Japanese Import Cars

Pro's and Con's?

I got a Toyota Wish 2004 and it's been brilliant for the last 3 years. I can't read the manual though. Oh and the dvd player had to be replaced. It played normal CD's but the FM radio band was not the same as ours and it wanted Zone 1 dvd's.

Pros:

     - Cheap (good value)

Cons:

     - Cheap (lower resale value)

     - Servicing/parts availability (mechanicals may be different to what was/is sold in NZ so servicing/parts costs may be higher)

     - Some features don't work (or you need to spend $$$ to get them to)

     - Not designed/specced for our roads/market/use (things like tyres and suspension parts in particular).

So - it depends what you want; how you'll use it, who'll service it, and how long you're likely to keep it. It's easy to be seduced by a "good deal", but be sure your eyes are open when buying. Things like servicing, parts, technology... know what/where the compromises are and make an informed decision.

Always, always, always - get an independent inspection from a mate who knows cars; or VTNZ/AA etc. No; they're not guaranteed but they can save you from buying a lemon. Also, if it's a car that's worth a bit - a warranty can be well worth buying too.

I overcome this by never buying second hand cars.

BMW dude?

I'm not dude, but no.

Buying a Skyline in a few weeks. Can't wait to get scowled at by centenerians :)

Any truth that there is a law in Japan making cars 10yrs or older illegal to drive?

No truth in that rumour in NZ, In Singapore you're car has to be 5 years young or younger.

Have a read: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/owning-a-car-in-japan-myths-and-reality-1770442115

Interesting read thanks

So, assuming the mechanical side is sweet, whats peoples thoughts on a Toyota Blade?

Seems to me that they are a Corolla with a Camry engine (2.4Ltr)?

Don't be a wuss - get the 3.5 V6 model :p

Would love it but budget wont stretch that far. 

3.5 V6 sounds a little bit naughty in a hatchback

Toyota Wish - Great for 5 of us. Can seat 7.

My workmate had a 2.4 Blade - seemed a great wee thing... ideal for fam duty and enough grunt to get up hills etc. As long as the condition and price was right, in the right situation I would.

You can't make a poncy comment that you only buy new without naming your motor geezer

Could not find anything in the small print to say why not. :)

BMW's are brilliant.

It's a real estate agent motor

You can't make a poncy comment that you only buy new without naming your motor geezer

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I knew poncy Palum would agree with you.