Should I buy a Jap Import ?

[IS200RJR]

Im In the market for a new car dont yet know what i want but like the HONDA S2K, 350Z an import is so much cheaper and so no need to re finance will i just be buying myself trouble ?

[tuttle]

A how long is a piece of string question

There is now a big biz in grey imports,go to someone reputable,ie Newera.
On the whole Jap imports tend to be of;lower mileage for age & in good nick.ESVA means they need to be in original condition.
Parts,depends on model really.Can be more £££ & harder to track down.But a 350z or S2k shouldn't be a prob.
Insurance can be a pain,some won't touch imports,& companies can nearly double the premiums compared to a UK version of the same car.Many will ensist on a Thatcham Cat1 alarm/imob with a tracker.

Bottom line: Go for it ,prices have never been lower.
Be prepared to spend time finding best prices & good contacts.

[havoc]

One thing that is often overlooked is JDM suspension can be different...the early 350Z's from Japan all had much harder suspension, not as suitable to UK roads. Then when the European model was released they changed the JDM suspension to the same settings.

Trouble is, it's a tricky thing to research.

Agreed that S2k not worth the trouble, but 350Z might be if you're going new/near-new...

[andy mac]

Just out of curiosity, do you have a is200? If so, why not do the turbo/supercharger conversion? Should be good for 250 bhp, and the is is rwd, so you could have a very good, q-car there, with lts of power? Could be particularly giggle-worthy!

[IS200RJR]

andy mac said:

Just out of curiosity, do you have a is200? If so, why not do the turbo/supercharger conversion? Should be good for 250 bhp, and the is is rwd, so you could have a very good, q-car there, with lts of power? Could be particularly giggle-worthy!

I do have a IS200 but iv had it for 2yrs now and iv put loads of miles on it due to business and i want a change !

[911turtle]

Gazboy said:

For a car as plentiful as an S2000, I would not get an imported one- it ain't worth the downsides. I wanted a UK Supra, but struggled to find a good one (I looked for 6 months), hell I struggled to find a good JDM!

I imported my own S2K direct from Japan earlier this year.
I agree, there are a few things you need to consider if thinking about buying one, though if converted to UK spec properly, this won't be a problem.
As I have found out, there are a few 'subtle' differences, such as the wiring looms; 4 different markets mean four different looms (believe it or not). US, UK, EU & JP all have there own looms - pin outs on plugs are in different locations, earth points & fuse boxes also have the odd wires inconsistently placed etc.
I have spent quite a bit on modifying mine, which included a Thatcham CAT 1 Honda alarm / immobiliser, UK Speedo gauge cluster, engine oil temp sensor, various wiring harnesses & a Honda rear light unit (with built in fog).
Jap S2's do Not have the oil temp sensor; if not fitted you can destroy the engine from cold!!
Not the average conversion!

It is unfortunately up for grabs at the mo (posted today in the for sale section)

Cheers
Si.