Import from Japan

alofile · 05-05-2009, 07:23 AM

Hi
I located a nice 1992 911 in Japan. I am going to ship it by a 20' container direct to Toronto. But I want to know what I should need to ready before it can register at Ontario. Do I need any inspection at Canadian Tire or emission test. Do I need to change any parts if it has no "DOT" on the headlight or glass or DRL.
Thanks for any input.

Komenda Fan · Komenda Fan's Garage

While I'm no expert, I did look at importing an R32 Nissan Skyline GTR to Canada. It's not really any different than bringing a car up from the US, so you can follow the general guidelines posted in this forum. As the car is 15 years or older, I do not believe you need to make any modifications to the car. GTRCanada.com has some good information.

I actually think Japan is a great place to pick up a 911, due to there stringent laws, cars are generally very well maintained and usually have lower mileage. There is a good selection of cars, and they tend to be LHD. Good luck.

911JC911 · 911JC911's Garage

You'll need an out of country inspection, out of province inspection, pay your PST. Check out www.riv.ca for some info.

speedracer · 05-05-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komenda Fan

I actually think Japan is a great place to pick up a 911, due to there stringent laws, cars are generally very well maintained and usually have lower mileage. There is a good selection of cars, and they tend to be LHD. Good luck.

I have heard the opposite regarding maintenance on vehicles that come out of Japan. They way it was put to me was that the laws are so strict that it makes it difficult to keep an older car there, so no need to spend $$ on routine maintenance as they are considered disposable and shipped out of country before any major work is needed.

alofile · 05-05-2009, 07:05 PM

What is the out of country inspection and out of province inspection. Should it be done in Japan.

speedracer · 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alofile

What is the out of country inspection and out of province inspection. Should it be done in Japan.

Both would be done once to car is to you in Ont. The out of country is usually done at the local Canadian Tire(but I am not sure you will need it as I believe it only relates to cars newer than 15 years). The provincial inspection which is required in my province (Sask) can be done at many of the local shops, not sure how this works in Ont. Good luck with the process, 911's are great drivers cars.

Oracle · 05-05-2009, 10:07 PM

I talked to to Hima Maher (Porsche Garage in Calgary) about the Japanese cars and he pointed me at 3 cars in his shop that all came from Japan and they all needed an engine rebuild...

He mentioned that all had cylinders scored by rust, apparently when they're over a certain age is too expensive to keep them on the road so people basically park them for years and Japan being a humid place is no good for cars that don't run.

Looks like you've made your choice so all I can do it wish you the best of luck

Boomtown Rat · Boomtown Rat's Garage

I just read an excellent article about buying 911s and older MB SLs in "Oldtimer Markt" here in Germany. Apparently, more and more Europeans are "sourcing" their youngtimers and oldtimers in Japan. Oldtimer Markt is a very reputable source here. They decided to research the issue an came back with some astounding results:
1) its not unusual for a 20+ year old car to have only ~60thousand kms (no, not because the Japanese are permanently in traffic jams, but because these "exotic" cars are generally their 3rd or 4th vehicle, and its not driving much)
2) Japanese sellers generally refuse to sell to private buyers. So, you need a midde man
3) Service booklets are generally never filled out. The Japanese prefer to put service stickers in the engine compartment, which, unfortunately, are often removed by the middlemen to "clean up the engine bay".
4) Beware of aftermarket add-ons. Apparently, the Japanese invented pimping their rides.
5) Pricing tends to be much lower than here, in Europe. The Japanese like to have new stuff and sell their older stuff at "used prices".

Trev928 · 05-14-2009, 10:13 PM

The secret is to buy from auction. You will be able to tell if the car is a "driver" or if it has been sitting a while.

If there is a shaken date, it has been driven recently. If it is none/blank, it could have been sitting a very long time.

Porsche_monkey · 05-22-2009, 02:54 PM

PM me if you need a place to unload the container. I have a loading dock.