Why Not Japan

poorsha · 08-13-2007, 08:55 AM

In my search for a replacement 911 I am finding more and more cars from Japan.
I have looked at 2 that were complete junk but the third may be worth further inspection.
What are the negatives to owning a car from Japan?
Thanks.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

When I was in Japan ('84-'85), i notice that most of the cars had rust. Maybe it was a combination of poor steel quality and weather, I'm not sure but the cars were very rusty!

Akila · 08-13-2007, 09:07 AM

Right hand Drive? I believe there is a Pelican over there...."Shige"

poorsha · 08-13-2007, 09:14 AM

Rust was never the problem with the cars I looked at and they were left hand drive.

Meghan · 08-13-2007, 09:26 AM

I was in Tokyo from 1994-2001 and the vast majority of cars I saw were in good shape, relatively low miles, (compared to similar US aged cars), and due to the Shaken inspection system, mostly stock. A lot of Porches there are LHD. In fact, it took me quite a while to find a low mile, RHD cab.. Wound up with a 94 tiptronic, which worked out great in Tokyo. (Hilly like San Fran.)

poorsha · 08-13-2007, 01:52 PM

Does anyone know about parts problems?

Jeff Alton · 08-13-2007, 02:47 PM

Steve, "The Mentat" here on Pelican has a Japanese spec 87 or 88. I serviced it for the previous owner and it was just like a CDN/US car. He is in Whiterock now, nice and close!

Cheers

poorsha · 08-13-2007, 03:18 PM

Thanks Jeff.
Is it for sale???

lyon · lyon's Garage

When I lived in Japan about 10 years ago I remember coming across a 928 that was completely gutted. Someone must have stolen it. They left it next to a canal, an interesting thing to come across in Osaka.

Fronnzy · Fronnzy's Garage

It is certainly worth consideration. There are now lots of good, reputable brokers both in Japan and here in North America. Parts, emissions and other regulations means that for many in Japan it is cheaper to move onto a newer vehicle then keep an old one. My brother recently imported, a Nissan mind you, but I have gotten to know the brokers, they take it seriously and make trips themselves as well as have good solid people working with them over there. I will consider buying Japanese next time. The cost is one very key benefit.

Check out their website - www.importconcern.ca , click on the link in the top banner called "auction source", on that page is a funny looking link https://bzl.cis6200.jp/e/, enter the log in ID S16091 and you can start browsing Japanese stock - 5 is the best condition, R is repair (which can mean anything from salvage to simple repaint. Figure $2k or so to get it into your neighborhood. Not suggesting you use them as you are in Washington but it gives you an idea as to how much cheaper they are there.

EDIT - in the search area, select "Imported cars/Others" and that will bring up a drop down menu of other manufacturers.

DOUBLE EDIT - Crap, there are actually no porsches on this right now. Seriously, I have checked this many times before and always some Porsche. Sorry to waste time. Check back cuz there are some real good deals. But bottom line - don't ignore Japan.

Hope that helps.

Bjorn

Jeff Alton · 08-13-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorsha

Thanks Jeff.
Is it for sale???

Don't think so, but it is living proof that one can get a nice Japanese spec 911 here....

cheers

kide · 08-13-2007, 09:04 PM

Hi,

I live in Tokyo and have an 85 3.2 Carrera.

I don't think the general rule in spotting a nice 911 here is any different from the US -- after 20+ years, they've gone through a lot and inevitably some become junks and some receive TLC.

Some differences would be:
* Speedometer in Km
* Manuals in Japanese
* Japanese Radio (difference frequency ranges for AM/FM)
... really not that much.

As mentioned, the "shaken" system, which mandates bi-annual government inspection of all cars, tend to keep the cars in good, stock conditions.

Also many have low mileage as they are typically owned as a weekend driver and the country itself is pretty small to begin with.

I guess the biggest obstacle would be you cannot check the car yourself, unless traveling over the Pacific.

midnight911 · midnight911's Garage

As far as the 84-89 3.2 goes, Japan received the same motor as the US did...low comp.
Body was the same, thus small bumperette. Not many RHD's though as you might think. But the head lights are focused on the wrong side of the street...RHD.
Post 964, large proportion with Tips.
True many kept in stock. While at the same time, you could go super-radical as always:
www.rauh-welt.com
www.rauh-welt.com/Garraly.html
www.sunburst911.com/top.html

Driving in Japan cities requires straneous stop & go. I had a Supra with steroids and re-built motor every 100K km, or 60K miles. Motor, body, and the car as a whole goes through more stress than the vehicles in the US. can't really tell just by low mileage. having said that however, in general, porsches are relatively kept in good shape.