So most of us have seen the petition going around the internet, IF you have not it is right here.
I decided to make a list of the cars you can import that are older than 15 years and the prices that they usually go for in Japan at auctions.
If you want a BNR34 which many people do then you better be ready to pony up some serious cash. They are still selling for well into the $30,000-$50,000 price range with special editions going near the top of that price range. BNR32’s and BNR33s are more affordable in the $10,000-$30,000 Price range but supply of 1989-1992 BNR32’s is almost non existent due to the large amount of importers picking them up for the American market. Right now excellent condition low mile BNR32’s are selling for $19,000-$26,000 in the United States. Also keep in mind these cars are much more expensive to maintain and repair due to their high performance nature. Even simple things like clutches and turbo replacements can cost $1000-$3000.
So do you want to do mad skidz and drift a Silvia into a wall ?
If that appeals to you then you will be happy to know that Silvia’s start around $7000-$9000 for S13’s and S15’s peak at around $20,000-$24,000 USD. Most of these cars have between 30k-60k miles and are in pretty good condition. It is cheap compared to paying $8000 for a clean S14 that still has the NA motor in the United States.
Being a huge Subaru fanboy I constantly look and see what I could import almost on a daily basis. You can get good condition Version 4/5 STi’s for around $4000-$9000 depending on condition. Most have between 40k-80k miles which is a bargain compared to paying the same price for a USDM Bugeye that has 150k miles and has been beaten to death while covered by monster stickers.
If you are a little bit insane and enjoy things that go Brap Brap Brap you can acquire an FD RX7 for around $8000-$20,000 depending on miles and condition. That is a really good deal when compared to the USDM RX7 because prices for a low mile FD are insane and easily get into the $25,000 range.
Toyota’s are dirt cheap in japan and you can find 1jz and 2jz models for below $10,000 in great condition all over auction websites. You could get around 3-4 Soarer’s for the price of one BNR32 in good condition right now.
If you enjoy questioning your transfer cases integrity on a daily basis then maybe a Lancer Evolution 4-6 would fit your needs. These can be found for $5000-$10,000 with 50-80k miles on them in pretty good condition all over Japan.
This is just a small sample of what you can acquire for a reasonable price in Japan. If the law were to be dropped to 15 years you would see a huge influx of cars and USDM Japanese car prices would most likely start to decline due to better options being available from Japan. No longer would you see someone asking $9000 for a 2002 Wrx with 190k miles and plasti dip everywhere.
While I don’t see a real possiblity of this happening it is fun to dream , Because after all our Government can barely pass any bills now and this would have very little lobby backing and most likely even lobbying against it by Mercedes and possibly even BMW , Toyota or Nissan.
After all it is Mercedes that got us into this situation in the first place due to their issues with Grey market vehicles damaging their sales during the late 1980’s and early 1990s. They started to lobby congress and we ended up with this antiquated joke of a law.
– Joey
Websites where you can look for cars !
JN Garage 