2nd gen import problems?

[Moonwrap]

Hi :wave

I really want another 2nd gen, preferably a TII Cabrio

As some of you guys have ‘lived it’, what sort of problems could I expect if I went for an import one instead of a UK car? (Thinking Japanese not US)

I’m thinking parts problems mainly?  Would there be any emissions problems?  Obviously speedo needs to be in miles and service history could be patchier?  What else?

I guess there’s also two levels a raw Japanese car and one that’s been here for a while too.

I’d be really grateful for any of your thoughts/experiences! PM me if you prefer

Thanks
Lynn

[Brett]

I looked at importing one awhile ago, I dont think parts are a major issue.  New era reckon about £4000 will get you a top condition one.  Theres an import Cab on ebay at the moment with a new engine. Starting bid is £2000.

TII cab

[samfc3s]

I dont think there will be any extra problems aprt from the obvious speedos etc...

The main problem i think is same for all rotary ..engine....lots of imports dont have any service history so u will not know the state of the engine etc

But one good thing about import is that the body is a LOT LOT better i.e. RUST as UK car tend to rust a lot esp with T2...

I got a FC T2 on its way from japan and there is no rust in the body and underneath......

But anyway depends how much u wanna spend as FC are not cheap even in Japn

[Moonwrap]

Hi Brett

Yes thanks, seen that one, unfortunately it\'s an automatic

Lynn

Originally posted by Brett
I looked at importing one awhile ago, I dont think parts are a major issue.  New era reckon about £4000 will get you a top condition one.  Theres an import Cab on ebay at the moment with a new engine. Starting bid is £2000.

TII cab

[Moonwrap]

Yes, thanks

I would prefer a sound body, but would consider an engine rebuild if the price was right!

On the whole, they must fare better as no salt on the roads etc. The service history aspect is a worry, but I\'m guessing that the Japanese are quite car proud generally.

Not sure if I\'d just import one or buy one already here...just kicking the idea around in my head. But yes, if I imported it would have to choose a good import company!

How much do you reckon to import a cabrio then, (lowest to max) - you say not cheap?

Many thanks
Lynn

Originally posted by samfc3s
I dont think there will be any extra problems aprt from the obvious speedos etc...

The main problem i think is same for all rotary ..engine....lots of imports dont have any service history so u will not know the state of the engine etc

But one good thing about import is that the body is a LOT LOT better i.e. RUST as UK car tend to rust a lot esp with T2...

I got a FC T2 on its way from japan and there is no rust in the body and underneath......

But anyway depends how much u wanna spend as FC are not cheap even in Japn

[samfc3s]

Convertible will be around 3-4 for a OK one....as there are not many in japan either

But dont forget that import usually come with lots of tuning goodies:D  thats why i bought mine.....

heres my car

[Brett]

When is yours going to be on UK roads then sam?

[jetpilot]

I would also imagine most Cabs imported would be Autos as the ebay one! There is thread regarding amount of FC,s in the UK. There were only a shade over 300 sold alledgedly and that was 15 + years ago, so i cant see you having a huge choice buddy.

[grinder]

and to think i turned down a cab last year for £600

[colinrx7surrey]

RIGHT MATEY WAT CAN I SAY--MINES IMPORTED GOT IT BOUT 3 MNTHS BACK,NO PROBS GETTIN HERE -TOTAL COST 4600 ALL IN THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION NO RUST AND THE ENGINE IS SOUND AS A POUND-I HAD SOME WK DUN TO THE CAR WEN IT GOT TO SOUTHAMPTON-IE REAR FOG FITTED A QUICK SERVICE-AND THE KPH CHANGED TO MPH-THE CAR HAS ACTUALLY ONLY DUN 33000 MILES SOD ALL ON A ROTARY SO I WONT HAVE TO HAVE A ENGINE RECON FOR A FEW YEARS!! ITS WELL WORTH IT  BUT MAKE SURE U WATCH AND SEE HOW MUCH THEY GO FOR B4 U BUY-DONT BUY A ****TER NOT WORTH IT,,,,(SUCKIN EGGS AND ALL THAT)ANYWAYS AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UK DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF SALT USED ON THE ROADS I GOT THE UNDERNEATH COMPLETLEY UNDER SEALED TO SAVE COSTS AT A LATER DATE.WORTH THE INVESTMENT AND ALSO A COOMPRESION TEST WAS CARRIED OUT, I HOPE THIS HELPS....
I GOT MINE FROM //WWW.BONSAICARS.COM SPEAK TO KHRISTOS
IF U NEED ANY HELP JUS ASK FELLA

