Pros and cons of buying a Japanese import?

mel.b

I'm looking at getting a Honda Jazz and a lot of them are Japanese imports, badged as a Fit. What are the pros & cons of doing so? Will my insyrance be higher? Other than getting an AA check done, is there anyway of checking the car history, or is that not as much of an issue when compared to UK cars for example). Is there normally much room to move on price with Japanese imports and are parts & servicing of the Jazz more expensive as they are not that common here? I had a Jazz in Australia previously and loved it, which is why i am leaning towards one again.

The other cars i am considering are a ford fiesta (although i haven't driven one yet) or maybe a peugeot 207 (drove one last night, but then seen mixed reviews from owners online) Looking at a 2007-2008 model, max €6500

pa990

Insurance companies generally charge more for jap imports.
Possibly because they don't come with an immobiliser thus easier to steal. .

Scortho

pa990 wrote: »

Insurance companies generally charge more for jap imports.
Possibly because they don't come with an immobiliser thus easier to steal. .

And the rather unfortunate stereotype that goes hand in hand with them.

A con to consider is the odometer being a little less than stated.
There's a really good thread on here on importing a jdm.
Op while it doesn't apply 100% to you (as you aren't importing from japan) it still contains some worthwhile advise on buying one.
http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057026786/1/#post86262939

mel.b

pa990 wrote: »

Insurance companies generally charge more for jap imports.
Possibly because they don't come with an immobiliser thus easier to steal. .

Thanks, i didn't know that.

Scortho wrote: »

And the rather unfortunate stereotype that goes hand in hand with them.

what do you mean by that?

Scortho wrote: »

A con to consider is the odometer being a little less than stated.
There's a really good thread on here on importing a jdm.
Op while it doesn't apply 100% to you (as you aren't importing from japan) it still contains some worthwhile advise on buying one.
http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057026786/1/#post86262939

Thanks, that is useful. I presume there is no way to check if the odometer has been clocked?


This is a link to the one i am looking at...
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-jazz-1-3-auto-high-spec/5868146
Opinions?

Anything else to watch out for?

dylbert

Engine diagnostics could be an issue, I think it's a different system in Japan, my car is different anyway.
My insurance in higher than a Irish model, I got an immobilizer installed but it made no difference to my premium.

djimi

I cant speak for the Jazz/Fit specifically, but I have had no real issues with my Integra in the 4+ years I have owned it. Parts are easy enough to come by (Honda will be able to get you parts, but you should be able to source them elsewhere for cheaper), nothing particularly special or different about the servicing.

As has been pointed out the one big issue might be insurance. Some companies will turn their nose up at any Jap import car, others will charge a premium. Some systems might not actually know what the car is (I had great fun trying to get a quote on an Accord SiR-T a few years ago; many confused insurers!).

Just a few small quirks to bear in mind, such as all the stickers on the car will be in Japanese! Took me a while to figure out how much air should go in the tires based on the sticker on the door frame... If it has the original Japanese radio in it then it also probably wont work.

Scortho

mel.b wrote: »

Thanks, i didn't know that.


what do you mean by that?




Thanks, that is useful. I presume there is no way to check if the odometer has been clocked?


This is a link to the one i am looking at...
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/honda-jazz-1-3-auto-high-spec/5868146
Opinions?

Anything else to watch out for?

Just like all young drivers are made out to be dangerous and reckless by insurance companies, they have the same attitude towards drivers of jap imports because of the bad name a small minority has given the majority.

Chippy01

When herself was looking for a car earlier this year, she said she liked the look of the Jazz.
Found one, took a drive. Came away unimpressed.
Next drive was a Civic, same vintage and mileage. She plumbed for the Civic. I asked her why, seeing she had her heart set on a Jazz.
Her answer; ''It felt better built, better to drive, and I feel safer in the Civic''.

