Buying a Japanese Import - Advice needed

[neil.b]

Slight diversion from my usual postings

I've been trying to pick up a good Nissan Figaro for my girlfriend and have come across a dealer in London who has some good examples (at least from the photographs and talking on the phone). Before I jump on a train to go and look at the car, I wanted to get an AA (or equivalent) inspection. Has anyone got any recommendations or advice?

The car in question has never been registered in the UK so a HPI check isn't going to be applicable. Does anyone know if there is an international version or where I could check the chasis number with, say, Japanese authorities to make sure its not stolen etc.

[stewy68]

Try ABS on 01625 576441. Only one I can think of.
Hope this helps.

Stew..

[neil.b]

I didn't, she absolutely adores them - whole different set of priorites going on

[ATG]

IIRC there is some paperwork that should come from Japan that categorises the state of the car ... might be difficult to read as it will be in Japanese. It used to be explained on the old version of this website: www.jicconline.co.uk p.s. I came close to buying a Supra from these guys and they seemed honest, enthusiaistic and helpful..

[puggti]

figaro on sale here
dont know anything about garage it just came up when i was looking for mx-5's
www.kewwest.com/html/pages/n&ufmset.html

[neil.b]

ATG said:

IIRC there is some paperwork that should come from Japan that categorises the state of the car ... might be difficult to read as it will be in Japanese. It used to be explained on the old version of this website: www.jicconline.co.uk p.s. I came close to buying a Supra from these guys and they seemed honest, enthusiaistic and helpful..

Thanks, the FAQ on that site pretty much cleared it up. According to them, since 2000 all DVLA applications for imported cars are referred to Interpol. Probably worth a call to DVLA to verify though.

They seem like a good dealer, shame they don't seem to do Figaros.

[neil.b]

puggti said:

figaro on sale here dont know anything about garage it just came up when i was looking for mx-5's www.kewwest.com/html/pages/n&ufmset.html

Cheers. That's why I'm a little concerned. The guy I've been talking to sells them for a LOT less (£5.5k), although the one I've been looking at does have 60k miles on it. From talking to the guy he seems to carry out all the work that they tend to need; timing belt, new tyres, speedo conversion, oil, filters changed etc. and he knows a lot about them so he seems genuine enough...

Too good to be true or a bargain?