How long does it take to import?

[agent s]

I've been reading the import guide (v useful!) & think I might get my next FTO that way. That's if I don't get my one back! Just a couple of questions to those who have tried & tested it!

How long does it take?
Does it end up being more cost effective? - only have 6k
Can a mechanic take a look at it over there for you?

Please give your pearls of wisdom...!

[Neil]

How long does it take?

Approx 7 - 8 weeks, it could be a longer though if they dont have a ship ready to take it...

Does it end up being more cost effective? - only have 6k

Not really unfortunately... seems to work out pretty much the same .
I think the higher spec/more expensive the car, the more you can save by importing yourself....

Can a mechanic take a look at it over there for you?

The cars are independently inspected and graded 0 - 5 before going to auction, most of the grades seem pretty accurate from what I've seen (with my rather limited experience) but its certainly better to get a look at the actual auction sheet and if possible get it translated before buying/making a bid, to minimise on "surprises" once it gets here...

[kevinod]

How long does it take?

Approx 7 - 8 weeks, it could be a longer though if they dont have a ship ready to take it...

Does it end up being more cost effective? - only have 6k

Not really unfortunately... seems to work out pretty much the same .
I think the higher spec/more expensive the car, the more you can save by importing yourself....

Can a mechanic take a look at it over there for you?

The cars are independently inspected and graded 0 - 5 before going to auction, most of the grades seem pretty accurate from what I've seen (with my rather limited experience) but its certainly better to get a look at the actual auction sheet and if possible get it translated before buying/making a bid, to minimise on "surprises" once it gets here...

Mine shipped in about 5 weeks, but it was sitting in japan for months before it left there.

You probably don't save much, but on the upside if you have a particular colour & model in mind, you're more likely to find it there fairly quickly rather than for a similar model to come up over here.

Mine came with a few nasty surprises - poor respray job on the left front wing, radio/gear surround red (nothing else on the car red), and there were a few extra holes in the boot where the previous owner I guess had put another spoiler on it. He put the standard spoiler back on and covered the extra holes with duct tape.

If you do go importing, try to get a recommended dealer/exporter in japan that will check for faults and not buy you an FTO with stuff wrong with it, like the (*&W£$@£ £*(& ^%&%$ that I used did.

There's definately pros and cons with importing, weigh them up before you decide either way.

Just on that, I think it was PT FTO imported a car through someone in Newcastle in England. He collected it recently so the thread shouldn't be too far down the list in general I think, might be an alternative to directly importing it here to consider.

Kev.

[Mustang]

Agent S,
Don't forget to factor in costs for timing belt change, alarm, and probably stereo.

Mustang

[Speedyboy]

Agent S,
Don't forget to factor in costs for timing belt change, alarm, and probably stereo.

Mustang

And replacing snow tyres/bald tyres, or any other sundry parts that are often ripped off on the way over!