Author Topic: Japanese Imports (Read 1928 times)

The Mighty Duck · « **on:** September 04, 2005, 10:28:03 pm »

Though, not in the usual sense. This thread has little to nothing to do with Hondas and Toyotas.

I was talking to a coworker the other night about (shock) cars, and somehow we got onto the subject of importing cars. To make a short story shorter, he informed me that it was possible to import a car from Japan for less than $20 000.

The car in question was a Nissan 350Z Fairlady, right hand drive, from Japan, which was bought and brought to Canada for about $16 000. My first question, for obvious reasons, is: is this true? Second question: if so, how would one go about doing so?

It seems almost too good to be true, because a new 350Z goes for $30K STARTING... that's half the price, on the road, including shipping...

Anyone know anything about this?

mdxtasy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2005, 10:49:46 pm »

You can import vehicles into Canada after they are 15 years old. That is why you see a few old Nissan Skyline GTR's, MR2's, 300ZX's etc. 1990 and older can be brought in. I don't think a brand new one can be imported in for $16K.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2005, 10:56:13 pm »

These would be 2001-2004 models. Reason being (so I'm told) is Japan's super-strict emissions control standards, wherein its cheaper to abandon a car than bring it up to code... so not BRAND new, no.

I'm still skeptical, but I like the sound of it...

84im · « **Reply #3 on:** September 05, 2005, 01:15:17 am »

"It seems almost too good to be true, because a new 350Z goes for $30K STARTING"

Starting price for a new Nissan 350Z is just over $45,000 (Canadian)

si · « **Reply #4 on:** September 05, 2005, 02:37:53 am »

Quote from: Demosthenes X on September 04, 2005, 10:56:13 pm

These would be 2001-2004 models. Reason being (so I'm told) is Japan's super-strict emissions control standards, wherein its cheaper to abandon a car than bring it up to code... so not BRAND new, no.

I'm still skeptical, but I like the sound of it...

Yes, when I was there most of the cars were within 3 years old because of that reason. Also, re-sale values for all cars drops faster there than a Cavalier's here! Most of the used Japanese cars get sent to Australia and New Zealand.

tpl · « **Reply #5 on:** September 05, 2005, 12:24:55 pm »

I bet it cant be done. A RHD JDM car wont meet about a zillion of our standards. especially that the stering wheel has to be on the left AND most importantly that the car has a DOT sticker... which it cannot as it is RHD.

until it is 15 years old then for some bizarre reason the governmnet doesnt care any more.

JD · « **Reply #6 on:** September 05, 2005, 08:31:23 pm »

You cannot import cars from outside the country unless they are over 15 years old. Absoultely the law.

84im · « **Reply #7 on:** September 05, 2005, 09:30:31 pm »

Quote

You cannot import cars from outside the country unless they are over 15 years old. Absoultely the law.

That's just not true. I know someone who imported a 2003 Miata into B.C. It can be done.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2005, 10:06:56 pm »

You can import vehicles from the United States before they're 15 years old, however. So I suppose if you imported it from Japan to the USA, and then from the USA to Canada, it could be kosher...

I have seen one RHD vehicle in Victoria, and I've heard of others, so that can be done... I just wonder how.

chris · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2005, 04:18:24 pm »

Whoa! Hold on here

Let's get some facts in the mix

First off, MANY vehicles may be imported from the US to Canada.
Those 15 yrs old and older are not subject to duty and such (only GST) and are simply easier to import (just did it with a 1981 motorcycle)
Those newer than 15 yrs old must be on the approved list and not subject to recalls (or must have recalls fixed) etc.
Please see http://www.riv.ca/english/html/how_to_import.html for the FACTS

With regards to importing from other countries see http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4140/rc4140-02e.pdf It's a little old but something to start with. Apparently 15 yrs is the key age too however there is a list of exemptions around page 7 or 8.

Chris.

tpl · « **Reply #10 on:** September 07, 2005, 04:49:42 pm »

Note that those exemptions apply to a vehicle which meets the Canadian or US standards and is so certified by its original manufacturer. That is: the list on page 8 is specifically qualified by the statement on page 7.

Therefore a car imported into the USA on the "grey market", certified to US specs by an aftermarket shop would still not be eligible for import here until 15 years old.

So one might see "temporary imports " of all kinds floating around and indeed they may well have local provincial plates on them depending on provincial regulations but they are not available to be bought or to stay permanently

We keep going around this one.... we do indeed need the FAQ not this question again thread

Drivesideways · « **Reply #11 on:** September 07, 2005, 05:08:39 pm »

At the risk of having the FAQ book thrown at me, a question occurred to me today after seeing yet another RHD Japanese car. The number of these cars on the road APPEARS to have taken a dramatic jump in the last few months. How are insurance companies viewing these things? I realize the number of these things on the road is small in the grand scheme of things, but it seems a lot less of a fringe thing than it was...and they're not being driven by yer basic 50-something British roadster fan.

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2005, 05:37:48 pm »

When people started (grey) importing cars into the UK from Japan the insurance was sky high, because if crashed or broken into, the insurers would have to pay for a hire car until it was fixed, with parts sourced directly from Japan. So could take 6-8 weeks...

Drivesideways · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2005, 06:10:31 pm »

Interesting...I was also wondering about the risk evaluations insurance companies are making where drivers are sitting on the right hand side of the car driving in traffic that's on the right hand side of the road. And maybe there is no statistical risk, but intuitively it seems to me like some manoeuvres would be trickier. Yes? No? Anyone experience this?

tpl · « **Reply #14 on:** September 08, 2005, 07:37:02 pm »

yep, years ago driving a Brit car on the Continent.... passing takes some care, toll booths need a passenger.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #15 on:** September 08, 2005, 07:44:57 pm »

The guy I was talking to me told me about a video of a RHD import going backwards through a drivethrough... LOL.

eddy4 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 08, 2005, 08:03:07 pm »

there are several ways to register "imported " cars in canada without letting the Feds know.

In Ontario you can register any vehicle that meets provincial safety and clean air regs.
The provincial MTO and the feds do not share info....

barrie1 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 08, 2005, 11:42:53 pm »

Being a RHD vehicle has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle into Canada as the Canadian Post Office keeps buying Brand new trucks with this option for their staff to drive around in to empty the mailboxs. We all know how they spend OUR TAX Money on only New Toys for themselves they get what they want. We had a website on here recently from the Canadian Gov which explains the do's and don't s of importing certain vehicles into Canada.

tenpenny · « **Reply #18 on:** September 08, 2005, 11:46:31 pm »

Subaru used to sell a rhd vehicle in the States specifically for rural mail delivery.

ghost · « **Reply #19 on:** September 09, 2005, 10:12:45 am »

Huh? This makes no sense. You want to import a 3-year old 350Z because it's $30k. Check the Autotrader dude, 350Zs are going for low-mid 30s for 2003 models! Save yourself the headache on legalities, transportation, brokerage, warehouse rent (due to waiting for custom clearance) etc. And driving on the wrong side of the wheel!

Author Topic: Japanese Imports (Read 1928 times)

mdxtasy