Well, you do get to look at the car in person if you go local, but so many of the local ones are complete rubbish. Odometer windbacks, accident damage, other issues. And most sellers (particularly dealers), tend to deny having the import paperwork with the car. If you import, it's cheaper, you get more choice, and you get the paperwork with it. (Assuming you go with a proper importer like Iron Chef or J-Spec).
+1 for importing.