Shipping a classic from japan - Would you ?

homer90

Following on from another thread in motors which mentioned http://www.tradecarview.com/ Just had a look around the site for some classics.....

Came across these two ( Love old/ish german cars especially the W123. Im looking to get something eventually, maybe in a year or two down the line )

These look mint .... thought id share...



http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan_car/mercedes-benz/e-class/1571125/



http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan_car/bmw/6+series/1093547/

All the hassle of importing / VRT / VAT etc might just be worth it, with condition, rust or lack of etc

What do the classic fans think ?

unkel

homer90 wrote: »

All the hassle of importing / VRT / VAT etc might just be worth it

VRT on a classic ('79 or earlier car) is only €50. There is no VAT (or any other tax / duty) when you import from within the EU and the motortax is only €40 something per year (again on a '79 or earlier car)

Leaves you the hassle of importing and in case of importing from Germany, the less than ideal LHD car while we're still driving on the wrong side of the road

jimbobjones40

Importing from Japan would only be cost effective if its for a Japanese brand. The European and American classics attract a premium in Japan. Some are even imported second hand which could mean there left hand drive - like the BMW above.

If your looking for rust free and low mileage classic Japanese cars, Japan is a great place to look. Although it should be noted that the even the Japanese are starting to see some of their cars as classic (and worth a premium) especially 60's and 70's performance Nissans and Hondas.

Finally a classic imported from outside the EU will attract VAT so unless your VAT registered the costs will out way the benefits.

homer90

yeah i noticed european cars fetched a premium over there alright.. On that site i came across a 1990 mk2 golf GTI for circa 9k :eek:

Its the condition of the two cars I posted which struck me! Been looking at some w123's on line for the last week, nothing anywhere like the one above..

Traumadoc

jimbobjones40 wrote: »

Finally a classic imported from outside the EU will attract VAT so unless your VAT registered the costs will out way the benefits.

and duty 10% (0n cost +vat + shipping)

jimbobjones40

Traumadoc wrote: »

duty 10% (0n cost +vat + shipping)

Yeah I'd forgotten about duty. Even though it still stands the 21.5% VAT is the real issue.

Shipping is between €800 and €2000. For €2000 you get your own 10ft x 20ft container which for the value and condition of the classics involved would be the safest option.

Abelloid

There have been a few Japanese import beetles for sale on Carzone, but I can't understand why - they were mostly over-priced and unremarkable.

hi5

You could land the car in Southampton and pay the vat there at 15 per cent,then drive it over here.

homer90

hi5 wrote: »

You could land the car in Southampton and pay the vat there at 15 per cent,then drive it over here.

HHMmmmm more hassle :P Im sure theres duty to be paid there too etc...

zilog_jones

jimbobjones40 wrote: »

Some are even imported second hand which could mean there left hand drive - like the BMW above.

They're not used imports in Japan - they're sold new as LHD in Japan! :eek:
This is very common in Japan with sports/luxury European and American cars, as they are "more authentic" that way. The 280CE above is LHD too.

Look at the Japanese BMW website: http://www.bmw.co.jp/jp/ja/
All LHD! Even the Mitsubishi Eclipse (an American built car originally designed for US market during a partnership with Chrysler) was only available as LHD in Japan.

Because of this, there is little or no advantage compared to buying in mainland Europe, assuming you can find cars in as good condition.

nmacc

LHD Limos and luxury autos are always popular in Japan; perhaps some may care for the authenticity, but others like to keep the chauffeur alive in Tokyo traffic by having his door open onto the pavement!

mouwt

www.japaneseusedcars.com

Savage site,

Max_Damage

This BMW 635 looks good for the price:

http://www.japan-partner.com/Auto/7400/BMW/635CSi/car-for-sale.html