would there be any issues with things like the speedo in km/h or radio working properly?

would it be any more expensive to insure?

If you are buying from an import specialist, i'd expect they would sort out the speedo. As for the radio, i could be wrong, but i think this would just entail changing the settings, which the dealer should be doing anyway.

Not saying they are all like this but grey imports direct from Japan are almost time warp in underbody condition, having never seen salt.

Lots of sale sites Japanese (aimed at the export market) take numerous underbody pictures, something you never see on a UK sales site, where Landcruisers (i considered a grey) of 10 years age in the same condition underbody as a UK car would be in its first year only.

The Japanese tend to look after their cars, i would say far better than most UK car users.

Certainly worth going and having a poke nose round the sales sites of grey specialists, see for yourself what their operation is like and whether you trust them to find a good example for you, won't be any cheaper than a UK car in fact it will probably be more expensive for the same year but will more than likely only have covered half the mileage and be in much better condition underbody.

Worth seeing what the insurance situation is though, you might find that imprt specialists are more prepared to quote than the usual names.

Edited by gordonbennet on 03/09/2017 at 19:55

no doesnt have to be auto and to be honest i read on parkers the auto box is a bit slugish. they are the only one the seller lists. fair point about the spec. i hadnt looked that much into uk specs.

think ill keep looking

I HAVE an import...a Toyota Estima 4wd 3 litre auto (basically the UK/European Previa).

Had it for 18 months now and love it.

Generally you are simply buying a better equipped version of the UK/Euro spec...BUT there are facts you have to accept....service history/mileage etc (though that can be checked through BIMTA..at a cost)

I used a very reputable importer and they guaranteed a NO advisory MOT(ie..if anything was needed, they did it!)..a full service and cam belt change...a full underseal...air-con regas..change to mph from kph....working radio etc (the Japanese systems are different and incompatible with the UK) ..they deliver the vehicle to wherever you want at no extra cost and give a 12 month warranty.

I was able to examine and test drive my Estima prior to purchase and checked the under side BEFORE the undersealing was done..and it was simply in amazing condition...as was the whole interior and exterior.

I'd say it equates to a 3-4 year old UK/Euro vehicle..and it's a 2003..!!...it flew through it's MOT again this year with NO advisories.

All the basic everyday service parts are easily available..it hasn't needed anything more.

I can understand peep's nervousness about an import (I was too) but in my experience there is little to really get concerned about.

Though be prepared for the main dealerships to be somewhat "sniffy" about them..but I don't deal with them anyway.!

Edited by nellyjak on 05/09/2017 at 09:19