| So, let us be honest here... - Click HERE for Original Thread |
| CrazyJimmy |
How practical is it to get a RHD import?
Not, to say, the actual acquiring of the vehicle. But, keeping it up and driving it for years afterwards the initial purchase?
Practical for the average joe? Or only for those who eat and breathe JDM?
Currently, I know I am in no position to purchase an import vehicle (or a vehicle of any kind for that matter).
However, within the next four years (and whether it is still possible by that time, I've been hearing rumors of the 15 year rule being narrowed to a 25 year or older restriction), I will definitely be looking into purchasing a Toyota Supra of the MKIV variety.
As someone who loves driving, but does not have the money to purchase himself a vehicle of his own, is it worth it to plop down the 10k to 15k for a vehicle that would make me REALLY REALLY happy but HURT a lot in the wallet? |
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| the_fornicator |
your financial situation can change a lot in 4 years. start saving now and it'll be worlds easier.
p.s/ crazy jimmy's dead dude. cops shot him dead about 9 years ago. |
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| TyPhOOnSliPPerY |
I hate to go on a rant but here is my opinion on this subject.
I notice that alot of younger males purchase the flashiest and sometimes "fastest" car they can buy for the money in their pockets(what they can get from bank). Usually this means the initial purchase price is stretched very far to get what they want no matter what condition it is in or what maintenance it will need in the future. This happens with both RHD and LHD cars and is better or worse per manufacturer/model or age of the vehicle as part prices may be higher or parts less readily available for some.
With this said it would depend what make and model you were considering to import before you could make the call that it would be reasonable or unreasonable to run over the course of a few years. There are many cars that are available in Japan that have over the counter replacement and maintenance parts here in Canada and most places can order if you require it. You must consider a car based on if you can afford it and afford the maintenance on it like any car but as well if you can find the parts you may require for it effectively and for a decent price. Import Concern as well as other companies and import any part you require new/used for a jdm vehicle which makes things a bit easier but with shipping/comission a simple part may become expensive when purchased seperately.
I know of many people who have been running JDM cars for quite a few years and have went through alot of maintenance and upkeep and have dealt with it just fine. Their financial situation or knowledge/dedication level might be different than yours or others but you need to make sure that you do you research to find which parts work for a JDM car from here and how much they cost.
You were speaking of a JDM MKIV supra to import which is very costly to maintan and operate but luckily most parts can be sourced from a LH MKIV supra at a Toyota dealership with the proper part numbers in hand.
Every car requires maintenance and upkeep to keep it running and many people sell cars as they can not afford to operate it shortly after they purchase it so please make sure you purchase a car that in the event of a part needing replaced your only option is to sell it rather than be able to afford to fix it.
I personally have been running JDM cars for some time and some are easier than others to find parts for but my current setup I have purchased an array of maintenance parts just incase something would need fixing and it has helped me immensely to plan ahead rather than to wait 2-4 weeks to get a part from japan. |
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| CrazyJimmy |
Yeah, that sounds like good advice all around to me.
It pretty much just solidifies what my thoughts on the matter are.
There is no way I'm going to go into debt with a bank and then have to sell my vehicle months after because I didn't prepare for the maintenance and upkeep costs.
Very well thought out post, thanks man. |
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