Oppo, what's a car you really want, but can't have because your country hates fun?

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart) 03/08/2016 at 13:44 • Filed to: Questions Questions

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My last post got Kinja’d :( So onto something different? The list of cars you can easily import into the USA is surprisingly small, even cars that are 25+ years old seem to have a number of strings attached. Ugh, oh Government, you silly. And well, I know that not everyone here is from the USA, so this question is for everyone!

What car do you really love, but can’t get where you live?

My vote is for the Autozam AZ-1.

As everyone knows by now, I really love tiny cars (and alternatively, really really huge ones)...and nothing tickles my heart more than crazy kei cars...and what’s better than a tiny car with gullwings? I don’t think one could drive one with a frown! At least the oldest models of them are only about 2 years from being import legal!

What’s yours?

Also! For the record, I didn’t mean I’d buy a new car right now, but rather in the near-ish future after Miss Tesla and I get settled at home. She now has an income, and I have a new super income, so things should come together (savings, emergency funds, furnishing the apartment, etc) should come pretty fast...so I should have my chance to upgrade our fleet in the coming months. And of course I’m getting the new smart. :P And it feels good knowing that I don’t have to end my love affair with my current car either..

Captain of the Enterprise > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:49

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This and other utes.

itschrome > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:49

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A small pick up. I mean true small, like the old Taco or s-10 or ranger, or even smaller like the old datsuns or t100's. not a “small truck” that’s some how bigger than a 1990's 1500.. Also not just a small truck but a small truck that’s not leather clad, gizmo ladden, ect and doesn;t coast 30 grand! a small basic cheap work truck.

HammerheadFistpunch > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:51

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S600, pretty much the entire Australian off road market, etc.

Eberle-Hills-Cop > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:52

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Damn you, Toyota.

Scary__goongala! > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:52

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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:52

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Lada Niva.

shop-teacher > Captain of the Enterprise 03/08/2016 at 13:53

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Came here to post this.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:53

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Holden Maloo probably. Though I’d miss 4 doors and ground clearance. Or, VXR8 to presserve passenger capacity.

Though tbh it’s not the government, it’s the company itself that’s screwing my wants over. I want a proper small GMC pickup again, fitted with either the ATS-V engine or a turbo version of the new 4.3 V6. As there’ no small truck happening I’d settle for my recreation of the Syclone being based on the current Canyon. Bonus—rear seats as it doesn’t come in a regular cab model.

Sweet Trav > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:54

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2010 Audi RS6 Avant. 10 Cylinders, 6 Speeds, 4 driven wheels, Two Turbos. Room for a crate motor in the back.

mikethebike > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:54

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Cosworth RS all the way

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:54

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technically, honda’s fault

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 03/08/2016 at 13:54

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In addition, the UAZ 452 models.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:55

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NinetyQ > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:56

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Alfa Romeo Brera

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:56

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BMW 218i. Fun, underpowered RWD car with three cyl sound track. I’m sure you can agree.

Or, pretty much any BMW 1 series hatch.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:56

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Toyota Chaser.

Looks like a Camry, but goes like hell.

Or a WC34 Stagea Autech

Evo Wagon

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:56

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Caterham kit cars. Specifically the 160.

I really want one.

JR1 > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:57

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Utes! Utes! Utes!

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:57

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All the RS6 Avants.

scoob > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:58

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EVERYTHING NOT SOLD IN AMERICA.

/Thread

BorkBorkBjork > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:58

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You’re top picture really hit the nail on the head, Australia gets a buttload of Holdens and Ford FPV vehicles (why can’t we get a Turbo I-6 in the US?).

There are also a lot of Wagon options we are missing, especially from BMW.

HammerheadFistpunch > itschrome 03/08/2016 at 13:59

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Word on the street is that FCA is preparing a Ram light that could be based on the next generation STRADA, which is pretty small (not the current RAM 700 pictured below). Here is the question though...if a “small” truck came back it would almost certainly be FWD based for cost and packaging reasons...could you handle that?

El Rivinado > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 13:59

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Well, most of the imported cars I would like fall under the 25 and older rule, there’s one exception though.