I know, different folks - different strokes, but sometimes it's worth checking out any alternatives.

bear1

I get the feeling that particular Jazz will be quite a thirsty car, 1.3 and automatic.
Jap cars are all limited to 180kph but I think the Jazz will be ok with this
I always like how the Japs style out the interiors though, Sat nav/AC etc - nicely kitted out that Jazz

kerten

Also check if your current insurer will accept insuring a japanese import. I had to cancel my insurance with RSA when I bought an japanese import vitz. It is a hassle as next insurer will be picky about reason of cancellation(I had to repeat reason everytime I ring same insurer then they asked me to write it down and sign the paper)

Wibbs

On odometer readings there's not a lot your can rely on unless you directly import the car yourself. I do know that 6 years ago, every single import I checked out on Dublin forecourts was clocked. Some by a little, some by a comical amount.

Do the usual 1) get the car checked from tit to toe by a good mechanic. 2) look for wear on pedals, seats and steering wheel trim that seems at odds with the milage(though Japanese plastics can hide age and miles very well) and 3) buy the seller not the car. If they appear dodgy the car is likely to be.

dylbert wrote: »

My insurance in higher than a Irish model, I got an immobilizer installed but it made no difference to my premium.

This really pees me off about Irish insurance companies. In the UK if you fit a Thatcham approved alarm/immobiliser you get an insurance discount(even on a brand new car), whereas here you get nada. They don't even ask and most brokers haven't a blind clue if you bring it up. This is beyond daft. Hell I'll give you my keys and if you can get the car started and ready to drive in under 30 minutes you win a pint, if you can get it started and make it 300 yards still running you win the car, yet I get no insurance discount even though I've seriously reduced the risk of theft where they'd have to pay out? GTFO. I used to think it was simple extortion, now I think it's just blind and ignorant laziness.

BMJD

Pros include: higher spec cars, usually cheaper than an Irish equivalent

Cons: often imported and sold by companies/dealers with questionable repuations - which can mean clocked or worse (damaged/repaired etc); insurance issues; usually zero history

I have owned a couple of Japanese imports before and I would have no problem doing so again. However I would be very reluctant to buy from places that change name every few months, operate only on a mobile number and aren't actually much cheaper than an Irish or UK car.

djimi

kerten wrote: »

Also check if your current insurer will accept insuring a japanese import. I had to cancel my insurance with RSA when I bought an japanese import vitz. It is a hassle as next insurer will be picky about reason of cancellation(I had to repeat reason everytime I ring same insurer then they asked me to write it down and sign the paper)

Why would you be asked why you had to cancel your last policy? I cancelled my previous policy half way through a year because Eagle Star (as they were at the time) wouldnt cover the Integra, but nobody ever asked me about it.

Only if you have an insurer cancel a policy on you would it be an issue for subsequent insurers.

djimi

Wibbs wrote: »

This really pees me off about Irish insurance companies. In the UK if you fit a Thatcham approved alarm/immobiliser you get an insurance discount(even on a brand new car), whereas here you get nada. They don't even ask and most brokers haven't a blind clue if you bring it up. This is beyond daft. Hell I'll give you my keys and if you can get the car started and ready to drive in under 30 minutes you win a pint, if you can get it started and make it 300 yards still running you win the car, yet I get no insurance discount even though I've seriously reduced the risk of theft where they'd have to pay out? GTFO. I used to think it was simple extortion, now I think it's just blind and ignorant laziness.

Tell me about it. I spent €800 fitting a security system to my car and not one insurer gives a toss about it. Complete joke, especially when it seems to be fairly common knowledge that one of the main reasons insurers have an issue with Jap imports is their perceived lack of security.

djimi

BMJD wrote: »

Cons: often imported and sold by companies/dealers with questionable repuations - which can mean clocked or worse (damaged/repaired etc); insurance issues; usually zero history

If you can get hold of the original Japanese auction sheet then it would answer a lot of these questions, but its not something that many garages are willing to part with, even if they have it.

