Importing RHD from Japan to Vancouver

[AndrewShev]

Recently I found an ad on Kijiji where one company advertised that they import vehicles from Japan. I digged into it and found out that, for example importing 1996-1997 Toyota Supra to Vancouver would cost around 7000-8000$ including shipping. Yet, the same car in Canada costs at least 10k. I heard Japanese drivers try to get rid of the car before it hits 100k, otherwise, they will have to re-register the car which costs substantial amount of money. Also, the mileage on those cars mostly below 100k, and I also know that in Japan they don't use salt on the roads. I contacted an insurance broker in Calgary and asked him about insuring that type of car on me (clean record, but younger than 25 yo), and the broker quoted me at 98$ per month on that Supra which surprised me because i got quoted at 124$ for newer Civic DX...

I am not that serious about buying the car yet, but i really want to know if importing RHD car to Vancouver would save me money??

[forthewinwin]

If you import from a reputable company, the cars will be in great shape... While if you buy an used one around here, if you arent lucky the long-term cost of maintaining them as well as the headaches otherwise may even overcome the import cost. Not to mention having them be in low mileage means there is a good chance they will have a lot of life left.

Also other reasons Japanese like to rid of their cars is that many roads are tolled and the public transportation system is great... Less incentive to own a car.

I'd import an old Supra or Skyline.. But being a broke ***** student on a loan doesn't allow me to ):

Wow, only $98/month? Here, being your age and with no at fault accidents you're paying $160-180+/month just to insure your Civic...

[AndrewShev]

Yea, I also have around 15k of student loans to pay back, so I am not looking to get it until i make sure i can pay everything on time. Not sure about insurance in BC, but in AB, it's pretty low. My bro with 3 speeding tickets, and one no belt ticket pays 145$ two way.

[RCGA]

I wouldn't risk it. Why? One word: Tsunami

[forthewinwin]

Yea, I also have around 15k of student loans to pay back, so I am not looking to get it until i make sure i can pay everything on time. Not sure about insurance in BC, but in AB, it's pretty low. My bro with 3 speeding tickets, and one no belt ticket pays 145$ two way.

Ah right, I keep forgetting we're in Vancouver. Everything likes to be bloody expensive here. >_>

If the insurance is lower, and the mileage is low, I couldn't see it being THAT bad ... Most cars here with <100k kms, especially under 50k, don't tend to be very cheap either.

[garyhudson]

The Japanese have their own version of the carproof which is much much better than ours. Just ask the company importing your car to give a full detailed report of the car, including where it is registered and operated.

[brian.gerson]

You are much better off buying a left hand drive car in the States. I was behind one of these RHD folks at a green light in the left turn lane; the guy just sat there until the light turned yellow/red because he couldn't see the oncoming traffic due to the oncoming left-turners. The only way I'd own a RHD vehicle is if I trailered it to car shows.

[AndrewShev]

You are much better off buying a left hand drive car in the States. I was behind one of these RHD folks at a green light in the left turn lane; the guy just sat there until the light turned yellow/red because he couldn't see the oncoming traffic due to the oncoming left-turners. The only way I'd own a RHD vehicle is if I trailered it to car shows.

I've looked at the American market, however their prices are WAY higher than Canadian. Also importing American car to Calgary will be a pain in the ..ss with the paperwork and shipping.