Brisbane Importers / Japanese Exporters

[jmac]

Hi all,

It had to happen - I sold the R34, but now I'm getting a bit sick of the XR6 Turbo. Too big, too heavy, uses too much fuel, a little unreliable (diff bushes, random electrical things). But the main thing is it isn't much fun to drive, being an auto and all, and despite having more than enough squirt in a straight line.

So I'm thinking about an Evo VIII MR. Not a Skyline I know, but I'm on a strict regime here and whatever I buy must have 4 doors, a reasonable boot and not cost a fortune to run. My criteria are 4 doors, light weight (1400kg), less than 5 years old, and good handling.

Anyway! There are a few older theads around on importing your own vehicle without a broker, or using certain brokers, but I was just looking for comments especially from some of the Brisbane guys here on who they've used, who they heard was good, etc.

Thus far I've emailed a few people, and I'm very much keeping my options open for the moment.

Here are some companies I've come across - any comments or PMs welcome.

J-Spec imports - brokers

Site sponsors obviously.

SVi - 15 Virginia Street, Virginia - brokers

Their site seems well set out.

Direct Imported - Japan-based buyer-exporter

They replied to my email very quickly which is encouraging.

Mark Hocking / MY Trading - Japan-based buyer-exporter

Mark seems to have an excellent rep in some of the older threads.

Any others that people recommend?

From looking on carsales/carpoint, it seems you can buy an already-imported/complied VIII MR for around $41-48K, which I guess is the other option though well above my budget at this stage, and probably at least $10K over what one landed/complied actually costs....

Cheers! -- John

PS I'll be away for the next few days so pls don't stress if I don't reply... - kthx

[Eug]

got the skyline through SVi, Mick is really friendly, helpful and adds that personal touch/relationship to conversations/purchases.

he's helped me with follow ups post-sale, and gave honest opinions and helped explorered options pre-sale.

[WazR32GTSt]

have you considered a V35 4-door?

there's the 350GT-8 which has the VQ35 engine, CVT gearbox with paddle shifts

or the 350GT with 6-speed manual

both 4 doors, leather, 206kW, 0-100 in 6sec

mix of luxury + sportiness. believe me drive one before you write it off you will be surprised at the amount of poke it has..

also has aluminium suspension and FM platform which give almost 50:50 weight distribution as the engine is mounted back in the engine bay - thus handles great. also has traction control (can be turned off)

they are 2001+ so very new and can be had for 25-35k depending on kms condition and place of purchase. cheaper if you import yourself.

i bought my V35 350GT through "import auto centre" they had some very clean cars but the customer service wasn't as good as i would have hoped since i got the car. they are very flexible on price also.

Edited September 5, 2007 by WazR32GTSt

[Col-GTSX]

Ummmm V35 arhhhhhhhhh (Homer voice)

[markimak]

evo.. wher did u get an evo from.. lol

2f2f.. sad i knw..

uh an evo Viii MR gets aluminum roof and bonnet. and alot of other great things..

i recommend iron chefs imports. find him on NS.com top bloke that and J-spec

[Wagamama]

I just got my R34 through a guy called Jacques at R34 Imports - see http://www.r34imports.com

He was really good about the whole deal - no hesitation in recommending him.

When I picked up my car there were quite a few Evo's being complied......

Tim

[jmac]

Thanks guys!

2f2f lol...

(yep next I'll start a thread about blue neons.........)