[samfc3s]

Brett...my car is still stuck at the port and should be on its way in this couple of weeks.... ....hopefully


Sam

[Moonwrap]

Originally posted by jetpilot
I would also imagine most Cabs imported would be Autos as the ebay one! There is thread regarding amount of FC,s in the UK. There were only a shade over 300 sold alledgedly and that was 15 + years ago, so i cant see you having a huge choice buddy.

Hi

Sorry I\'ve been pre-occupied with the RSII convoy threads

I know that there were very few UK ones, but I thought it was more like 700?  I\'ll double check the exact figure later, as I have that info somewhere.

But, is that true that most of the import ones would be automatics - that I was definately not aware of???

Many thanks
Lynn

[Moonwrap]

Originally posted by samfc3s
Convertible will be around 3-4 for a OK one....as there are not many in japan either

But dont forget that import usually come with lots of tuning goodies:D  thats why i bought mine.....

heres my car

Thanks for the guidelines

Yours is very lovely, but for me personally I would prefer a stock one.  Do you think that would be even more difficult?  If I\'m honest, I\'d be OK with a stock looking outside, but I wouldn\'t be adverse to some performance only enhancements!

Thanks
Lynn

[jetpilot]

Lynn

Have a read of this thread, mainly Cilves post on the second page, it makes interesting reading.

The figures he was given were 360 cabs sold, so probably a fair few left in existence now.

:wave

[Moonwrap]

Originally posted by colinrx7surrey
RIGHT MATEY WAT CAN I SAY--MINES IMPORTED GOT IT BOUT 3 MNTHS BACK,NO PROBS GETTIN HERE -TOTAL COST 4600 ALL IN THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION NO RUST AND THE ENGINE IS SOUND AS A POUND-I HAD SOME WK DUN TO THE CAR WEN IT GOT TO SOUTHAMPTON-IE REAR FOG FITTED A QUICK SERVICE-AND THE KPH CHANGED TO MPH-THE CAR HAS ACTUALLY ONLY DUN 33000 MILES SOD ALL ON A ROTARY SO I WONT HAVE TO HAVE A ENGINE RECON FOR A FEW YEARS!! ITS WELL WORTH IT  BUT MAKE SURE U WATCH AND SEE HOW MUCH THEY GO FOR B4 U BUY-DONT BUY A ****TER NOT WORTH IT,,,,(SUCKIN EGGS AND ALL THAT)ANYWAYS AS SOON AS IT WAS IN THE UK DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF SALT USED ON THE ROADS I GOT THE UNDERNEATH COMPLETLEY UNDER SEALED TO SAVE COSTS AT A LATER DATE.WORTH THE INVESTMENT AND ALSO A COOMPRESION TEST WAS CARRIED OUT, I HOPE THIS HELPS....
I GOT MINE FROM //WWW.BONSAICARS.COM SPEAK TO KHRISTOS
IF U NEED ANY HELP JUS ASK FELLA

Hi! Thank you for your reply!  Was yours a red one at Brooklands?  Just a process of elimination going on in my mind here

Sounds like your experience was really good!  Like you say - the body just HAS to be good that is the most important thing!  I\'ll check out your importers - thank you

Lynn