Importing R32 Gtr

[shepo]

Im curently on the look out for a nice and clean R32 GTR, and i was wondering would it be worth looking at importing one through a dealer?

the only problem i have with it is buying a car that i havent seen or driven. can they be trusted to source a nice car, or is it too risky?

if there is any one with any advice, or even anyone who has done it themselves and would like to tell, that would be awesome!

cheers, matty.

[djr81]

Well the decision is as much about who you import it through as what you import. A good importer will serve you well, a bad one will unload any old crap they have laying about. You can get a good idea from asking - much better than the impression that may be gained from looking at flashy web sites & spammed left overs.

But in any case at the moment, for R32 GT-R's - I reckon you would be much better off finding one local from a private seller. They are abundant, cheap & generally in better condition than when they left Japan.

Edited February 25, 2008 by djr81

[changi]

Im curently on the look out for a nice and clean R32 GTR, and i was wondering would it be worth looking at importing one through a dealer?

the only problem i have with it is buying a car that i havent seen or driven. can they be trusted to source a nice car, or is it too risky?

if there is any one with any advice, or even anyone who has done it themselves and would like to tell, that would be awesome!

cheers, matty.

hi,

I am half way through the process of importing a GTR [32]; that is I had an agent in Japan purchase a car for me, the car is now awaiting shipment to Aus. it will arrive 22Mar. I think the key to answering your queation is; what condition/standard of car do you want. there are plenty of poor examples of GTR r32 here in Aus, the good examples [4-4.5; A-B] are not easy to find so they are still bringing good prices. . obviously there are many more good examples in Japan. the prices of good r32 are defintely on the increase in Japan; collectors' are becoming interested in unmodded, quality cars. after looking into it pretty thoroughly, I believe I could get a better car by importing, but I; [1] used an agent, [2] gave very specific instructions, [3] was willing to wait for a car that met my requirements, [4] did all of the 'hack' work [arrange compliance, shipping agent, etc] myself and got as much photographic/mechanical evidence of the car's condition as possible. also, it helps the piece-of mind if you feel you can trust your agent. If you are not in a rush to get a car, go up on the Japan auction sites and get a feel for the market then just do the math. a good agent will walk you through the process. I enjoyed the process; checking what cars were coming up for sale, then seeing what they sold for/orpassed in at, then, finally, targeting the car you want through the agent.

anyway, good luck ,hope you get what you want.

[shepo]

thanks guys, it seems there is a bit to think about. i think for now i will keep searching locally for a good on, im really looking for something thats in good conditon, i.e. low k's (genuine low), no damage, mechanically sound.

so on that basis, its a tough search.

[changi]

thanks guys, it seems there is a bit to think about. i think for now i will keep searching locally for a good on, im really looking for something thats in good conditon, i.e. low k's (genuine low), no damage, mechanically sound.

so on that basis, its a tough search.

yeah, you are on the right track, take your time if you can. do you want it for an everyday drive, or for just weekends?. when I was looking in Aus, good low Km 32s [GTR] were rare and expensive; $35k-$37k. that's why I ended up in Japan. I was looking for a one owner, low km, with log books and as I said, eventually found one.

regards

[MYRB30]

I worked in Importing for three years at one of Australia's busiest importers who prided themselves on good quality cars. Anything no up to spec was wrecked. We had guys in Japan working for us. GTR's doesnt matter what model, in top condition bring huge money in Japan. Always have, always will. Kinda like a Brock special in Australia, very rarely will a good genuine one sell for anything other than a premium price.

So my point is GTR's have lost so much value locally that it is highly likely you'll find one you want here in Australia for a decent price. Importing is getting so expensive and difficult (Dont ask how hard the last 12 months were...I only left approx 1 month ago). And fines are being handed out for all sorts of things.....Air con gas.....and hey that brake pad might have asbestos in it...we need it tested...whoops it does, heres a fine for importing a banned substance.....

Thats before you try complying it!

Yes I imported my GTR throught work and complied it under the old 15 year ruling. Would I have ever done it outside of the industry? No f@#$%$*g way! Its too hard, and too expensive!

