I've got a Celsior/Aristo/Altezza...What next?

[genius149]

I'm not yet ready to buy but whilst browsing various cars, the thought occurred to me: If I buy a relatively newly imported car from the JDM, what do I do and what are the potential costs? I don't know the answers so maybe someone could cobble together a comprehensive list.

The questions that I've asked myself  - and some are dependant on what stage of import, are as follows:

Are there any financial costs involved, i.e. VAT, Import Tax etc?

I know that if it's not registered then you need some sort of record of import/certificate of conformity or whatever?

Speedo: Apart from maybe small 30, 50 & 70 stickers (I saw these on a motorbike once), are there any recommendations on how or where to convert them? Obviously, this will be geographic but I do realise that if you're handy with a screwdriver, you could post the instrument cluster somewhere.

Restrictions: IIRC, the JDM cars are restricted to 112MPH (180KmH?), well, those that go that fast anyway.  Same as above really, is it done by ECU, could any competent car-sparky do it or is it a bit more old-fashioned and mechanical?

Sat-Nav: Where fitted, would it be better to swap for a second-hand (or new) UK market version? Could you just put in a UK DVD? Can it just be re-programmed? I guess this could apply to older UK models as well that need updating.

Radio: I think JDM cars only go up to 90MHz which is good if like me, you can't stand Radio 1 but annoying if the area you are in broadcasts Radio 2 on 91FM. Personally, I'd also be looking to update to DAB anyway - 6 music is my station of choice these days.  Anyway, how do you change?

Anything else anyone that has gone through some of these processes can think of?

 

 

 

[The-Acre]

My Celsior came via an importer so all the taxes, registration etc was already done, as was the instrument cluster, changed to Mph. The history is in Japanese so it means very little to me. The radio picks up radio 2 which is what I listen to, plus one other station where everyone seems to shout so that stays off. I'll be testing mine in May on the German autobahns so I won't know about speed restrictions until then!  I put a UK nav disc in mine but it doesn't work so a used unit for about £200 is the answer. Many insurers won't cover imports but there are companies that specialise. An auction sheet with good grades is important too. 

[rock on]

Speedo converter with instructions depending what vehicle to go on,

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F382848309912

 

Radio band expander

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F302611558345

 

I know of some aristo owners who have removed the emv & replaced it with a gs300 heater control panel & an aftermarket head unit,

 

I'm happy with the factory unit as I only listen to talk sport,radio2 & my cd's

 

I've had imports for nearly 15yrs never had an issue with insurance.

 

Any pics of named cars?

 

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[rock on]

Here's a recent example of costs from a reputable importer who can sort radio,Speedo & fog lights out

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[McRattlehead]

My Mrs is a member of a Subaru forum and a few guys there have used torque gt to import jdm stuff.We've not used them personally but their reviews are pretty good,the website has some good info. 

 

 

 

 

 

[The-Acre]

9 hours ago, rock on said:

Speedo converter with instructions depending what vehicle to go on,

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F382848309912

 

Radio band expander

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F302611558345

 

I know of some aristo owners who have removed the emv & replaced it with a gs300 heater control panel & an aftermarket head unit,

 

I'm happy with the factory unit as I only listen to talk sport,radio2 & my cd's

 

I've had imports for nearly 15yrs never had an issue with insurance.

 

Any pics of named cars?

 

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

When I bought mine I found that none of the usual insurance providers would touch an import, and I tried most of them.  Fortunately the specialist I went with was no more expensive than a non import.  Road tax oddly was £30 less than a non import.

[rock on]

When I bought mine I found that none of the usual insurance providers would touch an import, and I tried most of them.  Fortunately the specialist I went with was no more expensive than a non import.  Road tax oddly was £30 less than a non import.

I had a few rejections due to it being a modified import but not many, more being a Manchester postcode but I went through the back pages of Jap car magazines & rang companies listed for the best quote, never had issues again

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[genius149]

14 hours ago, rock on said:

Any pics of named cars?

 

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I haven't bought them, they are the JDM Toyota equivalent names for the LS, GS & IS. The post is more of a generic question as I'm still looking.

The links are very useful though - or will be if I buy an import.

 

 

 

 

[rock on]

 

No worries, just to add a pic to the thread here's mine

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[genius149]

Nice. I do like the Aristo but I'm much more of a luxobarge fan these days. I always thought that the Aristo was bit of a sleeper but there were so many that looked like they'd been driven through the bargain bin tat section of Halfords that it put me off.  Standard form (like yours) look nice and purposeful without being overstated.

[rock on]

I've only changed a few exterior parts, front & rear lights, front grill & added a boot spoiler as a rear roof spoiler, alloys had a bit of colour added after refurb

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[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

If you need any help with insurance for an import then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

[rock on]

Hi,
If you need any help with insurance for an import then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

Flux is who I've been with for years

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