importing from japan
 

has anyone thought / actually imported your own car direct from japan? just wondering the pit falls, pro's and con's etc and where to start

i was speaking to someone who had done it, said it was a pain but saved him about £4k. so as an idea i like it!

The pitfalls are endless and the gains minimal on most Imprezas seeing as theyre commonly costing more to land than they sell for here now.

1. You cant speak the language and hardly anyone will speak English
2. The few who can will be reluctant in case they arent very good.
3. You cant organise shipping; especially internal transfers.
4. You cant organise and pay for state inspection and de-registration
5. You dont have a translator for the certificate of de-registration
6. You cant attend auctions; theyre strictly members only.
7. You are in England so you cant look at used car dealers.
8. You have no idea as to the values of used cars in Japan
8. You arent stupid enough to buy ****e off a website; are you?


Simon

wasnt actually lookin to buy an impreza this time round , and have the bonus of an japanese speaking brother and sister in law, but dont know anything about the registration and shipping etc

You have a head start then; I have an agent who deals with this for me so Im afraid that I cant fully explain how you go about it. Shipping is relatively easy; ship it from Kensai (Osaka). Contact Ya Logistics in Southampton, they are agents for Yuwa; they have a man in Japan who can book it for you; they provide insurance for £10 saving you the trouble of negotiating your own (NEVER ship a car without insurance, General Average will bancrupt you). Expect to pay US$68 per cubic metre; a Scooby comes in at 10.5M3. De-registration is trickier (compulsary; a Japanese car cant leave the country with its registration plates), a supplying dealer should be able to point you in the right direction though.

Simon

Youd need Hual Line for Newcastle btw; but Id recommend Yuwa with the choice of Southampton or Liverpool.

Simon

thankyou mate :)

My Pleasure