Importing Or Buy Local

[Modena]

Hey guys if you wanted a cheaper, say an R34 GTT coupe for around 25-30 K would it be better to import it via j spec or whichever or buy R34s that have already been brought over? Im keen on an auto R34 coupe GTT and saw on j spec site them go for as low as 22 grand (add another grand or so for hidden costs like new tyres and rego) with only 60 K on the clock and a good rating 4.

Currently I see GTT go for 28-35 K in Australia with relatively high Ks...

Comments?

Edited October 24, 2005 by Sir-D

[Ruffels]

depends if you want it tomorrow or in a few months?

this has been answered many times.. there are advantages to both in that yes imports are generally cheaper... but a car that has allready been imported can be test driven by your self

in the long run there are advantages and dissadvantages to both.. and things can go wrong equally in both types of purchases, allthough more people regard importing as more fo a gamble, however if no one did it, there would be none for people to buy locally lol

its something you should sit on and yes i think its a good idea to seek other peoples opinions and personal stories to get a good all round perspective on what to do

personally i bought locally because it was convienient for me but not nessasarily cheaper, howver i would definatly consider importing in the future and have heard good things about j-spec

there are some members on the forum who work for j-spec i belive too

just remember ... dont allways do something because its cheaper.. i have a favorite quote of mine that goes like this

"cheap and reliable wont be fast, fast and cheap wont be reliable, and reliable and fast wont be cheap"

-Ruffels

Edited October 24, 2005 by Ruffels

[sewid]

Unless you really know what you're doing its worth shopping locally. There are a lot of GTT's over here now and the prices are pretty good. Some deals come up on the forums from time to time.

[Daniel_]

another grand or so should be about $2k

Alarm, hidden customs costs, transporting, decent tyres, stamp duty, fm expander for radio, xenon switchover, degassing of aircon and of course even more bloody tax for on road costs (paying tax on the same car 3 times really sucks)

[Modena]

another grand or so should be about $2k

Alarm, hidden customs costs, transporting, decent tyres, stamp duty, fm expander for radio, xenon switchover, degassing of aircon and of course even more bloody tax for on road costs (paying tax on the same car 3 times really sucks)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

most of those things are already included in the compliance cost except for tyres and rego.

[jake32]

most of those things are already included in the compliance cost except for tyres and rego.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

there are unknown costs that arise..new customs entry system being implemented atm causing huge delays for some ...storage costs not in original budget,also allow at least $350-500 for rwc ,bar touch up etc ..this is on a grade 4 car ..lesser the grade greater the amount to be spent here,try and remember your buying cars from auction not showroom... in japan as with the rest of the world ..no one sends perfect cars to the auction

[wrxhoon]

Buy localy if you can , you can see the car and its already registered , there is always a risk that you may not be able to get it complied /registered due to rust or previous damage .

Dont forget it will cost you more than the aproximate price on their website as well , for instance if you have to replace brakes , thats extra and stock items are not cheap ( you must use stock pads and rotors ).

The $4k they estimate for compliance could cost you $5 , 6 or even more .

They dont allow enough for transport , the actual boat fee may only be $1000-1100 but when you start adding , customs , q/t , tow truck , steamclean and tow truck to the steamcleaning place , it will cost over $2 k .

Tyres , you will end up with some crap asian tyres that you will throw out and they have to be stock rims and stock size tyres .