japanese imports | Ask Honest John

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Most recently answered japanese imports questions

I want to buy a classic car and keep my day to day car, my wife doesn't agree. She thinks that because we're retired and do around 4000 miles a year, a good useable classic would cost less to run than...

I want a Volvo 850 T5-R - what are the pitfalls of buying a Japanese import

When I was a cop in the 90s, I considered the Volvo 850 T5 to have been the best ever police patrol car, and always hankered after buying one. Bringing up a family made that dream impossible, but at nearly...

What are the pros and cons of buying a car imported from Japan?

There are a number of dealers importing Japanese cars. What are the snags I might not have thought about? Is insurance more expensive? Are spares harder to get hold of?

I've seen lots of Japanese import classic Mini - does buying one make financial sense?

I'm looking at buying a classic Mini. I have seen lots of Japanese imports advertised. Do these cars make financial sense to buy? What are the pros and cons of buying one of these cars? Unsure what to...

My niece is expecting triplets - what vehicle is best suited to take two adults, a seven year old and three babies?

My niece, who already has a seven year old, is expecting triplets. What would be your recommendation for a vehicle suitable to transport two adults, a seven year old and three babies (including all the...

Is it a good idea to buy an imported Toyota Prius?

I'm thinking of replacing my Vauxhall Corsa with a used Toyota Prius. I have read all I can find on your excellent website about such imports and the Shaken Test in Japan, but some UK car sales websites...

Is buying a Japanese import a good idea?

Is buying a Japanese import a good idea? I'm considering a Honda FR-V.

What's the easiest way to import a motorbike from Japan?

I want to get a motorcycle shipped from Japan to England. Could you please advise me the best way to do this?

Do I have to pay import duty as well as the price of the vehicle?

I'm thinking about getting a Nissan Elgrand. Do I have to pay the duty on it as well as the price of the motor?

What to buy - the Suzuki Baleno or Swift?

I've read good reports on both the Suzuki Baleno and the Suzuki Swift automatics, but I'm wondering which one of them I should buy. I believe the build quality in the Swift might be better. What do you...