International Purchase - Help?
Discussion
First off, if I'm putting this thread in the wrong section, please feel free to move it.
Introductions! Hi, I'm a proud PH'er living in the US and have been in the market for a new vehicle for some times now. Being an avid R34 fan (an old friend had one), I was heart-set on finding one in the UK and shipping it here. While I still find that to be what I'd really like to do, we have our first little one coming into the world next August, so an R34 might not be the best choice. What I'm currently looking into is a Stagea, or an older year Benz. Price is obviously an issue now, especially including shipping to the states along with converting the vehicle to current USA emissions standards.
What I'd like from the most-wise PH'ers around here.. What are your opinions on the Stageas? I don't think there are any in the states.. Or if you have any other 'safe for family, but still GREAT drives' options for vehicles, I'm definitely all ears!
Here's what I'm really looking for some help on.
I've contacted 4 shipping companies, and 18 Registered Importers, three of which have responded. Two of the RI's didn't even know what a Skyline was, and the third didn't respond once I sent him back information on the car. The shipping companies said that it would be around 1300USD to ship a car from the UK to the east coast, but no definite answer. I need information about shipping cars to the US (price, getting sellers that are interested), and if anyone has dealt with an importer in the states. I wish I could have found this out by myself and just come here for advice on vehicle, but I just can't seem to find anything, or get responses. Anyone have any information they're willing to share, or maybe some advice?
Thanks all for reading..and now for me to go buy my PH sticker.
-Quinn
Introductions! Hi, I'm a proud PH'er living in the US and have been in the market for a new vehicle for some times now. Being an avid R34 fan (an old friend had one), I was heart-set on finding one in the UK and shipping it here. While I still find that to be what I'd really like to do, we have our first little one coming into the world next August, so an R34 might not be the best choice. What I'm currently looking into is a Stagea, or an older year Benz. Price is obviously an issue now, especially including shipping to the states along with converting the vehicle to current USA emissions standards.
What I'd like from the most-wise PH'ers around here.. What are your opinions on the Stageas? I don't think there are any in the states.. Or if you have any other 'safe for family, but still GREAT drives' options for vehicles, I'm definitely all ears!
Here's what I'm really looking for some help on.
I've contacted 4 shipping companies, and 18 Registered Importers, three of which have responded. Two of the RI's didn't even know what a Skyline was, and the third didn't respond once I sent him back information on the car. The shipping companies said that it would be around 1300USD to ship a car from the UK to the east coast, but no definite answer. I need information about shipping cars to the US (price, getting sellers that are interested), and if anyone has dealt with an importer in the states. I wish I could have found this out by myself and just come here for advice on vehicle, but I just can't seem to find anything, or get responses. Anyone have any information they're willing to share, or maybe some advice?
Thanks all for reading..and now for me to go buy my PH sticker.
-Quinn
I can't give any advice on importing, but what I can say is this:
I don't know if you have a false impression of the used car Market here in the uk, but finding a used Stagea in good condition would be pretty much an impossible task IMO, even if you were living here, willing to travel nationwide to search and were happy to wait it out. I have never seen a Stagea on the roads, and I can't recall seeing one advertised anywhere other than really bad examples on eBay.
Personally, I would never buy a car like that sight unseen. They're just a minefield, and unless you can see it yourself then who knows what you're buying? You could effectively be buying a tonne and a half of scrap, and then even worse, paying to ship that scrap 8,000 miles before you even know what it is.
My advice: get onto owners clubs and trusted jap car specialists closer to home, be prepared to wait for the right car to come up for sale, and buy with extreme caution. Just my 2 cents.
I don't know if you have a false impression of the used car Market here in the uk, but finding a used Stagea in good condition would be pretty much an impossible task IMO, even if you were living here, willing to travel nationwide to search and were happy to wait it out. I have never seen a Stagea on the roads, and I can't recall seeing one advertised anywhere other than really bad examples on eBay.
Personally, I would never buy a car like that sight unseen. They're just a minefield, and unless you can see it yourself then who knows what you're buying? You could effectively be buying a tonne and a half of scrap, and then even worse, paying to ship that scrap 8,000 miles before you even know what it is.
My advice: get onto owners clubs and trusted jap car specialists closer to home, be prepared to wait for the right car to come up for sale, and buy with extreme caution. Just my 2 cents.
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff