Is this site reputable?

[Sabin76]

I am giving myself about a year and a half now to try and find a project car for when I get back to the States. I figure that I am in a unique position to buy a car from Japan as I can actually go to the car and check for scams (I am teaching English in Tokyo now). I searched around the net for a bit before deciding to ask you guys if you knew about the site or anything. Also, I guess I was wondering if anyone from California has ever imported a vehicle before and, if so, how much were the tariffs? I decided to post here because I am looking for a Supra, but if the mods feel it should be moved, by all means, go ahead. Thanks.

Oops, forgot to add the link:
http://www.japan-partner.com/auction...-for-sale.html

[Jeeves]

If you could find a legit MkIV for $1600USD I don't think they'd have any cars left.

I can't help but think that's a Scam, those cars run $15,000 for an N/A, non-turbo, auto model.

Oh, and importing cars is ridiculously difficult to impossible, depending on the car, its options and it's closest model in the US.

[bgrieger]

+1...getting the car out of Japan is the easy part...landing it is far harder. Check with the state you want to live in as to the rules regarding imported vehicles. You might be better to use an importer here like Jarco or one of the other big names, select your car over there and have them deal with getting it back.

Bob

[TcmaBoy]

I agree, use an importer. Anything over $2000 USD has to be formaly declared. It is best to use a customs broker to do the work for you.

[Sabin76]

Alright, I'll look into local importers and see what's up. What are some of the other big names you were talking about, as I'm completely new to this whole thing. I will most likely be living in California when I get back (I know it's probably the hardest state to import to).

Originally Posted by Jeeves

Oh, and importing cars is ridiculously difficult to impossible, depending on the car, its options and it's closest model in the US.

Hence why I don't think it's too odd that there are still cars avaliable for those prices. Like I said before, I'm about 5-6 hours away form Nagoya, where these cars repotedly are, so I would certainly check them out before I laid money down. That, and I don't really care about cosmetic damage, as I will eventually be giving the thing an overhaul (as it will be a project car).

[Jeeves]

Originally Posted by Sabin76

Alright, I'll look into local importers and see what's up. What are some of the other big names you were talking about, as I'm completely new to this whole thing. I will most likely be living in California when I get back (I know it's probably the hardest state to import to).



Hence why I don't think it's too odd that there are still cars avaliable for those prices. Like I said before, I'm about 5-6 hours away form Nagoya, where these cars repotedly are, so I would certainly check them out before I laid money down. That, and I don't really care about cosmetic damage, as I will eventually be giving the thing an overhaul (as it will be a project car).

Then I suggest you check 'em out. Seeing that importing any one of those would still be cheaper than buying one here, I'm still not believing it.

[ahmedootie]

just some food for thought.(from what i've been told by my army/navy friends in japan) An actual R34 skyline in Japan isn't worth more than 25,000 US dollars. that would lead me 2 believe that tha prices in japan will be less than they are here.... also www.batfa.com has mkivs for very cheap, and i know they are legit, cus thats how i got our datsun in...

[Jeeves]

Originally Posted by ahmedootie

www.batfa.com has mkivs for very cheap...

Originally Posted by Bafta.com

Supra 1993 Automatic US$12,600
Supra 1993 Manu US$7,500
Supra 1997 Manual US$23,800
Supra 1997 Manual US$24,500
Supra 2000 Manual US$29,800

For a bone stock, 1993, non-turbo, $7500 isn't unexpected. The other site saying a Mid-Run, Mk4 turbo 6spd - $1500 IS.

[Sabin76]

If you are talking about the site that I posted, I don't see that listing. The cheapest mkIV that they have is around 9k. The cheap ones are mk3s are they not?

[Jeeves]

You have a valid point, the car I was referencing was the 1993. A 1993 Supra is technically a Mk4... but it's actually a mk3.

The rest appear legit.

[supra saiyan]

Aren't MKIVs that retailed in the US dealerships for $40,000 brand new acutually only cost $20,000 in Japan? I've heard that the taxes are almost double the car value when importing. Then there's legalizing it for US roads and emissions, J-spec Supras don't have EGRs. Good luck.

[chester08]

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