JDM Lover

Really helpful, Thanx!

I import regularly too - I have these 2 currently available to purchase with no waiting time. They are located in Southhampton at the moment but have already been through SVA etc. pm for more details if interested. Thanx

I've noticed my JDM Roadster has a leak as well, two actually to be precise. On both sides, in the top corner the door edge meets the black roof door edge, i have seen a consistent flow of droplets of water. Wet carpet on both sides for me. Anyone know a handy remedy?

Yep, my JDM manual transmission Nismo has it as well. Not such a huge loss for the auto-tiptronic.

Do you mean a warning light when the rpm reaches the gear limit? I don't think it has that - I'm a bit of a sunday driver so never really use the tiptronic feature. The only display i'm aware of is the figure under the rev counter telling you which gear you're in (when in auto mode it will always read 'D' of course).

besides, imo if you insist on having leather it has to be the orange alezan - I think the black leather looks decidedly average.

Yes, you pay one lump sum to ITS Maritime. This covers Shipping, Shipping Insurance, Import Duty, VAT and a dubious 'car clearance fee and payment processing charge'. Once you've got over that hurdle its on to the SVA...

Don't be so modest - JUST the base model happens to be a cracking 350z (i've had 2 base models in the past). Also you've probably got the car at a good price so you can jazz it up with cash to spare

Hi Mate. Welcome to the forum. If you're serious about buying direct from Japan, I can help. I've imported a few Zed's up to now, so pm me for more info. Cheers.

If your car has a standard square plate holder then you'll need a 13" x 7" front plate. The rear can accomodate 14" x 7" size plates. Hope you have a lot of fun with your new import - which spec is it?

My 2006 Nismo spec passed its SVA test at the end of December after months of delays caused by model report issues. I don't think you'll have any problems getting your car through SVA compliance. I get my cars done at SVA in Southampton - the staff there never smile but they do get the job done.

Brace yourselves and make sure you've got kleenex on standby.... Aparently the name is Homy not Horny, maybe they're saving Horny for the next Zed

Interesting point. Scolari is definitely in the 'premier league' of current coaches so its not beyond the realms of possibility

I for one hope Rafa stays - I know its frustrating right now but we need to give the man more time to build this team into Premier League contenders. I'm more worried about the new owners who are aloof at best and downright out of touch with reality at worst.

imo thats a great price for a 2007 roadster - even with a less favourable exchange rate. The most frustrating bit will be the waiting...

Its difficult to guess without knowing the yen price of the car i.e. your initial down payment. But anyway, just suppose you paid 3.1 million yen, then at an exchange rate of 220 my guess is the car will cost about 20,000 all in. Does that sound anywhere near your max agreed bid? If so, it'll be a very good deal compared to UK equivalent.

Bonsai are long established so don't worry too much. From my experience, if you agree a maximum all-in bid price and your bid is successful then you will not pay a penny more apart from the extra due to currency fluctuations. Just out of interest, which Z did you get in the end?

Very misleading in my opinion. It only serves to increase the general ignorance about Jap imports. Pity.

Thats correct - the tax bit is a real pain in the wallet. The overall final bid price should be accurate as the Yen does not fluctuate so much in the space of 24 hours. Currently though, importing from Japan is costing a lot more as we're suffering from the weak pound - its 216 Yen to the pound today, and when I last imported it was 231. That in itself can make a big difference to the total cost.

Is this the 1st time you've imported using Bonsai? If so, you'll need the patience of a saint. I have imported 3 cars with them in the past and the shortest time I had to wait was 4 months. They are good people but just very busy (because they're so popular I guess!). Anyway, good luck with the import.

I guess right now we just need to keep the faith. Rafa's still the right man...

I know i'm biased, but I'm on my 7th JDM import - and have never sold them for less than I paid. However, from my experience if you are buying direct from Japan, you should do your homework and be 100 percent sure about the concept of buying a car from just seeing pictures and an auction report.

I've dealth with Bonsai quite a lot. generally speaking, about 65 percent of the final bid price is for the car itself and japanese auction/agent fees. The other 35 percent covers bonsai fee, shipping, import duty, VAT, SVA test, MoT and DVLA registration. I now buy direct from japan as its cheaper and saves loads of time.

It doesnt get any easier - IF we beat Luton in the replay we may face the mighty Havant and Waterlooville in the 4th round. Dark days indeed...

Cheers. The Nismo exhaust on it does sound very sweet indeed