japanese info page 3

japanese imports..

mileage.. the Japanese are fastidious people and more often than not, car fanatics. Their annual mileage, as a result of cultural and leisure differences, is generally significantly less than would be the norm in the UK. The efficient Japanese rail system and expensive toll roads discourage commuting by car and therefore 5000 to 7000 kms or 3000 to 4000 miles per year is not unusual. Possibly as an incentive to encourage domestic demand for new vehicles, all cars over 3 years old in Japan are required to undergo an extremely rigorous road worthiness test or Shaken. This super-MOT can require considerable expenditure to pass and many components are, some would argue unnecessarily, replaced. Unlike the UK where we have a very well developed used car market, Japanese culture which is heavily geared to the purchase of brand new technology ensures that there are many thousands of excellent condition, low mileage right hand drive vehicles almost surplus to requirements. Whilst we accept that it may be difficult to corroborate an imported vehicle's history, it is a fact that, on average, the condition of reputable Japanese imports is generally significantly better than their UK counterparts.

1991 toyota hilux surf
1991 Toyota Hilux Surf almost as it arrived from Japan.
We repainted a few scratches on the wheel arches, plus it has been valeted and polished

specification.. the average specification level of domestic Japanese vehicles is considerably higher than the UK norm. Power steering, automatic air conditioning, electric windows, retractable mirrors, electric seat adjustment, switchable automatic transmission and adjustable suspension are quite often original equipment in Japan. In addition, popular sports cars such as the MX5 or Eunos Roadster are much more likely to be fitted with excellent quality after-market accessories such as alloy wheels, steering wheels, sports suspension and stainless steel exhaust systems.

unfortunately.. at the other extreme the Japanese also seem to have a penchant for the tackiest of stick-on accessories. We have seen all types of plastic cup holder fitted to just about every interior component including head rests, and even what appeared to be a spring-loaded pen and note pad holder with a built-in magnet. Why?
Without exception they are worse than useless, but fortunately, easily binned..

choice.. Japanese imports provide a source of vehicle types or versions that are not normally available, or are very rare in the UK. Examples are the Toyota MR2 turbo, Mitsubishi's FTO, Subaru WRX, Nissan Skyline and normally aspirated versions of the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX and Mitsubishi GTO. Four wheel drive versions of the Mitsubishi Chariot or Spacewagon and Toyota Previa 7 seaters are available in both petrol and diesel with both manual and automatic transmissions. The availability of 12 year old, rust free, highly specified Mazda Eunos Roadsters, Sunny GTiR and Toyota MR2's starting at well under Ł5000, has brought this type of sports car within the budget of many would-be owners.

more jap info..