Tow Bar Fitting - Japanese Import

Tow Bar Fitting - Japanese Import

Author
Discussion

stevemacka

Original Poster:

2 posts

135 months

Thursday 5th January 2023
quotequote all
Hi all

After some advice please....

I am importing a Subaru Exiga from Japan and am looking to get a tow bar fitted. I have tried various local mobile fitters (Hampshire / Surrey area) as well as a Scooby garage. However all feedback is that as the Exiga isnt a European model, they cant help as they dont know what bar to order etc.

Can anyone recommend any fitters that can help with imported cars?

Cheers




InitialDave

12,235 posts

126 months

vikingaero

11,221 posts

176 months

Thursday 5th January 2023
quotequote all
Can you ask if a towbar can be fitted before it loads onto the export ship in Japan?

Mr MXT

7,711 posts

290 months

Thursday 5th January 2023
quotequote all
I thought there was an issue with Japanese imports, because they don't have UK type approval for towing you can't legally tow with them... although I know people do, its an issue I came up against when looking at an Alphard/ El Grande

Here you go:

https://andrewsjapanesecars.com/japanese-import-to...

Edited by Mr MXT on Thursday 5th January 16:32

mersontheperson

717 posts

172 months

Tuesday 10th January 2023
quotequote all
This tow bar costs 500 quid for towing 750kg

https://www.global-tight.com/case/%E3%82%B9%E3%83%...


This site lists a reinforced type that can handle 1200 Kg
https://www.boat-plaza-co.com/hitch/hitch_subaru.h...

It also has details about wiring (European, US etc)

In fact in typical Japanese fashion if you fax them, they can give you a quotation.

Just use the translate feature on your browser, it’s pretty good.


mersontheperson

717 posts

172 months

Tuesday 10th January 2023
quotequote all

Rooted

36 posts

134 months

Wednesday 18th January 2023
quotequote all
There is a school of thought that says grey imports do not come under the scope of the 1998 EU laws and therefore it doesn't matter that the car doesn't have it's weight stamped on the VIN plate....but I am not a lawyer.... personally I wouldn't do it as whilst it may be not illegal I would assume your insurers would not cover you in the event of an accident....tell us more about your Exiga...did you import it yourself? Great cars