done if you want.
5. Auction houses in Japan are allowed to sell write offs with minimal repair and its not like you can HPI the vehicle in Japan. Again. Reputable 3rd party importers circumvent this issue by buying from trusted stock and having 3rd parties in Japan inspect cars before they are bought at auction.
6. Insurance - UK insurance companies will need to know if its a grey import (JDM) and that may affect your premium and the number of insurers willing to cover the vehicle. Be aware before buying - check to see if you can afford it. There is usually a premium added by mainstream insurers when it comes to JDM models.

Ultimately, if the company in the UK that is stocking the vehicle and selling it to you. Make sure you understand the service they are offering. What that includes, taxes, duty, conversions, MOT etc. And that they only buy good reputable stock. Someone like Torque as you've mentioned. Have a good reputation. But i';ve not used them so that is just 3rd hand knowledge. Look at google ratings etc. Read the reviews.

Just my little bit of knowledge. Good luck though.

[duggyfresh]

I was just in the same position with a forester or legacy on the list. I have a legacy spec b wagon waiting to be loaded on the boat end of this month. I am using Torque GT import service. What is your budget and spec?

[BlueJ]

@stevekoz - thanks for all the info, very helpful. I would be buying from a specialist importer rather than DIY so this gives me a steer on what to look for.

@duggyfresh - I'm looking to spend less than £10K, I suspect a Spec B is a bit more than that? Not too fussed about spec as this will be a winter workhorse, only requirements are 4WD, estate, reliable, manual, petrol.

For example the Legacy GT S at £8K on Torque GT's website was of interest but has been reserved.

I'll keep an eye out and thanks for the feedback.

[duggyfresh]

Speak to Darren at Torque GT he's really helpfu and will give you an idea whats available for your budget, thats who I dealt with. A lot of the cars are auto in Japan so you will always pay a premium for manual, but for 10k you will get something nice. The one I have coming is a gen 4 facelift auto with si drive and paddles, its grade 4 2007 and only covered 35,000 miles. If you wamt something now in a manual ignition imports have a black forester for sale which I was going to buy myself but went for a legacy in the end. Now the long wait for it to arrive. Also have a look at the auction sites to am idea of whats about.

[BlueJ]

Thanks @duggyfresh, really useful feedback, I had forgotten to ask how you'd got on with Torque GT. I wasn't aware of Ignition Imports, I'll take a look. I also wasn't aware of the premium for manual but it's still a preference.

Your import sounds superb. How have you got on with insurance quotes, are they difficult to get?

[duggyfresh]

I done a quote for a couple of imports that were already registered in the UK that I was looking at, and they weren't any more than I was paying on my stage 1 Seat Leon FR if that helps.