Soon to be new owner and my import process

[Neil97rs]

Long time lurker here just put a deposit down with a import company in the hope of getting myself a WRX STI V6 type r direct from auction in Japan

I have owned several imports over the years but never completed the process on my own

So this is almost going to be my blog of the process if anyone is interested. Also if anyone has completed the process any hints and tips will be greatly appreciated.


SO as of today 150000 Yen deposit paid. I will add details of the auction searching and the car when i find one. Wish me luck and hopefully in 12 weeks or so i will be able to meet up with fellow Sussex/Kent owners in my new weekend toy

[Bolesroor]

Welcome Neil, good luck with the purchase, any pictures?

[Neil97rs]

No pictures as of yet as ive not actually chosen the car. Ive just paid my deposit which allows me to access the auctions and bid on cars. CAr hunting will start tonight but there are no type R's going through over the next couple of days. Just need to keep my eyes open

[Lucky]

Fantastic. Will follow this with interest. Some of the Jap stuff that's imported does look good.

[scotty]

This will be interesting to read .

[NL03Scooby]

Welcome to SES. Hope the process works out without any headaches and you find the car you are after. Keep us updated every step of the journey, will be very interesting I'm sure.

[Steve_PPP]

Welcome

Hope you find a nice one

[Rdlangy1]

Hi and welcome to SES

Congrats on the motor

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

Congrats on the motor

Whichever it may be!

This will be a really interesting and helpful thread I think.

Good luck with finding the car you're after and I hope the process is as smooth as can be.

I know a chap who did this to get his FSTi and it turned out to be a great purchase. He saved about 30% compared to buying one in the UK, so if you're prepared to put in the work to make it happen the rewards are there.

[Bearo]

What auction site are you using? As i've been trawling for a R34 GTT.

[iPond]

As above, will be interesting to follow this process. Considered it briefly but was a little fearful. Hope it all goes well for you!

[lockheed]

make sure you get a jevic test v important and when it gets here waxoyl ,dinatrol is best for creep,. do cavities and under side by someone who knows where they rust .auction sheet is pretty hard to understand but a 4.0 or 4.5 is good for a used car

[Neil97rs]

Im using japanesusedcars. They appear to have a good reputation

Seen a couple going through over the next week but finding a decent condition one seems a bit tough.

Im only after basic mods Exhaust. filter but must be less than 100km on the clock which cuts down the amount available considerably, There are a few with 130-150 km but this is to high for my liking. ( just personal preferance )

[Neil97rs]

Originally Posted by lockheed

make sure you get a jevic test v important and when it gets here waxoyl ,dinatrol is best for creep,. do cavities and under side by someone who knows where they rust .auction sheet is pretty hard to understand but a 4.0 or 4.5 is good for a used car

Im more than happy to get a grade R car aslong as the damage was very light. Ie a new wing or bonnet aslong as it was done to a good standard.

As for underealing it that will be on the list of jobs to do when it lands while carrying out the conversion work needed to MOT it

[lockheed]

if you need parts for a jdm car, jim at Gatwick Subaru is the man . he can anything for a jdm car in two weeks or on the shelf

[munk]

greetings..be great to see how this progress,s!

[Neil97rs]

Seen one I'm going to be bidding on tomorrow

Basic spec is


Hi Neil,

aero parts
after market steering wheel
alloys
recarro seats
meter
muffler
seat worn dirty
interior dirty marked
scratched underneath
front bumper scratched

It's a1999 type r with 68000 km in white.

Will upload pics if I can figure out how to

[Neil97rs]

Didnt win this one as it didnt sell
Its back up again on friday so i have upped my bid a little

[Neil97rs]

Anyone got anyidea what the front bumper is

Im undecided if i actually like it or not

[Bolesroor]

Looks like a it's from a s201 variant, someone will confirm or correct me

[Bolesroor]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?ie=U...E8PW8gedu4GIBw

[scotty]

Looks nice have you seen auction grade sheet .

[Scott.T]

Looks like a bit if a bitsa.
Front bumper not OE and doesn't align.
Non standard Recaro seats. They look like Recaro Speeds.
Non standard dash/gauge pod.
Non standard wheels.

There's better out there I'm sure.

[Banstead Stig]

I agree with Scott T.

Unless the price was exceptional I'd keep looking personally.

[munk]

not a great picture.. looks a bit of a sh1tta to me mate.. thats only my opinion thou.. would be looking for as near to standard as possible looks wise if it was me..depends what you want really??

[Neil97rs]

i have seen the auction sheet its grade r has had a very light repair on the front

i think it will be fairly cheap hence my bid which will leave me money to get bits sorted when it gets here.

There are so few going through the auctions at the moment . Hence the prices are rising so rapidly

There are a few with 170km or more but i dont want one with that higher mileage

[scotty]

Prob be cheaper to buy mine lol .

[Type-r-russ]

I always thought about doing this,

Good luck

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by Banstead Stig

I agree with Scott T.

Unless the price was exceptional I'd keep looking personally.

+1

If I was going through the effort of importing I'd want it to be pretty special, this one looks like its had a hard life....

Buy Scotty's if he's still selling

[Scott.T]

I find it strange that your able to bid on your open choice.
If I were doing this I would ensure the importer has a man on the ground who knows what's passing through and is worth a bid and what's to be avoided.

All sounds a bit risky if they are only offering a shipping/import service.
You could end up with anything and they have no liability.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Buy Scotty's if he's still selling

Its still for sale at the moment lol .

[Neil97rs]

Originally Posted by scotty

Its still for sale at the moment lol .

I dont have the correct access to see the for sale section here

[Neil97rs]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I find it strange that your able to bid on your open choice.
If I were doing this I would ensure the importer has a man on the ground who knows what's passing through and is worth a bid and what's to be avoided.

All sounds a bit risky if they are only offering a shipping/import service.
You could end up with anything and they have no liability.

I can put in my maximum bid i cannot physically place bids the company bids on my behalf
The company im using have a man that checks out the cars on the day of the auction and they have a decent reputation aswell. They will translate the auction sheets for you free of charge ( well its part of the service they provide so not actually free) but will transalte as many sheets as you ask for.

If the car is terrible or rough and not worth bidding on they do tell you. If you still decide to go ahead thats upto the bidder.

The search continues

[scotty]

Heres a couple of pics for to look at




Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Bearo]

I've been using OPJP imports. Very good but you have to stay up late (12-1am) to get a translated auction sheet from their contact in japan... been outbidded a couple of times this week though, prices are on the rise

I'd buy scottys if i was in the market for a type r

[scotty]

Cheers dont think theres many people you want to pay my asking price for a clean type r that needs nothing as ive done it all lol .

[Red Baron]

Thought this one looked quite tidy till I realised it appears to have the wrong seats in it.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01603162039191

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Thought this one looked quite tidy till I realised it appears to have the wrong seats in it.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01603162039191

Needs a new door card too shame as its a nice looking car .

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Thought this one looked quite tidy till I realised it appears to have the wrong seats in it.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01603162039191

RB5 or 22B seats I think.
A lot better than those awful blue ones they put in the front (only) on the V-limited

[Red Baron]

You mean these, ruined by the S201 spoiler unfortunately

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01507034873520

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

You mean these, ruined by the S201 spoiler unfortunately

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01507034873520

Erm that spoiler is an optional extra for the ra v limited too .

[Scott.T]

A good car ruined http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500&logcode=p

Goes for the hard sell that it's collectable but has destroyed what it really is.

[Red Baron]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

RB5 or 22B seats I think.
A lot better than those awful blue ones they put in the front (only) on the V-limited

Unless they're 22B seats it's going to be a pig to get in the back of it, I'm assuming it's only the seats from the 2 door cars that tilt and slide forward.

[munk]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

A good car ruined http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500&logcode=p

Goes for the hard sell that it's collectable but has destroyed what it really is.

thats a shame,apart from the shell its no better than any normal classic, with all the decent bits gone...

[Neil97rs]

been offered this pre auction


picture.jpg

[Neil97rs]

i know its yellow and a version 5 and not to everyones tastes but i actually quite like the colour

Its a grade 4 b

[Red Baron]

I quite like it, would like to see an under bonnet shot to see what colour the engine bay is, I think they made a few in yellow but fog lights covers are missing their stickers so they've probably been sprayed. If it's had a complete colour change you need to be happy with the paint job, other than that it looks good. Sorry if we hijacked the thread earlier, we just don't want you to buy something you later regret.

[Neil97rs]

yeah its had a full respray was originally silver ,no accident damage though
checking engine code it is a version 6


engine.jpg

[Neil97rs]

vin.jpg

[munk]

really really like a yellow type r.

but personally wouldnt have one thats still silver in places..what ever you do dont rush into this, trust me will make for a life time of regret and empty pockets!!

[Neil97rs]

Well got my man to have a look around this this afternoon report comes back very favourably.

Inside is grade b grade 4 outside with only minor scratches.
Runs well with no silly mods
Best part no corrosion which sold it for me. So hard finding one without corroded rear arches even in Japan now.

Will be on a boat over here soon. Hope she is a good one .

Will keep you updated on the process as it goes ahead.

Purchasing was easy enough. Pre auction haggle figure was settled upon. Went to bank transferred the money . Got it insured in transit against loss at sea and theft from the docks which was around £60.

Will be getting all the documentation emailed over in the morning .
Then just need to figure out vat and import duties

[munk]

good on you for taking the plunge.. hope it works out well for you.

[MIDLIFE]

Originally Posted by munk

good on you for taking the plunge.. hope it works out well for you.

+1 hope you get a good one.

[Neil97rs]

Had a list of the aftermarket parts


engine parts swapped

center diff
rear diff 2 way after market
sard radiator
blitz adjustable sus
boost controller
defi meters
brembo
muffler
hks aircleaner
drivers seat is recarro
ks rom computer
viper security
work 17"miester alloys
exhaust manifold
clutch
steering wheel - no airbag and light is on
color changed

[Hongkongfooi]

interesting read this. Look forward to the pics

[Neil97rs]

here are some pictures
picture.jpg

back.jpg

defi.jpg

engine.jpg

exhaust.jpg

wheels.jpg

suspension.jpg

side.jpg

rear seats.jpg

[Neil97rs]

Its got some Blitz suspension on which i cannot find much about on the internet

Engine has the typical red laquer peel which i may get re done

Got insurance quotes today £400 fully comp which i thought was really good

Spoke to the agent this morning should be on a boat on its travels early may then depending how many ports it stops at will be in the uk 40-45 days after that

[Neil97rs]

Little update on the process for those that are interested

Car is at the docks awaiting export confirmation from the Japanese customs agency .

After that has gone through need to await shipping agency to agree shipment

Timeline so far
Car sourced 10th april
Payment made 11th April
Radiation test completed and all paperwork sent off to customs 21st april




Want to get the car on the road by 10th July to take to Japshow but with 40-45 days on a boat still to go and May loaming quickly its going to be tight. Can get the car converted and MOT'd the week i get it home but then still need to wait upto 2 weeks to get the number plates .

[Neil97rs]

Update

Car is being loaded this week and leaves port on 20th may

Lands in Southampton 6th July

[Rdlangy1]

whoop whoop !

[Frenchie]

Interesting reading this as my new STi is due a few days earlier in Le Havre. may be our cars are on the same boat. Have tried to get a tracking number,without success.

[Neil97rs]

My car is on

Armacup vessel. Grand pavo.
Not started tracking it yet as it hasn't left port. It is stopping at le havre but doesn't say what date..
But there is another ship landing there on 4th July

[Frenchie]

Many thanks for the information, hopefully my car is on one of the ships. 4 months is a long time to wait.

[swrx2810]

Mine arrived last week and hopefully arrived at the importer's today. Then documents and stuff they need to sort out. Hoping to get it before the 27th of May (bank holiday).

[Neil97rs]

Congratulations on getting yours safely here.
I'm doing everything myself apart from the import and vat forms. Just as a little experiment to see if it is actually cheaper than buying from dealers in the UK.
If I had got it from an actual auction I think it would of been a lot cheaper but this came through a dealer. Still a bit cheaper but not huge amounts.
I wanted mine on the road by 10th July but that won't happen now.

[Neil97rs]

Update
Ship has been loaded and is currently on the way to Shanghai. Seems it's doing a bit of backpacking before it get here . After that it goes to Canada before heading to Europe

All paperwork is in the post and on its way to me. Should be here in a weeks time. Then can sort out the vat and import fees.

[Rdlangy1]

exciting...I couldn't wait that long - I would be going insane!

