Discussion
I’ve just returned from a holiday in Japan and have totally fallen for the Toyota Probox. They are everywhere, look so quirky and are incredibly practical.
How easy would it be to import one? A quick Google doesn’t show any in the UK which I’m surprised by, I would have thought people would be importing these.
How easy would it be to import one? A quick Google doesn’t show any in the UK which I’m surprised by, I would have thought people would be importing these.
I'm in japan right now and... don't think I've seen any of them lol.
What there are, is a LOT of kei cars. We should be importing them, great for many of UKs congested cities.
Though, they are dog slow. Had a hire car with a 1 litre, 60hp engine, topped out at 110kph as it was shaped like a brick.
What there are, is a LOT of kei cars. We should be importing them, great for many of UKs congested cities.
Though, they are dog slow. Had a hire car with a 1 litre, 60hp engine, topped out at 110kph as it was shaped like a brick.
brillomaster said:
I'm in japan right now and... don't think I've seen any of them lol.
What there are, is a LOT of kei cars. We should be importing them, great for many of UKs congested cities.
Though, they are dog slow. Had a hire car with a 1 litre, 60hp engine, topped out at 110kph as it was shaped like a brick.
Where are you, I didn’t see as many in Tokyo as I did in Osaka and other places. What there are, is a LOT of kei cars. We should be importing them, great for many of UKs congested cities.
Though, they are dog slow. Had a hire car with a 1 litre, 60hp engine, topped out at 110kph as it was shaped like a brick.
I totally agree, the Kei cars are incredible, I was overwhelmed by the variety.
I suspect it hasn't been imported, because it doesn't do much different to what we already have... the UK already has plenty of hatchbacks, small and large estate cars, and small, medium and large vans, so why go to the hassle of importing a probox? Over say, a fabia or focus estate?
valiant said:
That does seem devoid of any hint of design aesthetic but I suppose that may be the attraction in that it puts function over form and comes across as a ‘Ronseal’ car in that it simply does what it claims to do and no more.
There’s an honesty in that that appeals.
Indeed. It's something that seems to be broadly overlooked in the UK car landscape - simple value motoring. I'd prefer to see the $10k Toyota pickup imported though!There’s an honesty in that that appeals.
valiant said:
That does seem devoid of any hint of design aesthetic but I suppose that may be the attraction in that it puts function over form and comes across as a ‘Ronseal’ car in that it simply does what it claims to do and no more.
There’s an honesty in that that appeals.
Basically, yes.There’s an honesty in that that appeals.
They're comfortable, spacious, drive fine, can carry plenty of stuff, and have lots of useful things like trays that fold out the dash and inverter power points.
They're basic but equipped with what you need, so cruise control, aircon, stuff like that, but largely bulls
t free.Most people buying a "family workhorse" car and getting a small mpv or suv would be far better served with something like these.
InitialDave said:
Basically, yes.
They're comfortable, spacious, drive fine, can carry plenty of stuff, and have lots of useful things like trays that fold out the dash and inverter power points.
They're basic but equipped with what you need, so cruise control, aircon, stuff like that, but largely bullst free.
Most people buying a "family workhorse" car and getting a small mpv or suv would be far better served with something like these.
But how will we cope without puddle lights that project the Toyota logo?They're comfortable, spacious, drive fine, can carry plenty of stuff, and have lots of useful things like trays that fold out the dash and inverter power points.
They're basic but equipped with what you need, so cruise control, aircon, stuff like that, but largely bulls
t free.Most people buying a "family workhorse" car and getting a small mpv or suv would be far better served with something like these.
I am one of the only one car owner in UK and possibly EU.
O had a chance to choose from white 2019 hybrid model with 50.000 miles
Or silver 2018 1.3 vvti engine with 11.000 miles when i was purchasing it in London back to 2022 march (E6 7FF japan cars seller)
I took silver one ..paid 8000£ actually both was priced same.
Its now with me in Bradford,bought also nice plate for my boxy. reg plate PR07BOX
I fallen in love with this car.
Mega reliable ,my kid can change all filters in minutes .everything is very simple, engine bay has massive amount of space to service any part of car..dashboard got only Speed meter ..nothing more. This car is same as Nokia 3310 ..does main thing Drives .. and thats it.
Foldable seats makes 1.90m space for cargo ..or sleeping.plenty space for anything you need to carry..doors,radiators,boxes when moving,skip runs and ect.
Slight complain only for back row sitting..its very uncomfortable ,very limited space and sitting like on bench.
So best only for family with up to 2 young kids .
Fuel consumption :mixed average 7L/100km
Motorway under 5L/100km
Urban 8L/100km
Winter urban cold engine 10L/100km
O had a chance to choose from white 2019 hybrid model with 50.000 miles
Or silver 2018 1.3 vvti engine with 11.000 miles when i was purchasing it in London back to 2022 march (E6 7FF japan cars seller)
I took silver one ..paid 8000£ actually both was priced same.
Its now with me in Bradford,bought also nice plate for my boxy. reg plate PR07BOX
I fallen in love with this car.
Mega reliable ,my kid can change all filters in minutes .everything is very simple, engine bay has massive amount of space to service any part of car..dashboard got only Speed meter ..nothing more. This car is same as Nokia 3310 ..does main thing Drives .. and thats it.
Foldable seats makes 1.90m space for cargo ..or sleeping.plenty space for anything you need to carry..doors,radiators,boxes when moving,skip runs and ect.
Slight complain only for back row sitting..its very uncomfortable ,very limited space and sitting like on bench.
So best only for family with up to 2 young kids .
Fuel consumption :mixed average 7L/100km
Motorway under 5L/100km
Urban 8L/100km
Winter urban cold engine 10L/100km
Edited by Ohmarko on Monday 15th September 14:08
Edited by Ohmarko on Monday 15th September 14:11
Edited by Ohmarko on Monday 15th September 14:15
There is one for sale in Ireland...
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/-/40483653
https://www.theparking-cars.co.uk/used-cars/toyota...
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/-/40483653
https://www.theparking-cars.co.uk/used-cars/toyota...
josh00mac said:
Well there goes my weekend……prices including shipping, this looks so easy and the prices are a lot lower than expected. Is there a catch?Hippea said:
Well there goes my weekend prices including shipping, this looks so easy and the prices are a lot lower than expected. Is there a catch?
Takes a while to get here, ensure you've allowed for the taxes involved, need to MOT/register it, insurance can sometimes be a disproportionate cost due to having something "weird".Friend did a DIY import and it all went fine.
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