Japanese Imports

[country_boy]

Has anyone bought an import and had problems with insurance and parts?  I mean one that has already been imported and registered here in the UK.

Are there any other potential problems to consider before buying one?

[Bangkok]

If it is bought through an dealer accredited by the manufacturer, then I cannot see a problem with parts.  If it is a grey market import, then it depends on whether the manufacturer also sells that model in the UK or, whether a reputable independent dealer with an after sales service will support it.

If you name the model, then maybe someone can give more specific advice

[Jenny Tools]

Most insurance companies charge extra to insure grey imports and some will not insure at all, this is manly due to the fact the history of the vehicle is hard if not impossible to trace. Quite a few grey imports that come via the Middle East have been stolen and ringed, if you are unfortunate enough to have purchased one of these and it comes to light afterwards, you stand a very good chance of loosing your vehicle with no recompense.
Parts wise the manufacture will not be able to support you as they do not import parts for these models, you may be lucky in that the engine may be use in similar models in this county and some parts will be interchangeable but the biggest problem will be with body panels, trim and fitted extras.
Having said all that, the Jap import market is growing and so is the backup so parts are becoming more available.
Make sure if decide to buy an import, go to an established importer who has been trading for a fair while.      

[Kev_UK]

I don't know much about Japanese grey imports, but I have 3 american cars. I can get most parts (service parts, etc) off the shelf from a place 30 mins away, while other parts may take a week to obtain. Insurance is VERY good. I have limited milage classic car policies through Adrian Flux (they insure yanks, imports, kit cars, etc). Classic insurance ploicies will depend on the age of the vehicle.

[country_boy]

Thanks for answers so far, the car would be a Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtech, Mk3 so 90-94 I think.  It would more than likely be from a private sale.  There are a few extras on the Jap models which could cause problems with parts over here.  I'd prefer a UK car, but they are pretty rare in my price range/area.

[AllYourBase]

Other things to consider:
Has it been converted to UK legal requirmenets - Jap cars don't have a rear foglight but is is a legal requirement in the UK.
Jap cars need undersealing (they don't have gritter wagons)
Does the radio work (they have different frequecies over there)?
If the car has been run in the UK then you are probably OK and Autotrader can supply you with loads of people who get parts.
in my experience, the only problematic issue is insurance, get that sorted and you will be laughing.
Somewhere on this site someone posted a link to a very good page that tells you how to read the japanese documents that should come with such a vehicle. Hunt around and you'll probably find it. Worth checking this out to ensure you're not ripped off.

[GeordieSteve]

I haven't really found that any parts cost more. Insurance cost about double tho (currently paying �1200 on a twin turbo Supra). No one really know WHY this is because prices are the same for parts and UK models tend to be of a higher spec

[Andrew_P_S]

Had a Jap inport Prelude myself!! ...great car, but watch for the following!

1. Jap speedos are in Km/h, and the quality of a conversion if it takes place can be questionable, as can the mileage it displays.

2. Headlight alignment was way out, had to buy replacement units

3. Better spec on the aircon

4. Part in the main no problem

Cracking engine!!