[Neil97rs]

All documents arrived

Got a spare key along with alarm fobs. Also got a full service history with it. Tool for the adjustable suspension receipts for stuff i cannot understand and loads of random other stuff in japanese.
Tried to use google translate on it but it still makes no sense.

All paperwork sent off to sort out the import duties and VAT which will all be completed 1st July

[Neil97rs]

little update

car is still to arrive but will be in southampton on tuesday.

was trying to pay the vat and import duties today but shipping company hasnt given over all the details yet.

this is supposedly happening monday morning.

All going well will be picking it up Thursday morning.
Also found out there is a dock handling fee to pay on the day of collection and a processing fee which is around £100 total

[Neil97rs]

Car has arrived in the Uk. Currently sitting in Southampton. Vat and Import duties paid Just filled out the DVLA registration forms

Going to collect it Thursday morning,

So far its been an easy process

[NL03Scooby]

Nearly there, roll on Thursday!

[Neil97rs]

Got the car home. Will get some new pics up soon.
Just need to mot it and register it now. Oh and figure out what a couple of things do. Only thing I can say is not as described is the brembos have been removed but overall condition is better than I thought

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by Neil97rs

Only thing I can say is not as described is the brembos have been removed but overall condition is better than I thought

No brembos in the earlier photos and i'd be very surprised if they would fit under those wheels anyway.. ?

Hope its tidy other than that, get some photos sorted

[scotty]

Going by the pics it had standard 4 pots on it and those defi's are the wrong colour you need to post up fresh bigger pictures now that you have the car and do you have the paint code for the yellow

[Neil97rs]

No paint code so if i ever need to colour match its going to be a nightmare

Cleaned it today just need to polish it in the morning. Taking it to Japshow on Sunday

Will get some pics of it after the polish. After i start her it talks to me in Japanese. No idea what its saying lol. Got a Vf28 turbo so should be good for around 300 BHp with the other mods
Also got a couple of switches on it that i have no idea what they do . Scared to flip them as it could be anything lol

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by scotty

Going by the pics it had standard 4 pots on it and those defi's are the wrong colour you need to post up fresh bigger pictures now that you have the car and do you have the paint code for the yellow

Does it not have white main dials then.
Early V4 had the previous facelift dash and black dials. Later V4 had the V5 dash and white dials.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

Does it not have white main dials then.
Early V4 had the previous facelift dash and black dials. Later V4 had the V5 dash and white dials.

His car isnt white mind you i would be proper fecked with my oxford blue dials as theres no blue faced gauges

[Neil97rs]

Little update.

Car passed it's mot today.

All that was needed to do was.
Fit rear fog light.
Drivers side wiper blade
New tyres.

Only 1 advisory.
Drivers seat mechanism stiff.

Now need to send papers to dvla and wait for registration which takes upto 10 working days.

[C. J.]

Awesome

[Neil97rs]

Papers all sent off to DVLA nearly 2 weeks ago still awaiting my V5 document.
Had a few little things done to the car over the past 2 weeks. Got a new ECU which im going to send off to get a ESL motherboard fitted so i can map it ( well so a friend can)
Looked at all the others and i think for the money this is by far the best option.

Had all the suspension adjusted so its not rock hard. Fitted boost gauge in a pod on the A pillar
Camber to be adjusted on the rear this week and 4 wheel alingment carried out.

On the look out for a louder exhaust ( yes i want to be that person) Blitz nur spec or similar really as the Apexi system fitted is just too quiet.

May eventually get to drive it

[Neil97rs]

at last got paperwork back from dvla. trip to halfords done so number plates are made.
so its all legal.
Brought the car april 11th on the road August the 12th.
for those that are thinking of doing it themselves this is about as quick as everything can go. picked car up day after it landed. mot the same week paperwork sent off straight away.
The whole process was infact quite easy and painless. Got a much better car in the flesh than the pictures showed so overall really pleased
Only down side is i had an op yesterday and not allowed to drive for 10 days lol.

[ScoobyStu]

Good to hear it has all gone well for you. Get better soon then go and enjoy it

[NL03Scooby]

Glad everything is sorted, now all you need to do is get yourself fit to drive and put some miles on the car!

[Frenchie]

I know all about long waits,glad yours is over. Hope you get over your op ok so you can finally get behind the wheel.