Import from Japan to USA
Orig. Posting Date | User Name | Edit Date |
Mar 19, 2021 12:52PM | Dan Moffet | |
Mar 16, 2021 02:11PM | ve9aa | |
Mar 16, 2021 01:24PM | captain61 | |
Feb 24, 2021 04:16PM | Veggivet | Edited: Feb 24, 2021 04:17PM |
Feb 24, 2021 06:41AM | RedRiley | |
Feb 23, 2021 08:13PM | Minimike1 | |
Feb 23, 2021 06:26PM | Gahngoo | Edited: Feb 23, 2021 09:22PM |
Feb 15, 2021 09:39AM | XRayActual | |
Feb 11, 2021 09:30AM | theminimark | |
Feb 10, 2021 05:44PM | lankydeems |
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"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."
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If you can't safely drive on the other side of the car in a Mini, you probably shouldn't be on the road at all. I can touch both doors inside the car and I am not a big guy. As Captain 61 said, one trip around the block is all that's needed. ALL controls with the exception of the gear shifter are in the exact same location and work in the exact same manner, LHD vs. RHD. Even the gear shifter is the same pattern as we're all used to , but you need to use your other hand.
Easy Peasy !
~ 30 minutes in a Mini is more therapeutic than 3 sessions @ the shrink. ~
Mike NB, Canada
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Xavier, Sales/tech - 800-46-2642
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I too have been tempted by this. I've seen beautiful examples come over to the PNW for crazy low $. (IIRC, one nice car was 6,800 landed. )
Many will say, and I can't dispute, that you'll need to see, touch, drive, and thoroughly inspect prior to owning.
I'd be interested to see what sort of inspection, and what level of commitment / guarantee that an auction house could offer.
Perhaps it would be an adventure, and a lot of fun. As long as you'll remember that the car is for you alone, not to be thought of as an investment.
Finally, the obvious. Many of the items that could trip you up such as transmission rebuilding, rusty body repairs and repaint, etc could best be realized as extremely expensive to farm out to a pro. So, you, like many of us, will have to learn as you go and DIY.
I wish you the very best, and would like to hear of your adventure. EM in profile.
Best regards,
MSH
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I've been browsing minis in the Japanese market for a couple weeks now. I'm specifically looking at 1275cc spi and mpi minis in good condition that could become an in-town daily driver. I feel like I understand the process and regulations pretty well for importing the the US. I'm aware of some of the more reputable importers like Pacific Coast Auto and Japan Car Direct. Both regularly export minis to US and Canada, so I know the process is feasible.
If you have gone through the import process, I'd love to hear your experience! Would you do it again? Did the car meet your quality expectations? Did you run into roadblocks, sketchy dealers, hidden fees, or customs issues? I'm a few hours from the port of Tacoma, so getting the vehicle from port to my house shouldn't be too much of an issue. The biggest hesitation I have is the inability to verify engine/drivetrain issues (slipping transmissions, failing head gaskets, etc). Rust and body quality seem to be pretty well inspected on auction sheets.