Mini in Japan

[C110GTR]

I noticed theres a a lot of mini's in Osaka and Tokyo, I see them more often than Skylines, Silvias, etc

Then I was browsing yahoo auction and they are auctioning heaps of minis very cheap compare to australia.

I saw a mini starting bid from 50,000 yen , 100,000 yen to ridiculously high.

But average good condition is just floating around 100K YEN thats very cheap!!!

and these conditions are way better than the ones I've seen in australia.

Is it possible to import mini's from japan to australia? i know they're available in australia but damn they sooo cheap!

the only killer will be shipping, tax and compliance

Its very tempting....

[Rezz]

Mini's are popular here because a) they're cute, B) Japanese women love 'cute' and c) they're cute... there are some hardcore Mini fans out there who mod their Mini's and paint a big Union Jack on the roof with roll cages and hi-cams etc, but they're just an *accessory* as are most niche cars (long term Japan resi pls back me up )... I'm not suprised they go cheap at Auction.

Whether the same enthusiasm can be found in AU I don't know.

[topi]

Minis rule Ive got a nice black one im rebuilding. Building the engine up now. Bored to 1293cc, ultralight flywheel, lightened crank, lightened rods, ported head, hi lift cams etc etc.

They are the most amazing things to drive. How a car SHOULD handle.

[C110GTR]

soooooo Can I export/import one to australia?

cos not sure about the importation laws cos I think Mini's were sold in australia as well.... not sure someone verify this for me.

I would buy one if I can take it back with me.

Cheers for the replies

Rob

[neil_se]

Its over 15 years old so i'd say you wouldn't have any problems bringing one back.

[InspectorGadget]

Most on the mini's in Japan were manufacturered and imported between 1990 and 2000. The later versions of this 'revival' mini had injected motors, side impact beams and airbags.

http://www.mini35.co.uk/history.php

IG

[DaiOni]

yeah, as noted - the overwhelming majority of the japanese mini population won't be over 15yrs.

I'd take a mini over 95% of the keis - mini wheelbase owns!

[C110GTR]

so these newer Minis will be a hassle to import in australia? but I've seen a company importing some but way overpriced! starting from 10,000 - 20,000 AU$

if I import one it would only cost AU$5,000- 6,000 landed plus compliance and rego

[Evo_Lee]

Rob as I said, East side of Osaka airport, I forget the name of the road but there is a big Mini dealership out that way.

[mcnamg]

just look for a january 90 model there would have to be some around then it falls under the 15 year laws so your sweet to bring it over.

minis rock such a little pocket rocket

[C110GTR]

I will have to search that Mini dealership somewhere East Side of Osaka

Cheers Troy

mcnamg I might do that to save me from the hassle but I heard if theres a company back home that can pass the compliance it should be OK even though it doesnt fall on that 15 yr old rule