IMHO put your energy into looking Australia wide (not sure how vic is about interstate cars, but SA will defect practically any car on interstate transfer) you can then see the car and more than likely purchase one that has had all the suspension/steering etc fixed and roadworthy, for less than the cost and hassle of the import yourself.

Private importing is a risky game....I've seen too many kids crying at my old job because of import hassles.

[shepo]

gee i didnt realise it was getting so tight!

well im not in any rush to get one, im waiting for the right one to come along,

it will be my daily to start with, but later down the track i will make it my weekend/circiut car.

cant wait for that day!

thanks for the tips guys, its been realy helpful.

[driftbaby]

No Matter What At Today's Price the 32 GTR's offer the Best POWER TO PRICE RATIO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gazza750]

main point is

How much do you have to spend ?

do you have enough left over for insurance ? maybe up to 2 k

do you have enough left over for regular maintenance every 3-5000 k's

if your looking for an excellent example http://www.imports101.com.au/stock.php

v spec II only done 20 000 k's with new motor and its in Australia

or check through the full stock list if you think of importing one yourself

i imported mine coz the quality of 32 r's around at the time was very low for the prices being asked

and going through a reputable importer is very safe

[KIRAS]

your better to get it direct from Japan then buying one over here!!

I have been looking for a 34 (and keeping my eye open for a nice 32GTR as well) and some of the GTR 32s were just 1000 times better then the ones for sale here!!

they dont do the stupid mods to them in Japan (apart from some nice engin mods), your always sure to get a Clean GTR from Japan (normaly with a nice set of racing rims is as far as the mods go), no cheap fiberglass kits from car mate and low ks, plus you will be the first Aussie owner which is alway good!!

Japan is the way to go!!!

[MYRB30]

There you go..............Don't listen to the guy who worked in that industry....the guy who has dealt with customs and quarantine and the australian registration authorities....And as for all cars from Japan being top nick...the last GTR we imported was so rusted its not even good for a race car/drift pig.....

But hey dont listen to me

[babyskyline]

There you go..............Don't listen to the guy who worked in that industry....the guy who has dealt with customs and quarantine and the australian registration authorities....And as for all cars from Japan being top nick...the last GTR we imported was so rusted its not even good for a race car/drift pig.....

But hey dont listen to me

I agree sometimes it is very very risky but that wont stop people from from importing them.

If its through a decent importer such as Mark Hocking, it does take away a bit of the risk but it will always be risky its just wether or not you want to go about getting your car that way.

I would definitely go through the process of importing my next car (32 Gtr) straight from japan.

Just my 2cents

[some_cs_student]

your better to get it direct from Japan then buying one over here!!

I have been looking for a 34 (and keeping my eye open for a nice 32GTR as well) and some of the GTR 32s were just 1000 times better then the ones for sale here!!

they dont do the stupid mods to them in Japan (apart from some nice engin mods), your always sure to get a Clean GTR from Japan (normaly with a nice set of racing rims is as far as the mods go), no cheap fiberglass kits from car mate and low ks, plus you will be the first Aussie owner which is alway good!!

Japan is the way to go!!!

I had a 11month importing experience, about 3 months spent finding an R33 GTR for the right price, and then about 8-9 months getting before it got rego'ed.

I saw more cars with fibreglass kits over there than here, some do engine mods others don't.

The low km's is easily changed before auctions with winding back the clock, do you really think someone does 3K kilometres a year? It is there daily driver over there!

I'd strongly recommend buying in Aus, I got my car a few thousand cheaper (roughly) but it many ways the stress was not worth the effort.

Buy locally you can't get screwed over like you do if you buy international, you have a guarantee you won't have to wait 9 months between sending the money and getting the car.

Importing can be good, just choose your importer VERY carefully.

[changi]

I had a 11month importing experience, about 3 months spent finding an R33 GTR for the right price, and then about 8-9 months getting before it got rego'ed.

I saw more cars with fibreglass kits over there than here, some do engine mods others don't.

