Subject: Nick, what about importing Japanese cars? Author: Shayne : member since July, 2005 : 4912 posts Posted on: 2008-02-10 14:13:54

Or even ZA cars?
Japanese used vehicles have pretty much flooded the market here and that, in conjunction with the car sale madness now on in the US, and the strong CDN $ has driven the price of all used cars into the toilet.
The best deals are from Japan as they are typically very low km and in very good condition. BMW's are all left hand drive so this may be an issue when importing into Oz but that is why I mention ZA.
I know there are problems importing specialty cars from Japan into the US (Alpina for instance) but not into Canada as long as the build date is 15 years from the import date.
M5's and Alpina B7's can be purchased for under $5,000 CDN then shipped for around $3000. Once the smoke clears (tax, duty, federalisation, etc.) you have a very nice car for around $10,000.
Some people made some pretty good money doing this before it became popular and the profit margins shrank but for over 5 years these guys did very well.
Now they just import Alpina, Hartge, AMG, and other cars never available in North America like the Nissan Skyline and twin turbo Supra because there is still some profit to be made. I believe this is even pushing the used car prices up in Japan.
The price of the 'normal' E32 is still a bargain if you don't plan to resell although this may be an opportunity for you in Oz...

Shayne
525iTA
735iL



I don't know the same things that you don't know.

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          • interesting, so... - steinway 2008-01-25 08:18:14 (67 views)
            • Well not really actually... - Nick (Australia) 2008-01-25 10:42:24 (77 views)
              • I do, that's why I inquired - steinway 2008-01-25 19:29:32 (78 views)
                • Nick, what about importing Japanese cars? - Shayne 2008-02-10 14:13:54 (66 views)
                  • Not allowed anymore - Nick (Australia) 2008-02-11 08:41:51 (71 views)
                    • Re: Not allowed anymore - Shayne 2008-02-13 11:58:17 (77 views)
                      • Probably similar reasons - Nick (Australia) 2008-02-14 23:04:14 (61 views)