polarbearit

Ok, I've found a car I like in Japan and have a few questions to anyone who has imported a car themselves. Price is reasonable, though the car is at a dealer. So a couple of questions -

1 Are japanese car dealers dear compared to auctions?
2 Am I likely to get a discount with some negociation?
3 What is the easiest way to arrange shipping etc?
- Should I use an agent?
4 Can you recommend any agents in Japan who would be able to arrange everything, or possibly by me car at auction?
5 Have I missed any costs? Here is what I have so far -
- Cost of car
- Shipping £700-£900?
- Import Duty 10%
- VAT 17.5% - is this calculated on the cost of car + import duty?
- UK conversion costs £300-£500
- SVA Test £165
- First Registration fee £25
- Road Tax £160
6 How do the tax collectors detirmine the car cost? - Mail me offline for suggestions on this one if you know any!

I'd love any advice or experiences from others who have imported from Japan. The current exchange rate seems good too - is this likely to change soon?

Thanks...

Jon

polarbearit

Oh an easy one I missed - Security

CAT 1 alarm @ £275-£600 depending on model I guess.
Tracking device £300-£900 depending on model.

Both would be needed on the car

AJF

iTrader: (1)

sva test spec keeps changeing daliy beware of after market parts.will need atfer market parts spec as proof of type

polarbearit

So am I likely to have problems with a bodykit and wheels like this It could be a real pain if I have to buy a standard one!



[Edited by polarbearit - 1/19/2002 11:25:17 PM]

scud8

iTrader: (1)

VAT is payable the cost of the car, import duty, and shipping, and possibly any agent's fees as well.

Phil

Stupid question

Do the Japs drive on the same side of the road as us

Phil

MattN

the VAT is payable on the total cost of importing. I'm not aware of the SVA tests changing daily, they are a law and as such any changes need to be appoved, re-approved and god knows what else.

You'll need to pay port charges and the cost of getting the car to the port, it will de to be deregistered in Japan. The Japanese price will include sales tax which may or may not have been included in the price, if it has you can deduct this.

Best to use an agent as the de-reg and transportation can be a hassle.

Speak to the dealer, they may be able to help, if not any reputable agent will be able to help, for a fee (£300-500).

MattN

aftermarket parts are not a problem.

AJF

iTrader: (1)

wholes on bumper will need to be filled with a grill so people are not at harm from sharpe edges ie rad intercooler or oil coooler.
tyres will need to be speed rated to uk spec or proof of.i prep cars for sva daily and the rules will change all most every day. just had car fail for non factory ht leads because they where not marked for suppreision. also rear fog light has to be square and plum. email me at adrianfowler@hotmail.com for anymore details

polarbearit

Ok, so I need to investigate the SVA then.

As for VAT, that's a bugger, but how do they know what you paid for the car/agent/shipping etc?

And can anyone recommend an agent in Japan?

Jon

bug-eyed wonder

No help at all but is that the car you're importing?
WOW!

polarbearit

If I can find the extra $$$ then yes, that is the car I'll be importing... Otherwise it'll be an R33 GTR - Depends how my impending contract renewal goes - I already know they are going to renew for a decent amount of time, but I'm just finalising the rate

Jon

polarbearit

Can anyone else recommend a Japanese agent... Or answer my other questions?

Thanks,

Jon

sammyh

iTrader: (1)

jon, how did you find the car?

Sam