Dealership Question

[Black Dog]

G'day all,

My first post of many I hope. I have been lurking around the forums for a week or so and have already gleamed a lot of useful info. So I thought it was about time I joined.

I was wondering if anyone has had any dealings with http://www.motorpointsydney.com.au

I'm thinking of going through them for a Skyline 370GT coupe. I live in another state, so I can't check them out personally.

Any info at all will be a big help.

Cheers

[Zveruga]

Sorry for a stupid question but have you considered importing it yourself (using a respected broker), you may not get it cheaper but you'll definitely get better quality wise. Given you can't check the car in NSW, it's almost certainly better to get the car from Japan directly, if you are not in hurry and can wait for 2-3 months, of course.

[Nightcrawler]

As per above - using a reputable importer like Iron Chef or Prestige Motorsport is the only good way to go.

If you HAVE to buy from a car yard (due to financing the car or if you are in a desperate hurry), then you MUST get the yard to supply the Japanese deregistration papers and auction documents to verify km. ALMOST EVERY car yard winds back odos and does dodgy shit. It is just a part of import life in Australia.

[sonicii]

ALMOST EVERY car yard winds back odos and does dodgy shit. It is just a part of import life in Australia.

^^ This, bigtime. ask for the dereg papers and export certificate. if they baulk at this.. walk away.. If they are an honest dealer, they will have no problems supplying you these documents, and if they were the importer of the car, they WILL have them.

[Black Dog]

My first choice was to import & yes it would be through the respected iron chef.

However this car came up unexpectedly & it has everything I want and I really don't think I would get it much cheaper through the Chef Master?

They have no probs supplying the paperwork, Dereg papers & auction papers. That's all the paperwork I would need isn't it? Also on that, how do you find out if the car itself has had anything happen to it in Japan? Things like storm/water damage or an accident etc. Would that be disclosed on the dereg papers?

I was initially going to fly there and have a look personally at the car, but I've changed my mind now. Instead I will ring RAA & get them to send an independent mechanic to look over the vehicle for me.

The car itself is a 2011 with around 11,000 km on the clock, so I wouldn't think there would be anything to worry about? Famous last words right.... Bloody better not be.

Surely I'm not the only one that's gone through an Australian car dealer?

If they supply all of the above, please let me know if you all think its still a terrible idea to go through them.

Cheers

[Nightcrawler]

By SEVS rules, and previous damage (water or otherwise) would make the car inegligible for import/compliance, so you would assume this is a non-issue.

Still, get the car checked out by a reputable source (they don't have RAA in Syd btw).

If they are happy to supply dereg and auction papers, and you are happy wiht the price, then go for it.

[Zveruga]

The car itself is a 2011 with around 11,000 km on the clock, so I wouldn't think there would be anything to worry about? Famous last words right.... Bloody better not be.

Having bought several cars in Japan (not only my Skyline) I would do due diligence very carefully on this one. Economic of cars on auctions of that age and mileage favors private buyers rather than dealers, these cars are just too expensive for dealers to buy them to keep at their yard as not every average guy passing by showroom would easily spot the difference between cars done 11k and 80k and since latter ones are significantly cheaper on auctions, it is just too easy for anyone familiar with the procedure to wound back the odometer and pocket additional $5k for no effort at all.

I would ask for the dereg papers and auction sheet, verify in statistics that the sheet is not tampered and then make decision whether to proceed or hold.

Again, there are guys who do things right (Bespoke comes to mind) but some don't

Edited June 6, 2014 by Zveruga

[Nightcrawler]

^^^ agreed. But this one with such incredibly low km should be VERY easy to spot if it has been wound back. Basically, as an 11,000km car every single thing should be basically brand new. Should be pretty easy to spot if things are worn beyond the km.

[scotty nm35]

Again, there are guys who do things right (Bespoke comes to mind) but some don't

Things must have changed since I bought mine...

[dodgyimports]

I was wondering if anyone has had any dealings with http://www.motorpointsydney.com.au

Motor Point = Sports Auto Group = Elite Motorsports = All Imports

Several physical locations but all part of the one group. Watch their stock for a few weeks and you'll notice it gets shared around between the sites.

Of the above, SAG and All Imports already have a reputation, ask around - search this forum and other large clubs focussed around imports.

If you must buy from a dealer always ask for BOTH auction sheet and de-registration paperwork. If they won't give you both documents, walk away or get hold of these documents via an online services before handing over your money.

