Hi guys,
4 Months ago I paid for a R32 GT-R to be imported through a well known import broker which I will not name at present. I am currently waiting for a spot on the Kawasaki - Fremantle boat. As a result of not being able to get in contact with my broker (due to easter holidays), Yesterday I decided to write a letter directly to the contact in Japan, asking him if my car will make this months boat, he replied to me with this letter:
"Hello, apologies for delay in reply. I have been advised by the
shipping company that your vehicle could not be shipped due to the fact that
the clutch was slipping. I'm not sure what happened to the vehicle on it's
journey down from Hokkaido to Tokyo but the clutch was fine when it left my
premises. Anyway, to avoid your car being forklifted onto the ship and sent
down to Australia (which will cause damage to the undercarriage) i suggest
that we try and fix the problem and ship the vehicle once the repairs are
finalised. Please let me know your thoughts and i will act upon your wishes.
Regards, name withheld"
Firstly I am puzzled as to how a perfectly working clutch can become totally damaged to the extent that it is unable to be driven onto a boat within the period.
I have spoken to the import broker and he has informed me that it is my responsibility to pay for the clutch repair/replacement. The contact in Japan has obviously passed ownership of the problem to me. This does not seem right to me, as I purchased the car subject to it being in sound mechanical order as per my reason for paying a broker $1100 (to ensure that the car is in working order which it is not). I appear to be left with very few options other than fork out the fold. The last thing I want is a damaged chassis due to fork lifting.
This is not a good feeling right now.
Any thoughts?