Importing or buying

[igor]

This is kind of a newbie post, STF didnt yield anything

I m about to buy an R33 skyline and have a budget of 22,000. So far from what i have seen locally i can realistically afford a Series 1.5. I would really like a Series 2 though.

The qustion is, what can i get if importing myself with a 22,000 budget? Or ppl are more than welcome to share opinions on how much, if any, impoting is cheaper than buying locally.

Igor.

[homer2288]

If you goto J-spec's or Prestige Motorsport's websites..you should be able to get an idea of how much and which model u can get...

http://www.j-spec.com.au/ or http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/

[igor]

Cool thanx for that. I worked out using prestigeimports calculator that i need to look at about 800 000 Yen FOB. Problem is i cant find any late japaneese auction prices. I ll keep looking...

[raz0r$harP.UK]

¥800,000FOB should be enough to grab an S2 from Japan..just hold on and you'll pick one up eventually!

[igor]

¥800,000FOB should be enough to grab an S2 from Japan..just hold on and you'll pick one up eventually!

Cool, thanx... probably should set it a bit lower just to be on the safe side. There is still a fair bit of risk invloved.

[Yotis]

yer man dont set it to exactly how much you want to spend on the car, lower it a little as there is always something (mostly minor) to fix.

[martydaman]

$22,000 will get you a fine example, there was this madd S2 for sale for $18,000, unfortunetly it was sold. dont worry, jspec can find you the right car in no time

[martydaman]

heres a nice S2: http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/st...sp?StockID=2509

But this one i really like: http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/st...sp?StockID=2520

[igor]

Yeah, he s got some fine examples on the website. I have been turned off by all the scratches. On the other hand the pin dents can be buffed out and the car detailed for less than a $1,000 so its well worth it.

[martydaman]

definetly, if i was currently looking for an R33, the second example i showed you is an excellent example. Good condition and good price considering the mods. Most cars from japan have some sort of minor damage but you need to remember that some of these cars are over 10 years old

[zymotic]

If u import with mods you'll have to factor in the costs of the compliancers removing and refitting mods post registration. Could be thousands for a car with lotsa mods.

Keep in mind also that prestige and jspec don't factor in rego, ctp, stamp duty, sometimes tyres into their costs. Basically, adding $2k to the cost + tyres maybe $600 for decent 16 inch.

Prices are coming down for local 33GTS25t's also, quite a few on carsales atm about 150 Australia wide in fact + those at dealers and on other car selling sites. Advantage is u can get compression tests and pre purchase inspections done on local cars, and importing takes 3-4 months.

[igor]

... Advantage is u can get compression tests and pre purchase inspections done on local cars, and importing takes 3-4 months.

Yeah, that is exactly what i am thinking. The market is pretty rich and there is plenty to choose from. Plus there isnt that much risk.

You are saying that one can request compression tests. Is that a normal practice? Did you find that people are willing to go for that. I guess as willing as going through the NRMA car inspection. Don't worry, i answered my own question.

I had a few funny run-ins with the car dealers this weekend. They crack me up, cant stand too much of them at a time though

Episode 1: A black skyline had a not for sale on the windscreen. I asked whats wrong with it? The bloke said that it got stolen from the wharf. They found it in Minto with broken steering arm. Apparently the people who stole it were doing burnouts and doughnuts in the car park. The dealer said they were lucky in the way that they actually found the car. hehe...

Episode 2: Two white skylines for sale. One is Series II, the other is Series 1. Both have big exhausts, rims and gauges. I asked whether they had been registered in Aus before. The dealer said, no, comes from the wharf stright into their joint. I raised my eyebrows and he continued: "Well, you pay a bita deposit and we will compliance it for you. That's how we do business." I laughed in his face and said I would never buy it from him. He turned around and walked off saying i should then get the TT Supra he had, which is road registered.

Yeah...

[zymotic]

I have my doubts about dealers who import to a yard then sell to public. Bottom line dealers want to maximise profit. This means they would get the cheapest cars from Japan, give them a detail and dodgy roadworthy then sell at a premium.

Theres lots of good cars for sale on this forum and other private sales. $22k is enough for a series 2, just be patient and have the car checked before u buy.

[martydaman]

if your gonna get locally your better off with private sales like rich said. Members here know what their cars are and really take care of em. Some dealers dont even know what they got in their own yard. This also works both ways

[Guest]

"Well, you pay a bita deposit and we will compliance it for you. That's how we do business." .

It is against the law to "sell or advertise for sale" an unplated vehicle.

I would stay away from guys like that.

[igor]

It is against the law to "sell or advertise for sale" an unplated vehicle.

I would stay away from guys like that.

Wouldn't need to convince me twice in that.

if your gonna get locally your better off with private sales like rich said. Members here know what their cars are and really take care of em. Some dealers dont even know what they got in their own yard. This also works both ways

Thanx, i m going to start looking at private cars soon.

[igor]

I ended up buying one from Unique Autosports. Got a great deal, a Series 2, absolutely spotless. Picking it up on saturday... cant wait...

[martydaman]

congrats... specs, info, pics??

[igor]

congrats... specs, info, pics??

Its Duncans Series 2 1997 model Blue. Stock except for 18" wheels (fatter on the back), aftermarket suspension (not sure which one) and rolled guards. Havent got the pics yet.

:headbang:

[The Jake]

What sort of cost increase would you expect to face when importing a skyline with basic modifications?

e.g. Apexi Power FC, Exhaust, Intercooler, pod filters, mags.

- J.