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To Import Or Not To Import

Sammo169
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Sammo169 Rookie

Sammo169

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Hi, im new to the forum, so please be kind.

I have a budget around $20k, im looking for a later model R32, maybe a v-spec if possible.

This issue i have is obviously to import or not. Having looked on carsguide etc, there are quite alot of GTR's for that money in the country, However I've herd that these cars have usually been flogged quite hard. I get that the car is getting on in years and things break, I've owned an 88 BMW e32 735i so i know what life can be like on the hard shoulder with a bonnet oozing steam, hence why i am questioning are imported cars from japan a better (safer) choice in the long run.

Also, i am aware that there are many posts about importing cars.

i am hoping someone with experience can help point me in the right direction.

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https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/338765-to-import-or-not-to-import/
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SKITTLES Experienced

SKITTLES

Posted
Posted
Hi, im new to the forum, so please be kind.

I have a budget around $20k, im looking for a later model R32, maybe a v-spec if possible.

This issue i have is obviously to import or not. Having looked on carsguide etc, there are quite alot of GTR's for that money in the country, However I've herd that these cars have usually been flogged quite hard. I get that the car is getting on in years and things break, I've owned an 88 BMW e32 735i so i know what life can be like on the hard shoulder with a bonnet oozing steam, hence why i am questioning are imported cars from japan a better (safer) choice in the long run.

Also, i am aware that there are many posts about importing cars.

i am hoping someone with experience can help point me in the right direction.

Skylines are pretty solid imo. Mine was probably flogged, but it's what you get for buying a skyline.

I just fix problems as they arise and it's been the best fourth months of my life. Certainly reliable once a fresh battery is put in.

Importing imo is safer, only because the car has to pass through the compliance workshop.

I'm telling you now, from the stress of importing, driving that car will feel soooo much better.

Also, it depends what you want. You can get an already imported R32, you just won't have the social stature of "first owner in aus". Nor will you be able to say "I imported my car" but at the same time, you can say "it's a jspec/jdm/OMFG I HAVE A WAKABA LEAF".

Up to you dude, it's purely your personal taste.

tl;dr; Japan could give you a safer deal. But it's stressfull.

Bashed cars in Aus are fine if you're willing to put the work in.

Be careful of cars from japan and make sure they aren't repaired write-offs or anything like that.

GTR-N1 Grand Master

GTR-N1

Posted
Posted

Carlton Melb. or Carlton Syd.?

Top Secret Imports had 3x good R32 GT-Rs last week. One couple were trying to decide on which one, so there could be 2x left atm.

I'd check their website > Garry and Jack are honest dealers, which is why we asked them to be sponsors of the Event below.

djr81 Grand Master

djr81

Posted
Posted
Hi, im new to the forum, so please be kind.

I have a budget around $20k, im looking for a later model R32, maybe a v-spec if possible.

This issue i have is obviously to import or not. Having looked on carsguide etc, there are quite alot of GTR's for that money in the country, However I've herd that these cars have usually been flogged quite hard. I get that the car is getting on in years and things break, I've owned an 88 BMW e32 735i so i know what life can be like on the hard shoulder with a bonnet oozing steam, hence why i am questioning are imported cars from japan a better (safer) choice in the long run.

Also, i am aware that there are many posts about importing cars.

i am hoping someone with experience can help point me in the right direction.

For $20k you are better off finding one locally. You can see it, touch it, hell, fondle it if you want to. You can also do any number of checks to make you happy before handing over the cash.

At the end of the day it is a GT-R & it will have been flogged, irrespective of whether it is ex Japan or has made it to Australia in the last couple years of its 15 year life. If you are overly worried about stuff breaking an R32 is probably not the right choice anyway.

Sammo169 Rookie

Sammo169

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Posted (edited)
For $20k you are better off finding one locally. You can see it, touch it, hell, fondle it if you want to. You can also do any number of checks to make you happy before handing over the cash.

At the end of the day it is a GT-R & it will have been flogged, irrespective of whether it is ex Japan or has made it to Australia in the last couple years of its 15 year life. If you are overly worried about stuff breaking an R32 is probably not the right choice anyway.

Its not that im overly worried, its an amazing car and if you havn't driven it to its limits then you you've probably missed out.

Its not a Yaris.

I just was curious about whats the better option for the car at this price.

Im not going to use it as a daily drive, im quite happy to bus to work and save it for the weekend.

Also, where's a good place for servicing? (inner Melbourne/East Melbourne)

Edited by Sammo169
Sammo169 Rookie

Sammo169

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Thank you for your help, its cleared up a few things.

Does anyone know of any good GTR's for sale in Melb at the moment or know somebody selling?

Edited by Sammo169

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