The low km's is easily changed before auctions with winding back the clock, do you really think someone does 3K kilometres a year? It is there daily driver over there!

I'd strongly recommend buying in Aus, I got my car a few thousand cheaper (roughly) but it many ways the stress was not worth the effort.

Buy locally you can't get screwed over like you do if you buy international, you have a guarantee you won't have to wait 9 months between sending the money and getting the car.

Importing can be good, just choose your importer VERY carefully.

car dealers' and private sellers have been dudding buyers' [in all countries] since Henry Ford had his brilliant idea. buying in Aus is no garauntee the klms reading is accurate, or that the car is not misrepresented in some other way.

[changi]

There you go..............Don't listen to the guy who worked in that industry....the guy who has dealt with customs and quarantine and the australian registration authorities....And as for all cars from Japan being top nick...the last GTR we imported was so rusted its not even good for a race car/drift pig.....

But hey dont listen to me

why import a clapped out car?. parts I hope??. surely the company knew it was a wreck prior to import.

[KIRAS]

Oh GEE SORRY you’re the only one on here that’s in the industry and that imports cars aren’t you!!!!

well i guess it depends on who imports them for you, I have a bit of experience too (how dare you assume I know nothing) your not the only one who deals with all that I work for an international freight company so I know all about customs and quarantine and the australian registration authorities also my uncle has been importing cars for as long as i can remember and he has never had a problem like importing a rust bucket he imported my car he imports from Jap and USA,,,

maybe i never had a problem because i used a real good importer? My uncle goes to Japan and the states and hand picks the cars himself!!! so if you wanna take a chance and go through an importer that dont give too hoots and will import a rust bucket then thats your own problem isn’t it!! but if you go through the right people then you wont have a problem at all.....

everyone has their opinion and because mine was the opposite to yours doesn’t mean mine is wrong!!!

I think the best thing you can do is import (if you go through a good importer if you dont then you will get a rust bucket wont you!!!) that’s my opinion

you take a chance buying any second hand car no matter where you get it from,,, if you get if from Jap and you have problems after you get it here what makes you think you wont have a problem with a car that’s here??? 32s are getting close to being 20 year old, so your taking a risk anyway!!!

so instead of being an arse and shooting me down because you in the industry just just give your opinion and let everyone else do the same!!!

[djr81]

Nice in here isn't it?

I don't think anyone will argue with the notion that the quality of the car & of the importing experience you get is down to the broker and the buyer. Problem is there are more brokers than buyers and you need to pick carefully. I have reservations about some (& I emphasise the word some) of the more high profile brokers. Others with a high profile & a good reputation deserve them both. If you find someone you are happy with then you can get a very, very good result.

As for a local car you can see it, touch it, drive it, test it. Even poke it with a stick if that is your fancy. Surely in the overall scheme of things that is a better proposition?

Lastly, I am not sure there is any substantial price differential remaining between a freshly imported GT-R & one being sold locally.

There are rubbish GT-R's in Japan just as there are rubbish GT-R's locally. Just the same as there are good ones.

Edited February 28, 2008 by djr81

[Beer Baron]

your better to get it direct from Japan then buying one over here!!

I have been looking for a 34 (and keeping my eye open for a nice 32GTR as well) and some of the GTR 32s were just 1000 times better then the ones for sale here!!

they dont do the stupid mods to them in Japan (apart from some nice engin mods), your always sure to get a Clean GTR from Japan (normaly with a nice set of racing rims is as far as the mods go), no cheap fiberglass kits from car mate and low ks, plus you will be the first Aussie owner which is alway good!!

Japan is the way to go!!!