Edited June 6, 2014 by dodgyimports

[Nightcrawler]

If they remotely have ANYTHING to do with All Imports, then stay away as far as possible. In fact run and hide.

And, if it seems to good to be true, then it normally is. Warning bells went off in my head when you said you couldn't bring one in through Kristian cheaper - obviously there is something seriously wrong there, when the dealers need to make AT LEAST $5k-$10k out of each car.

[Black Dog]

If they remotely have ANYTHING to do with All Imports, then stay away as far as possible. In fact run and hide.

And, if it seems to good to be true, then it normally is. Warning bells went off in my head when you said you couldn't bring one in through Kristian cheaper - obviously there is something seriously wrong there, when the dealers need to make AT LEAST $5k-$10k out of each car.

Nah I didn't say for sure I wouldn't get one cheaper through Iron Chef. I said I didn't think I would get it much cheaper? I have been dealing with Troy from Iron chef and he has been outstanding. I have also shown him the details of this vehicle and price etc.

Now I don't know what to do.... Arggh.

This will be the first import vehicle I would be buying, so I bloody hope I get it right.

Thanks everyone for all the info. It really has been helpful and has given me plenty to think about. One good suggestion I came across on here was to get it checked out independently by Tunehouse in Marrickville Sydney (if they do that?) since I won't be there in person.

Anyone think that's a good idea?

Also I have sent a PM to Kristian to get his thoughts on the matter, so hopefully I get a reply. As I would still like to go through them but this car does seem like a good deal.

If anyone still has more thoughts on the matter and about Tunehouse idea please let me know.

Also I have no drama sharing the pics and price with anyone that has more experience than me, so you can gauge for yourself if I'm making the right decision.

Thanks again,

Paul

[GTR-N1]

Your heart leans towards this Motorpoint car.

Your head should tell you that "AllImports" begat a new 'mushroom' in "Sports Auto Group" which begat a new 'mushroom' called "Elite" which in turn begat another 'mushroom' in "Motor Point" > except that what looks like a 'mushroom' could in fact be a 'toadstool'.

Did anyone mention "poison"?

PS. PM any SAU.NSW Exec about what might show up in their "Rogues & Villains" thread!

[Zveruga]

One good suggestion I came across on here was to get it checked out independently by Tunehouse in Marrickville Sydney (if they do that?) since I won't be there in person.

Anyone think that's a good idea?

Get two papers from the yard first: the auction sheet and export certificate, if you are not sure what to do then just post them here, there are many sources where these papers can be checked, I can try to give you original auction sheet for any auction in Japan if you give me the lot number, auction and dates. If something is wrong with papers then it does not make sense to spend any money on mechanics.

[Black Dog]

Your heart leans towards this Motorpoint car.

Your head should tell you that "AllImports" begat a new 'mushroom' in "Sports Auto Group" which begat a new 'mushroom' called "Elite" which in turn begat another 'mushroom' in "Motor Point" > except that what looks like a 'mushroom' could in fact be a 'toadstool'.

Did anyone mention "poison"?

Exactly that, I think my heart was taking over. It looks like a damn hot car.... As for the condition, relative to the low K's, it really is immaculate, in fact it looks brand new, inside & out, as you would expect.

However my head has listened to all of you and I have decided against buying it. So thank you everyone for your much appreciated thoughts and comments. What a great site this is

So it's back to my first and preferred choice and that is to import through Iron Chef.

I will keep you all posted how it goes and show off my baby once I get her.

Cheers, Paul

[scotty nm35]

It's agonising waiting 3 or 4 months for your baby to come in, but it would be worthwhile seeing Iron Chef will find you a legitimately great one.

[Black Dog]

Get two papers from the yard first: the auction sheet and export certificate, if you are not sure what to do then just post them here, there are many sources where these papers can be checked, I can try to give you original auction sheet for any auction in Japan if you give me the lot number, auction and dates. If something is wrong with papers then it does not make sense to spend any money on mechanics.

I know to get a copy of the De-Reg and Auction Papers. You mention though an Export Certificate? Is this something completely different then the papers I have mentioned?

When I ask for them I want to make sure I sound like I know what I'm talking about

[VQ35DE]

the export certificate is the dereg certificate mate

[sonicii]

similar.

http://www.japantradecar.com/info/Fraud_Warning/Why_Is_Export_Certificate_Important.aspx