Hi guys,
Just wanted to get an idea if it is worth getting a car from Japan…
Interested in something like this - 2009 NISSAN SKYLINE CROSSOVER 370GT
A similarly specced car will cost a lot more to buy in Australia.
Just wanted to get an opinion.
Is It Worth Importing Car from Japan?
RSmith on 08/04/2023 - 20:32
Last edited 09/04/2023 - 07:48 by 1 other user
Last edited 09/04/2023 - 07:48 by 1 other user
Comments
Thanks. Will give the insurance a call to find out.
Look for the AWD version.
Grey imports are for enthusiasts, not bargain hunters. That is, you really should be wanting a particular model of car not available in Aus, not just looking for a cheaper car with bells and whistles.
Buying imports will usually mean it’s harder to get parts and normally more expensive to insure. despite many parts being common with Aussie models, you could be stuck with trying to get a part imported at short notice if it’s not available locally.
Have a look at some recent threads.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/Import%20category%3…
THIS
Unless you are after that specific car, colour, and specs combo it’s not worth it
If you want to import a car it should be for something very niched for it to be worth your while (even this it’s about getting what you want and not chasing a bargain)
I've imported one (not the one youre looking at) Used Jspec too.
Would recommend.I used to work for a used car dealership that specialised in Japanese imports.
They can represent unique solutions, or a costly headache.
The type of car the OP is looking for, in AWD, is on my list if I ever need to replace my AWD Magna.
You can't replace a Magna.
It's worth it if you know what you're doing. That is you have a trusted mechanic in mind and don't mind sourcing parts for them to work on it.
Approach ‘grey’ imports with caution.Insurance can be hellish expensive.Make sure you do your research diligently when you are going after a certain model that you want.
If I was loaded I’d import one of their taxis, I think they’re Toyota crowns and the doors open and close by themselves!
crunch the numbers, if hassle is worth it then YES, if not then NO.
Big Caveat : the photos and description may not be similar to the car you actually end up with, pay for a professional local inspection before agreeing to import, obviously this becomes a PITA if you are buying at auction.The car you are looking at is 13 years old for $17K is it worth the risk?
i'm more concerned about the choice of car than the age of it lol.
pay for a professional local inspection before agreeing to import
You are still very much at the mercy of the inspector.
As others have said, only look into an import if you really want that particular car that wasn't offered here, not to save money cause it's cheaper over there.
It will also depend on how well you are with cars and if you are able to resolve issues on your own. I have another Nissan import, although I have sourced and fixed most things myself, I am apart of that car specific community and have seen countless post about how Nissan Australia are hell bent on not touching an import or even helping the owners out.
Another annoying thing with JDM Nissans are their infotainment system is integrated and in Japanese, so you probably won't be able to upgrade the audio unit to an aftermarket one, and the GPS will be useless.
i know a car with an imported Nissan Cima serviced here at a Nissan dealer. they even ordered JDM parts for him
Check the insurance cost! Imported Honda fit (basically a honda jazz hybrid) costs me $3000 to insure a year… almost triple a local bought honda jazz.
Through who? My Aristo which had no local equivalent is only ~1200 a year.
Maybe check how much more it will cost you to insure a grey import.