Your advice for importing a stock standard R33GTS-4 from Japan

[HappyPuppy]

This is my first post so here goes…

I’m currently in the very early stages of importing an stock standard R33 GTS-4 from Japan (yes, I know the R33 version is N/A!), probably going to go through Prestige Motors as most of the comments I’ve read in this site and others recommend them. But I’ll get the Warranty from CarGear just for my peace of mind too :-)

Now my question is; is there any advice that people who have gone through this process, or people that own R33 GTS-4’s can give me?

* SEVS, yep I know the rules about stock standard imports, but does anyone have any more information as the government site is a bit confusing

* Known mechanical issues

* Things I should first do when the car is ready (like take it to someone more thorough than RACV who can give it a clean bill of health – I live in Melbourne near the CBD so any recommendations for mechanics would be greatly appreciated)

* Tires – know any decent & good value types of tires that perform great in all conditions (ie. dry, wet, snow, dirt roads, etc.)

* Alarm – recommended alarms

* Anything else you can think of!

Cheers,

HP

[x2shy]

I don't think N/A skylines can be imported anymore on the SEVS scheme.

[HappyPuppy]

Yes they can...

http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/042-00.htm

[DaiOni]

The only advice I can think of, is considering the fact that you are not importing a performance vehicle - I'd have a serious look at the domestic market. In the long-run, it is likely to make a lot more $$$ and sense.

What exactly is your motivation for getting a skyline?

For the record, I own an NA skyline, but it's something I would never bother doing in australia.

[HappyPuppy]

Well performance vehicle is a bit of a subjective term, I'd consider 2498cc, 4WD & 4WS to be a performance vehicle against my '85 Corona!

Anyway the real reason is price, sure I can get a GTS-4 with an aftermarket turbo in Australia for a couple thousand more than what the total import costs would be for a stock R33 GTS-4...but every one I've looked at in Australia has very high kms and has been treated like a poor man's GTR and thrashed accordingly.

So basically I want a 4WD sports car that's in good condition, that has the potential to accomodate a turbo or a GTR engine in a few years in the future. Right now I'm happy to pay cheaper insurance for a decent, reliable, and a little grunty skyline that looks good and is an enjoyable drive.

[JimX]

How much roughly does it cost for a GTS-4 landed? If it was under $15k or so, and the RB26DETT engine fits in easily enough, I imagine it would be a very cheap way to a GTR that looks like a GTS-t. Can you spell sleeper?

[HappyPuppy]

Exactly :-)

One already sold from Geoff's site was estimated around $14k not including tyres & on road costs

http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/st...asp?StockID=520

This is exactly want too, pity it was sold before I found out about his site :-(