Looking at Japanese 323f

[colm_mcm]

Just thought I'd share, looking at a Mazda Familia (same as 323f) S-wagon, My mother has had a string of Mazda 323s and loves them. problem is the Irish ones are pretty basic. this one would tick most of the boxes, and it's automatic.

Just to give an idea of costs involved in importing something like this, here are the figures.

Mazda S Wagon F-Special 1.5 Auto, Grade 4.
Photo HERE
Car looks as new, Grade 4 would back this up.

FOB price € 856 (car delivered to docks in Japan)
Freight to Dublin €594 (€,1450)
Cost of car shipped = €1,450
Import duty (10% of shipped price) €145 (€1595)
VAT (@ 21.5% of €1595) = €343 (€1938)
VRT (@36% of €4000) = €1,440 (€3,378)

service would have to be added to this price too......

so folks, that's how you make an €850 car cost you €4k. thing is, it's not unattractive at that price given the condition these cars come in.

She has a 2001 323 1.6 Exclusive with loads of extras that should get around €2,000 for, so it's not huge money to change. hmmmmm......

I was of the opinion that importing from Japan isn't worthwhile given the exchange rate, but I'm not so sure now...


Have I left anything out of the calculations above? there are fees at the docks in Dublin are there?

[Myfeckin FTO]

Theres hardly 36% VRT on a 323F - is there???

I don't think its worth importing a Jap car with such a low FOB - probably make more finanial sense to find a model that has a higher FOC price and a similar VRT (and shipping) cost.

[colm_mcm]

There isn't a European equivelant to the 1.5 Familia in 2003, in Europe they changed to a 1.6 in 2001 and dropped the 1.5. Also, I don't think they offered anything but the 1.8 in automatic in Europe.

even so, I doubt they would accept the figures from a European model and will automatically bump you onto the top rate of VRT.

She really likes the 323, and dislikes the Mazda3 and most other newer cars. they only sold the 323 to early 04 in Japan, and the choice of 323f's and 323s are crap in UK and Ireland.

Am looking into alternatives also, but I wouldn't like a Corolla Alex, Almera, or Lancer. A civic of some sort might be a runner...

[Dragonheart]

Theres a 100 euro fee at the dublin docks if you want to get a company to do the paperwork and release the car, but as far as I know if you do it yourself that fee doesnt apply.

[colm_mcm]

In comparison, a Grade 4 2004 Civic saloon costs €1947 FOB
http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/ja ... o/1921222/


FOB price € 1947 (car delivered to docks in Japan)
Freight to Dublin €594 (€2541)
Cost of car shipped = €2541
Import duty (10% of shipped price) €254 (€2795)
VAT (@ 21.5% of €2795) = €600 (€3395)
VRT (@36% of €5500) = €1,980 (5375)

€5375 for an 04 Civic is a fair bit...

There may be value in cars in the 20k bracket, but i doubt it given how the value these sort of cars have tumbled over here.

This thing needs thinking about. there's some serious value out there in cars already in this country.......

[CJ]

A mate of mine has one of these and rates tham highly in terms of drivability, functionality and fuel consumption. I reckon you should be able to get similar value in the Irish market without the need to import.

CJ

[colm_mcm]

Most are crap spec 1.3 Comfort models with windey windows and no central locking. Her 01 at the moment has sunroof, aircon, alloys, fogs, nice seats, traction control, etc. there's nothing in a newer 323 in an Irish model that suits as I reckon anyone in 2004 that wanted a high spec model just bought a Mazda3 instead.

[colm_mcm]

On closer inspection on my huge hi res monitor, that red 323f has a pretty grubby interior, there's no way it could be grade 4.

Back to the drawing board. I'd like to see her get something nice, she likes driving and is into cars, just don't know what to make her buy she doesn't even want to change cars until someone puts pressure on..

[kevinod]

Don't forget to add in the extra insurance companies charge for jap imports!

[colm_mcm]

Don't forget to add in the extra insurance companies charge for jap imports!

Did a quote for her on an FTO MIVEC a few months back, think it was 300 or something.....
323 or Civic shouldn't be a problem

[colm_mcm]

Just had a brainwave, a Civic IMA (hybrid) from the UK. a 06 would work out at around 8k, or an 04 for around 5k.
They all seem to be fully loaded with leather, climate etc. must investigate.

VRT is only €290 on either of these cars due to them being hybrids.