I'm sorry mate, but most of you post is just plain wrong. having personally been to japan many times and visited dealers, auctions, track meets, street meets etc and having imported many cars myself I can tell you that is all un-true.

probably 90% of GTRs I see for sale at auction in japan (and I look at cars listed at 50 something auction houses every week) are un buyable. 1 in 10 (actually probably less than that) is worth bidding on, and of that one in 10 many times it will go for a price that I consider too high for that particular car.

as for people don't do stupid mods in japan?? obviosuly you have never been to japan mate. they do lots of dodgey mods that reduce a cars value, some even un-safe, and many cars are backyard modified by their owners. yes there are nice modified examples too.

low kms? lol. what do you consider low kms? I can promise you not ever 32 GTR sold at auction in japan has 50,000kms. it's rare to see one with genuine kms under about 120,000. and most just don't have genuine kms anyway.

being the first owner in australia is not always good. as the first owner you will need to do a lot of maintenence to ensure everything is tip top. you may need new tyres ($1200+). you will need to do new gear box oil ($150), new diff oil F+R ($100), new engine oil ($100), new transfer case oil and attesa oil ($150). there will most likely be some other things that need attention. brake pads? rotors? some bushes maybe? rack boots? CV boots? The japanese owners of these cars now (as they are a very cheap car) are notoriously poor at maintaining them properly. Many Aussie owners are enthusiasts and do perform proper maintenence (though of course many don't here either).

Also, even saying the ones over there are 1000times better is wrong. you can't accurately judge a cars quality based on 2 photos and a spec sheet/auction grade. they all look great. but what about engine noises? clutch condition? brake condition? gearbox condition? all these things need to be judged on the ground.

having said all that the one thing importing has going for it is numbers. there are far more GTRs there than here, so you have a wider range to choose from. my advice is import one if you are after something special (like a V spec, or N1, or specially tuned one, or really low km etc). but be prepared to pay more for it. if you just want a nice, neat, run of the mill 32 GTR then look over here for it.

[_8OO5TED_]

as for people don't do stupid mods in japan?? obviosuly you have never been to japan mate. they do lots of dodgey mods that reduce a cars value, some even un-safe, and many cars are backyard modified by their owners. yes there are nice modified examples too.

oh so tru, can vouch for that with my bloody Supra i just got.

car presented very nice, but the wiring on it was an absolute abortion, so bad that i got frustrated with it and hand balled it to an auto electrician to fix it.

gauge wiring, HID wiring, neon wiring, it was done oh so dodgy.....

[Antimatter]

I'm with richard on this one

I'm sorry mate, but most of you post is just plain wrong. having personally been to japan many times and visited dealers, auctions, track meets, street meets etc and having imported many cars myself I can tell you that is all un-true.

probably 90% of GTRs I see for sale at auction in japan (and I look at cars listed at 50 something auction houses every week) are un buyable. 1 in 10 (actually probably less than that) is worth bidding on, and of that one in 10 many times it will go for a price that I consider too high for that particular car.

as for people don't do stupid mods in japan?? obviosuly you have never been to japan mate. they do lots of dodgey mods that reduce a cars value, some even un-safe, and many cars are backyard modified by their owners. yes there are nice modified examples too.

low kms? lol. what do you consider low kms? I can promise you not ever 32 GTR sold at auction in japan has 50,000kms. it's rare to see one with genuine kms under about 120,000. and most just don't have genuine kms anyway.

being the first owner in australia is not always good. as the first owner you will need to do a lot of maintenence to ensure everything is tip top. you may need new tyres ($1200+). you will need to do new gear box oil ($150), new diff oil F+R ($100), new engine oil ($100), new transfer case oil and attesa oil ($150). there will most likely be some other things that need attention. brake pads? rotors? some bushes maybe? rack boots? CV boots? The japanese owners of these cars now (as they are a very cheap car) are notoriously poor at maintaining them properly. Many Aussie owners are enthusiasts and do perform proper maintenence (though of course many don't here either).

Also, even saying the ones over there are 1000times better is wrong. you can't accurately judge a cars quality based on 2 photos and a spec sheet/auction grade. they all look great. but what about engine noises? clutch condition? brake condition? gearbox condition? all these things need to be judged on the ground.

having said all that the one thing importing has going for it is numbers. there are far more GTRs there than here, so you have a wider range to choose from. my advice is import one if you are after something special (like a V spec, or N1, or specially tuned one, or really low km etc). but be prepared to pay more for it. if you just want a nice, neat, run of the mill 32 GTR then look over here for it.