buy locally or import?

[Jedi_joe]

Hey everyone, Jedi here,
SO after much debate and thought Ive decided to finally take the steps for getting my own skyline. My first question(of many) will be, is it a better idea to buy a local car that has already been imported or look for a company to import one for me personally? I like the idea of importing my own but worry about the extra cost and time it would actually take the car to get here. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Drive safe my friends

[Black BNR32]

be more specific on what you're looking for

[kengeroo]

My skyline purchasing adventure started in the local market... Unless your paying top dollar for one that's been taken care of, most of them have been bagged on. IMO
I purchased mine from tyeeimports.com, fresh off the boat, even though it had a few issues, they were not issues due to "abuse".

I would purchase from a dealer, or seek help from folks that import on their own,,, apparently it's pretty easy (that's what I've been told)..

[Jedi_joe]

Thanks for your responses, sorry for forgetting to mention that I want a R32 GTR. I was thinking tyee would be the best bet. I definitely dont mind paying top dollar, in fact Id rather pay top dollar to get a 4-5 star than have a pos. With that in mind, Ive emailed tyee and they said it was a matter of telling them what I want and them finding it for me. I just got scared, I had talked to a family friend and he said he wont import skyline because its a hassle. When you purchased yours from tyee kengeroo, did they already have it on the lot or did you get them to find one for you? what would be a good guesstimit of what the total cost of importing a nice car?

once again, thanks for any responses.

[bobbo]

I bought mine from Japan Domestic Motors in Montreal. I'll probably import my next car too.

[Jedi_joe]

It needs to be west coast, I would think that it would be a hassle for me to get across the country? No? maybe just a good drive, but seriously west coast would probably be cheaper.

But how did you like the experience? went well? how long did it take to find the right one then have it shipped here?

[Daniils]

I've been looking for a skyline for couple of months now, tyee seems to be pretty cheap at least the cars in their stock are. But if you are going for grade 4-5 and don't mind spending the top dollar, look up braveauto, they actually will go and look at your car in person before you buy it as far as i understand. And judging by his posts hes very knowledgeable about skylines so I'm sure he'll get you the best one.
My brother got his r33 from japaneseusedcars.com but he bought a pre-auction fixed price one, spent almost 20gs on it. Took them like three months to get the car over here, because he bought it right before the new year. The only good thing about japaneseusedcars.com is that they dont charge you 1200 or w/e to import the car. But you will have to do all the footwork yourself. Its a pain but I've done it, can be done in a day or two as long as you know where you are going.

[dah_hunter]

Importing a car yourself is always fun.. I been Importing cars for years now and i know the in's and outs of everything..

However with skylines.. i think you can find good deals local.. the Price on them has droped localy a ton.. however in Japan it hasnt dropped infact some might say its gone up.. as they are becoming more and more rare..

anyways.. if you ahve any questions about importing it your self. or need any advice.. fire me a PM.. im local. (Lower Mainland) and i have at least 1 car coming in every month. Hell if you want to tag along with me to customs/the Dock im down. i enjoy networking and meeting people who are interested in cars..

[dah_hunter]

ALso.. Check out the Vendor Reviews we have here:

http://forums.jdmvip.com/Import_Discussion_Vendor_amp_Exporter_Feedback-45-f

[Jedi_joe]

Thanks hunter thats what I like to hear, I think importing it makes me feel like its only been mine(i know it hasnt but at least your not going to see the PO at a show). How long does it usually take for a car to find/ship/register?

Edit: thanks for the offer to come down to the docks with you, unfortunately I live in the kootenays but thats why I love motorsports, its a big family!

[kengeroo]

..purchased mine off the lot from tyee,, no special order,, so it on the net,, fell in love... spend my kid's education fund

.. I believe that the reason prices are reasonable is because most of the cars are probably sold as is,, off the boat.

. I don't think they go over it with a fine tooth comb. We all know this is when the money starts flowing out of the wallet,,, these little things... at least for me it was...
...but there was one minor/major issue that did crop up after a few days of possession that they did take care of....

my car was in sound mechanical order, engine/suspension etc....
just needed the regular maintenance/fluids/etc.... oh and a few thousands of dollars to get it to pass aircare...

...good luck !!!!

[Jedi_joe]

Thank gawd I dont have air care up here, I had a integra that wouldnt pass(too big of a cam and no cats lol) so it sat forever then I sold it to a friend lol. I just worry about the inspection process and what not. What all did you have to do to get it to pass air care? The cars on tyee site are always sold if I like them lol, he emailed and said 11-12k to import, so now Ill just sell my truck and get one on the boat over. I wonder how long the hole process takes?

[R32monster]

what's ur budget? if u have to sell something to get it. then forget it. Not to sound like a ****. but trust me $ adds up.

[kengeroo]

Yep ^^^ +7000

[cooke24]

process takes approx 6-8 weeks. the car i have is my third that i've personally imported. my last black r33 and my current white r33 are just minty. the process is fairly easy with a customs broker doing the paper work for you. if you doing customs work yourself a couple of more thigns have to be done. Dah_Hunter knows his stuff !!