BMJD

djimi wrote: »

If you can get hold of the original Japanese auction sheet then it would answer a lot of these questions, but its not something that many garages are willing to part with, even if they have it.

I wonder why

dylbert

Wibbs wrote: »

This really pees me off about Irish insurance companies. In the UK if you fit a Thatcham approved alarm/immobiliser you get an insurance discount(even on a brand new car), whereas here you get nada. They don't even ask and most brokers haven't a blind clue if you bring it up. This is beyond daft. Hell I'll give you my keys and if you can get the car started and ready to drive in under 30 minutes you win a pint, if you can get it started and make it 300 yards still running you win the car, yet I get no insurance discount even though I've seriously reduced the risk of theft where they'd have to pay out? GTFO. I used to think it was simple extortion, now I think it's just blind and ignorant laziness.

Clifford blackjax? I have one too.

Yawlboy

I had a Mazda Lantis years ago - minor collision with a large rock resulted in ridiculous repair costs as parts were impossible to get in the EU.

djimi

Yawlboy wrote: »

I had a Mazda Lantis years ago - minor collision with a large rock resulted in ridiculous repair costs as parts were impossible to get in the EU.

I dont think that this would be such an issue with Honda tbh; Ive been in contact with them a few times and they have never had an issue getting any part for my car. Friends of mine who have imports (Honda and Toyota mainly) have had similar experiences.

It might be different for Mazda; Im not really sure about them.

Wibbs

dylbert wrote: »

Clifford blackjax? I have one too.

Similar kinda idea alright, but not from Clifford. I don't like the two button thing with the Clifford, plus unless you hide it(which would be a pain in the bum in use) the scum can usually see it's fitted and will be forewarned and either attempt to bypass it(easier than you'd think with sloppy installs) or beat the everliving outa ya for the code. Mine's hidden, separate to the main alarm and makes the car feel like it's breaking down "naturally", no sirens or warnings or any of that. It's even caught me out once or twice. "jesus! I'm breaking down!!... Oh wait..." :D

djimi wrote: »

I dont think that this would be such an issue with Honda tbh; Ive been in contact with them a few times and they have never had an issue getting any part for my car. Friends of mine who have imports (Honda and Toyota mainly) have had similar experiences.

It might be different for Mazda; Im not really sure about them.

I've heard similar about Mazda having issues with spares for imports before. Mate of mine had a Mazda import and did have difficulties getting bits and pieces, some of them quite mundane IIRC. This was years ago mind you, so maybe things have changed there.

djimi

Wibbs wrote: »

Similar kinda idea alright, but not from Clifford. I don't like the two button thing with the Clifford, plus unless you hide it(which would be a pain in the bum in use) the scum can usually see it's fitted and will be forewarned and either attempt to bypass it(easier than you'd think with sloppy installs) or beat the everliving outa ya for the code. Mine's hidden, separate to the main alarm and makes the car feel like it's breaking down "naturally", no sirens or warnings or any of that. It's even caught me out once or twice. "jesus! I'm breaking down!!... Oh wait..." :D

Yeah thats one thing I would like to be a bit different about my Clifford. My previous alarm had a similar system and the de-activation button was hidden in the controls for the electric mirrors.

5500

Most Honda's and Jap imports in general since 02 have been coming with key chipped immobilisers, my 03 Bb, 04 vitz, cl7 accord and current fd2 all had chipped key's, so there no longer easy to rob with a spoon from the early 00's

Also to add, my current car was bought with just over 5k, its got 27'000km on it at the moment and its a 2008, its genuine mileage but people just automatically presume anything that is low is clocked. Any car I have bought has came with verified mileage, it costs me about 100yen/70euro to have the checks ran and there cross reference against shaken/service/insurance/owner databases along with a physical check for tampering. To be honest I think any tampering that may go on is on this side of the water, as even your Japanese de reg documents list the past owners and mileage at which it changed at.

mel.b

Thanks everyone, this is all really useful info

djimi wrote: »

I cant speak for the Jazz/Fit specifically, but I have had no real issues with my Integra in the 4+ years I have owned it. Parts are easy enough to come by (Honda will be able to get you parts, but you should be able to source them elsewhere for cheaper), nothing particularly special or different about the servicing.

