Importing JDM into NZ

[chris g]

Can japanese domestic models be imported into NZ?

Are there special rules about MoT/SVA as we have in the UK?

Are there many dealers/specialists who are involved in importing such cars into NZ?

Has anyone imported an individual car and how did that go/problems?

I may be moving to NZ in 2005 and looking at future cars. I am not certain about models that were officially on sale in NZ so thought of buying an import just as I did with my 99 VR-4

As I am thinking of a 6g GVR4, was the full range of 6g GVR4 available in NZ?

[jtfleming]

There are so many import dealers here the prices just keep dropping, have a look here www.autobuy.co.nz. VR4 are very common here so also very cheap now.
There was a few new VR4s (sedan only)sold here new but most are used imports, lots are worn out...

[chris g]

Not found any 6G GVR4 on that site but if I find one then we may plan ahead to buy one upon our arrival out there

[Kyoshu]

I think most of our used cars are from the Japanese Domestic Market and a lot of people import in all sorts of Jap cars. I think your now able to import in anything older that a '95 now though unless it's a classic car or something like that.

If your talking about the old Galant VR-4/Evo 0, there are a quite a few running around.

[KiwiTT]

Sure you don't want to get a 8G VR-4 when you get here. There are a few here. Try www.autopoint.co.nz

[ako]

Almost ever car on the road here IS a JDM import. Expect to pay oh... about $8K NZD for a mint evo 0 (vr4 RS, thats the best there is!), and prices drop from there. Pricing on a 7G VR4, 10K and down, and even manual 8G's are getting into the low teens these days. Failing that - buy an evo! 1's and 2's are going for cheaper than a late model VR4..

If you're willing to wait a few months however, and take a gamble, I know a guy who recently improted an 8G tiptronic from japan. Price, all up, on the road in NZ? Just under $6K NZD, or about 2K pounds ish.

[SGHOM]

Best 1/4 to date, 12.640 @ 107.4 mph - Find another TT VR4 thats done this!

err................ I'll get me coat then !! :$ :$
I've run a higher terminal speed, but only managed a 13,00 secs, I'm sure in a few weeks time when I'm back at the pod, I can challenge that !! :-b

[chris g]

But isn't that a 1993 7g 2.0 v6 tt?!

Can you compare 7g with 8g for ET/top speed?

[ako]

Depends on how you look at it. The 7G weighs in at about 1450 kgs, versus the 1600 odd of the legnum/galant 8G.. on the other hand, its downspecced in other departments, smaller engine, less efficient turbos, smaller intercooler, its 240 stock vs 280 in the 8G.

They're approximately the same in straight line abilities, the 7G has the closer ratio gearbox, hence the quicker 1/4 abilities. In my experience, the 8G seems to have it in top end speed, if thats your thing. Longer legs in laymans terms.

[krisby]

The are oodles of all sorts of VR4 imports around, in Tauranga alone I know of one dealer with 3 on his yard, and I know of atleast one dealer in Hamilton with 2 as well.

When I first arrived back in NZ I was looking at getting a car from Turners auctions, they have a huge supersite in Penrose Auckland, there are often some in there, I really wanted one but my wife did not want an estate, and we agreed we just wanted a big cruiser so opted for a mitsi diamante.

Odd thing is when I did have the oppurtunity to get one I got the 25ST instead, I sometimes kick myself for not getting the VR4, but then I got a mint one with only 55000 kms, so I am pleased, and I get ****e fuel consumption so I shudder to think what I would get with TT.

Anyway mate, there are heaps of available options out here, I've seen a few private sales around too, and my local race parts guy is selling his VR4 for $18000 with a whole host of mods to the manifold, ECU, airbox, turbo, etc etc.