Austarion

If I was to start enquiries about importing an 1988 model from Japan, what agents can be recommended? J-spec any good?

I don't know any Japanese or enough about the importing process and would need to pay for the agents help. All hypothetical at this stage. I figure a nice one can be landed and registered for under $15K.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/jverban/ - Yahoo Motorsport

http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/

Import cost calculator
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au ... ulator.xls
FAQ's
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au ... mation.doc


Starions
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au ... tockID=695

http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au ... tockID=721

there will be a couple of guys who have done this that will be able to tell you whos good and who aint.

I got mine through J-Spec when a post was put in Oct'04 on Buy/Sell.

They were trustworthy & easy to deal with. Service was 'good'. $500 up front,
then $500 when car is paid for in Japan (the FOB).

The reason I give 'em 'good' is because of the treatment the car got on
the dock/transit. Not really their fault, but someone should have been on the ball.
Rule of thumb - make sure a new heavy duty battery is
installed, otherwise the forklift will be used!! Basically, $5-6K will be paid
initially for the car, then $3-4K when car arrives. About $2k+ complied & registered.

I paid under $10K landed and it was a very good example with about 100,000km's.
I think a serious question would be do you go for the 2L or 2.6L? The 2.6L is less
refined and heavier on the front suspension. Ballsy though!

I hope this post whets your appetite! :beer

Thanks for the replies. Keep the info coming.

Anthony, those prices on the prestige site are misleading. Both those cars sold for over 350,000 yen. This translates to about $12K+ on the road here in Aus.

Like JDSTAZ45 said, expect to pay about 5K for a very good example. a few more for an excellent example with history. Then add FOB, agents fees, shipping costs, customs and taxes, then local registration costs. All should be covered in your $15K budget.

Yeah I got mine for $13500 landed and that was an imaculate condition one, so look around that price range.

They're not that easy to get even though they do pop up . The Starion is still very much a cult car in Japan , much like the early Nissan Z's. A good Starion (and they all tend to be good) will often sell for more than R32-33 GTRs and generally change hands between enthusiasts without being advertised . If you do find one , they are generally unwilling to let them go overseas . That doesn't mean it's not possible , it obviously is , but I couldn't bring my own one back several years ago thanx to Australian Customs red tape and ever changing import rules, although I believe things are now easier.
I'm not being discouraging , just be prepared for a possible long process . In any case , follow up the possibilities mentioned above and if you don't have any luck , I have plenty of contacts over there including Achilles (the Japanese Starion club) and wouldn't have too much trouble at least finding some . And I have found an Importer on the Gold Coast who has said they could bring something over .
Good luck A .

Mr Ralliart,
I will give you a ring if & when I get serious.

I have used Geoff at Prestige motorsport......I will never use him again. He is a liar and totally rips you off every step of the way. Use someone else.