As has been pointed out the one big issue might be insurance. Some companies will turn their nose up at any Jap import car, others will charge a premium. Some systems might not actually know what the car is (I had great fun trying to get a quote on an Accord SiR-T a few years ago; many confused insurers!).

Just a few small quirks to bear in mind, such as all the stickers on the car will be in Japanese! Took me a while to figure out how much air should go in the tires based on the sticker on the door frame... If it has the original Japanese radio in it then it also probably wont work.

I'm going to give the insurance company a call and see what the premium will be.

Has anyone else had experience with the radio not working as that would put me off?

Chippy01 wrote: »

When herself was looking for a car earlier this year, she said she liked the look of the Jazz.
Found one, took a drive. Came away unimpressed.
Next drive was a Civic, same vintage and mileage. She plumbed for the Civic. I asked her why, seeing she had her heart set on a Jazz.
Her answer; ''It felt better built, better to drive, and I feel safer in the Civic''.

I know, different folks - different strokes, but sometimes it's worth checking out any alternatives.

If the civic was the more hatchback tyoe rather than the sporty slanty type you get here in Ireland i'd consider it, but the sporty one is no good for me (big dog to go in the back)

bear1 wrote: »

I get the feeling that particular Jazz will be quite a thirsty car, 1.3 and automatic.
Jap cars are all limited to 180kph but I think the Jazz will be ok with this
I always like how the Japs style out the interiors though, Sat nav/AC etc - nicely kitted out that Jazz

I had a 2007 1.3 auto jazz when i was in Australia and it was really good on fuel at about 6l per 100km so i'm not worried about that. They are generally known to be very economical to run. I don't do enough mileage for a diseal (but the honda doesn't have a diseal anyway).

Yes, it's kitted out nicely, which is tempting me, plus the low miles (if they are to be believed) and the colour. A lot of the Jazzes that i've looked at online are grey or 1.2 (or both . )

If i still want a jazz, would it be worth it, going down the import line myself for piece of mind (providing i can't get something similiar here or in the UK? ) Test driving a fiesta tonight so hopefully that will help make decision easier.

5500

Also just get a good idea of prices beforehand, alot of car's at the moment are cheaper to buy here than import. Im just looking at recent auction data here for 07 Grade 4/50'000km 1.3 fits, and the CIF price to Dublin is around 3.5k

So 3500 + 10% duty = 3850
3850 & 23%VAT = 4735
Broker/stevedore/bank fee's 250

4985 ready for collection. You then have VRT which is 893 so total cost on the road 5878.
The only other things to factor in are a a possible new battery, service, set of tyres and NCT. It would still bring you in under your budget, but its just a matter of patience and finding the right car for the right price!

kuro2k

mel.b wrote: »

Thanks everyone, this is all really useful info

If i still want a jazz, would it be worth it, going down the import line myself for piece of mind (providing i can't get something similiar here or in the UK? ) Test driving a fiesta tonight so hopefully that will help make decision easier.

I have a jap import myself which was imported directly by the previous owner, its by far the best option to do it yourself.

IMO the grade of car you will get for the money will be far superior

CJhaughey

The radio is easily sorted with a band extender that plugs into the radio and brings the bands into conventional FM frequencies.

mel.b

If all things are equal, the import checks out as well as it can without being 100% certain of mileage and this Jazz http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/07-honda-jazz-1-3-auto/5633094 also checks out (i'm not 100% certain of that mileage...i'm pretty sure i saw 100,000km on it when i looked late last week, so maybe they mean 57,000miles, anyway, will check it out)

Which would you go for - the slightly more expensive, better spec import or the one badged as a Jazz?

I rang to see about insurance on the import and am looking at about €450, so thought that was ok?