"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
01/28/2015 at 13:17 • Filed to: None
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"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
01/28/2015 at 13:17 • Filed to: None | 1
| 15 |
So reading Dougie D's columns thus far about importing an R32 GTR, and speculating that his hitherto secret import is probably a Kei, I've reawakened my fascination with the little beasts. I got on goo-net yesterday and started searching for '90-'91 models, just to get an idea of the price.
Holymoly, ya'll. It was hard to break the $6k barrier. I imagine after taxes, import fees, etc. you could get an !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! RS/R for around $8k. How freaking fun would that be?
Next year the Beat and Cappuccino will become available for import under the 25 year clause. I figure those will command a somewhat higher price, and who KNOWS what the 25 year clause will do to auction prices (less of an impact than it had on GTRs I imagine, simply because kei cars are MUCH more of a niche market than the GTR here in the US).
I doubt I could talk my wife into letting me sell the GTV6 to get one, but who knows. Tiny, practical to the point of doing double duty as a DD, and relatively simple/easy to work on.
I_AmDeath
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 13:24 |
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http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Suzuki/Alto/… Have an imported Alto Works for $5000CAD with a full livery
415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 13:24 |
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I go to Japan pretty often, when the Pao is 25 I might get one, I have really looked around at them but they are still popular there so it might not be cheap. When the Pao came out they sold out instantly with others still wanting them, no idea why Nissan didn't make another run.
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Chairman Kaga
> I_AmDeath
01/28/2015 at 13:26 |
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Oooohhhhh...
Leon711
> 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
01/28/2015 at 13:30 |
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thems is 25 yo. manufactured between 1989-91
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415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> Leon711
01/28/2015 at 13:37 |
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I have a honda for my commuter and I'm still working on my 240Z so I probably won't at the moment. I knew it was coming up soon! I'm going back to Japan in May so I can admire them, love the toothpaste color Pao, they only made three colors. I would also consider an old air cooled Mazda, although parts for that might be tough, the Pao shares a lot with other Nissans of those years.
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Leon711
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 13:39 |
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http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/us…
Boxer_4
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 13:39 |
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Subaru has some interesting offerings such as the VIVIO RX-R and the REX VX, but this Sambar has caught my eye:
It's a 1978, so it would be old enough to import. I could see using this for yard work, or maybe attaching a small snow plow for the winter months. The interior screams 1970s, too. If only I actually had the room for it.
Who needs a Gator when you can get a Kei truck?
Bird
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 14:00 |
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I'm waiting patiently for the Autozam AZ-1 (1992)...and the Cappuccino (1991)...
You can pick up a Grade 3 at the auctions for about $2k or a Grade 4 for around $3k.
We haven't put sourcing information on our site yet ( Roadtrip Motorcars ), but we're doing flat fee importing. $5k fee for anything with a purchase price in Japan of less than $10k. We handle everything, all fees, shipping, customs, etc. You get a car with a clear Kentucky title, sold from a licensed dealer. Only other cost you pay with us, is shipping from us to you if you don't pick up at our lot. We can also take care of any modifications or maintenance items that need addressed before the vehicle is delivered.
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Leon711
> 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
01/28/2015 at 14:03 |
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there's a few by me and parts are plentiful if you like UK eBay because the mechanicals are pure k10 Micra.
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415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> Leon711
01/28/2015 at 14:35 |
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I am in San Francisco and I know people in Japan so I could get stuff easier from this end. Maybe someday, I have a 94 Accord with only 150k on it, so if it dies I might. After I finish my 240z I want to build a steam launch, like the ones in the UK actually, some nice ones there.
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Chairman Kaga
> Bird
01/28/2015 at 15:45 |
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So I've been restoring an '82 Alfa GTV6 for the past 5 years or so. I'm patient, but only getting to drive it a handful of times each year is a drag. I'd prefer something less involved, since I have 2 little daughters and not much free time to spend working out microscopic air leaks in a Bosch L-Jet system. My wife isn't really in favor of swapping the Alfa for another "project," but if it was a Grade 3 or better, as well as something that could actually work as a car (a reason I love the Alto Works), she might come around. Being Japanese, ie relatively reliable, and really, really tiny are also assets.
Anyway, the Alfa is probably worth $7-8,000 on any given day, maybe more if the buyer is motivated. The market is also creeping up on that last gen of "real Alfas." Don't suppose you guys would do a straight up trade, wouldja?
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Bird
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 15:50 |
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I wouldn't be able to do that right now, but we do plan to take trades for interesting cars like that...
If you're still interested in a few months let me know. You might be better off selling outright and then buying something though. We'd have to trade with a little room left for us to get something else off the other car...otherwise we're selling two cars and only making a profit on one...
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Chairman Kaga
> Bird
01/28/2015 at 15:56 |
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I'm not in a huge rush, really. I think if I were to foist the one car for another plan on my wife, it would need to be once our littlest has become somewhat more independent. Getting more of this car's issues resolved wouldn't hurt. Get the AC blowing cold air, refurbish the rear suspension, replace the window seals with parts that actually seal.
I'll keep you guys in mind though! I've been researching importers and would really prefer someone closer to Austin. Being active Jalops enhances your cred, too!
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Bird
> Chairman Kaga
01/28/2015 at 16:03 |
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Please do keep us in mind. I can't think of any established importers in Texas...International Vehicle Importers is in California, but really, shipping from us or them would be close to the same. My partner is from Houston though, so maybe a 'special delivery' could be worked out...we do love road trips! Also, the more ready to sell your Alfa is the better we could do on a trade deal.
We need to catch up on our posts, but we've been putting our posts about importing under the ' Imported From Japan ' tag.
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Chairman Kaga
> Bird
01/28/2015 at 16:09 |
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Cool. I have followed the Aerocabin chronicles. Even shared with a coworker who, for whatever reason, is fanatical about big JDM Toyotas.
Liked on facebook so I can remember!