R graded cars allowed to be imported?

[Aussie_Delivered_R32_GTR]

Hi Guys,

I thought you may find this interesting.

As a keen observer of R32 GT-R pricing, I monitor cars for sale on Carpoint/Carsales and look at auction prices in Japan via Export Car’s website........

This car was listed for sale earlier today: http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=OAG-AD-13122446&Cr=3

On face value and on the description by the seller this appears to be a nice reasonably stock car.

The lack of front, side and rear badges always concerns me so I thought there is a good chance of repair or at least paint being added to the car.

I decided to play detective and search for this car via auction results. So I limited my search to 1994 models with mileage between $55K-$60K. Sure enough what do I find?

http://www.exportcar.jp/en/component/auctstat/?view=auctstatdetail&id=4qHAXVFU7rb1mD

 If you look at the auction report you will see the VIN. If you then look at photo #56 in the sale ad you will see the VIN matches. Bingo!

The car would owe the dealer about $29,000 complied but not registered with a selling asking price of $40,888.00, that’s not a bad earn.

That said, I have no issue with dealers making a profit but I have issues with accident damaged R graded cars coming to Australia.

Can someone confirm this is allowed?

My understanding is that these should not be brought in by law?

Ta......

[Hadouken]

Happened for years. Will continue to happen for years.

As long as it passes compliance. And I use that term loosely

[PranK]

At least the kilometers match.

"All our vehicles have full documented history including our odometer guarantee!" - I wonder if they'd admit to its history when asked? They don't say 'accident free' so besides the legalities of bringing in an R Grade car, the dealer isn't doing anything wrong (ethics aside). 

[BakemonoRicer]

From the auction sheet it doesn't specify any accident damage, which leads me to wonder whether the R Grade is because of rust?

[djr81]

Short answer is yes. There are criteria, but an accident repair doesn't preclude import - depending on the extent of the accident/repair.

[dyl33]

I thought R grade were not allowed to come into this country, for reasons you can imagine.

 I was told R grade is real bad and RA grade is minor issue , and sometimes average grade 3's get RA grade if the auction house isn't happy to give them a grade 3.

Edited July 20, 2016 by dyl33

[Hadouken]

It's a different system.
Some cars that have already been repaired get a r grade.

As long as they pass your state inspection system.

[Steve85]

Thanks for putting this up. I was actually going to enquire on this car (and ask for more documentation from Japan). You've saved me that trouble.

[jmknights93]

I wonder what sort of answer you'd get if you were to give those guys a call & ask them about the R rating...

[Trex]

Just tried calling. They didn't answer.

[jmknights93]

I'm interested to hear if anyone does get through to them.

[Trex]

Probably won't. They go through a 3rd party like carsales, then get you to leave your full contact details for them to call you back.

[gtrj]

On 20/07/2016 at 7:22 PM, BakemonoRicer said:

From the auction sheet it doesn't specify any accident damage, which leads me to wonder whether the R Grade is because of rust?

When I was searching to import I found a bunch 'R/RA' grade cars in JP that had no listed damage on the body panels.  A large amount of them had re trimmed interiors though.  Could possibly have got the R grade for it's leather interior?  I remember seeing this specific car and wanting it

 

Funny how you can change the seats, indicators, shift knob and flip it for an easy $10k+ too. 

Edited July 21, 2016 by terrorstorm_

[japanesehistorycheck]

On 20/07/2016 at 7:22 PM, BakemonoRicer said:

From the auction sheet it doesn't specify any accident damage, which leads me to wonder whether the R Grade is because of rust?

???

Translation of auction inspector notes from the lower half of the sheet:

Interior dirty, scratches noted
Alloy wheels - scratches noted
Door mirrors - scratches noted
Minor scratches and dents noted on the body

Trunk floor has been panel beaten and re-painted
End panel replaced
Leaking engine oil
Aftermarket front marker (indicator/blinker lights)
Problem noted with the aircon instrument panel
Aftermarket tail fitted
Aftermarket exhaust fitted
Shift knob heavily worn

 

Can't see rust mentioned on the sheet. The car has had a rear-end hit which has been repaired. In this case no structural components were named by the inspector as having been repaired. Cars with repairs to structural components are supposed to be excluded from compliance in Australia - that said there are an enormous number of examples to contradict this regulation.

[tridentt150v]

Dealers work on 20-25% generally.  Sell/trade your car and see how much the yard puts on it???  They aren't in it for charity.

Anyway thats the stated price, you would be able to negotiate for a deal esp. if you have no trade and cash.  Its had a hit in the rear, ok thats not so good, but have a look at the repair and see how well its done, and for a genuine 50K from 1994 - well how many of them are around, so IMO the rest of the car far outweighs the ding.

If they give you the auction sheet with the car, then its all good . 

I agree though, pays to be cautious but this one, its probably OK [we never ever completely know with any of them do we].

 

[niZmO_Man]

I thought you can import R grade cars but can't comply/register them. E.g. highly modified cars/demo cars. R-grades usually get the "race/rally use only".