Car dopers: What do you think of JDM imports to North America?

Factual Questions
1

So I may be in the market for a new(er) car soon, and I came across the idea of importing a JDM car. Exhibit A

So what’s the straight dope on this? So far I’ve gathered:

  • JDMs are generally very low mileage compared to cars of similar age around here.

  • Comparing prices, it seems that with the prices listed above plus another ~$500 or so shipping to Calgary, the prices would still be competetive, not by a huge margin, but still substantial). Not to mention, it’s rather difficult to find a 91 with less than 100k around here.

  • Those Imported RHD sports cars just look WAY cool.

Now, I’m not a ricer by any means, or even a serious performance car type for that matter, but I figure ~$14k for a Skyline GTR, which will certainly turn heads now that everyone’s seen The Fast and the Furious isn’t a bad deal. I’m personally eyeing one of the Celica GT4s for $7000 to $8000.

So, anyone ever done it? What’s it like? If it were such a great idea why don’t more people do it? Are the claims on the importers site, ref. japanese registration requirements and the market for used cars, accurate?

2

As far as I know it’s pretty much impossible to legally register one of those in the United States. I suspect it’s the same in Canada.

If it aint, then buy the R32 or R34 skyline GTR. Altessa-ETS AWD for the win!

3

Get the 91 Skyline at the top of the page

4

My understanding is that it’s legal to register these RHD cars in Canada if they’re more than 15 years old. Which explains what the model years stop at 1991, late enough that some very interesting models have become available.

5

Don’t know the first thing about Canada, but Japanese import cars are very popular in Ireland. Generally, they’re very low mileage and exceptionally well maintained. The costs are slightly higher than they should be, as the importation companies have to put a lot of effort into getting them street-legal for Ireland - not sure if the auction site would help you with that re. Canada.

However, I personally think the inconvenience of having an RHD car in an LHD country would outweigh any cost benefits.

6

You have Right hand drive because it’s COOL. (oh god, that was such a ricer statement. someone smack me!)

7

Harmonix, yes, it’s a 15 year rule, so the R32(not R34, although there are a few R32 bodies with R33 or R34 engines on there) would be legal. Around 14k for the GTR and 7-9k for a GTS. The site I list in fact includes registration and shipping to Canada(Vancouver, it will cost me a few hundred more for shipping to Calgary) in their list price.

For the sake of research, I actually went and watched The Fast and the Furious last night. Dear god what a WRETCHED movie. I don’t want a skyline half as much now :D. Besides, for that amount I think the Toyota Soarer or Mazda RX7 looks cooler. I drive in the city, and I have no interest in racing so looks and uniqueness are really more important than speed. As I say I’m personally leaning towards a Celica GT4 or a Silvia with roll bars.

This article seems to be hinting that the importers claims of JDMs being well maintained isn’t neccesarily true, but I haven’t been able to find any more differing opinions.

8

Hmm, no one has any experience with this kind of thing?