If I were to ever go out in a blaze of glory, I want to do it in a TVR.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 03/08/2016 at 14:00

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boner achieved

cannot go to work with this now

Birddog > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:00

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There are some cool cars we can’t have here in the States. But I don’t regret not being able to get something because of the 25 year ban. That said.. I wouldn’t mind a Chevy Montana/Tornado.

Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:02

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2016 Toyota Century.

Brand new RWD luxury with a 5.0L 48 valve V12 and styling from 1967.

fourvalleys > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:02

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Maybe not the fastest or most fun, but just look at it. Ugh:

Jdrentarol > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:02

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Renault Clio

I hate the US

EL_ULY > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:05

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2015 Nissan Tsuru, no joke, I love these!!!!!

Dru > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:06

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Obligatory R34...because I lusted after them before I knew what lust was. But beyond that, the above pictured Holden, but in wagon/ute form. Nissan Patrol/Safari is pretty high on the list. Ford Everest maybe.

Decay buys too many beaters > Captain of the Enterprise 03/08/2016 at 14:09

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Beat me to it, one of the few cars I know for a fact I’d go out and buy new if it were offered.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 03/08/2016 at 14:09

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I’m sorry.

Mercedes Streeter > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 03/08/2016 at 14:10

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*Calls in sick* “Uh boss? I’m feeling really really stiff today and can’t come in...or uh, just give me about an hour or so.”

MonkeePuzzle > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:11

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Suzuki Cappuccino. First released in 1991 so I guess I don’t have long to wait.

JDM only Miata Coupe. Crazy rare, and not close to 25 years yet.

I could be wrong about this one, but I don’t think the Honda S660 is coming to the US

I think I see a theme in my desires.

Evo4

And of course, as stock EK9. because as much as I work on my own, it’ll never be an actual EK.

but. none of them are worth the effort or cost to me.

Mercedes Streeter > EL_ULY 03/08/2016 at 14:12

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An old Sentra but made today? That’s something I can get behind!

Mercedes Streeter > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 03/08/2016 at 14:13

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WAIT, that car actually exists in production form somewhere!!?!?!

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:13

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Importing cars is no problem in most cases but modifying is. Every change done to your car has to be inspected and noted in you car papers. Which is actually a good thing. Just not if you like modifying. Btw I’d like this here in Germany (with mods like below)

Mercedes Streeter > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 03/08/2016 at 14:14

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OMG, that’s like...what the second gen Scion xB should have looked like.

XJDano > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:15

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It’s more my wallet that hates fun, or maybe I’m just too responsible to get car poor.

Some day I'll have my fun cars running.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:15

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It was JUST posted about lol, I love how much Everest is on OPPO right now-

Ford Everest, built on the Ranger platform

itschrome > HammerheadFistpunch 03/08/2016 at 14:16

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If i wanted a small truck too offroad there’s always wrangler conversions. I could careless about what drives the wheels. I just want to be able to buy things from the hardware store, yardsales, ect... as long as the bed is functional I’m happy. mild ground clearance would be nice too, you know so i can drive ino a field or yard to load up with out too much worry. The ram 700 doesn’t look like it fit’s that criteria though. what is that 4x4, 3x2.5? ground clearance doesn’t look too bad how ever. other wise shit looks as useless.

Mercedes Streeter > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem 03/08/2016 at 14:16

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So like, if you wanted to import a car and it’s older than 25, You won’t have to worry about meeting any regs?

Mercedes Streeter > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/08/2016 at 14:17

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Isn’t Ferd supposed to be bringing it stateside? Or was that a rumour that went nowhere? :(

Vicente Esteve > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:18

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Have driven a couple. It’s torture.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:19

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It’s a rumor I’ve personally pushed. And only a rumor so far.

There’s a UAW contract to built a mid-size pickup (ranger) and SUV and the plant they’re moving the Focus and C-MAX out of for 2017 or 2018 (can’t remember). It only makes sense to me to build the Everest as the SUV there giving it’s the same platform under neath, easier to set up for a dual production.

HammerheadFistpunch > itschrome 03/08/2016 at 14:22

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Just checking, I think there are people out there like you would would take a FWD pickup with a high payload/low price and run with it but the other side of the coin is people taking the “ridgeline route” of “its not a real truck, bring back XXXYYY!!!” I think the RAM700 would fit your needs perfectly unless they included carrying 5 people or requiring AWD. It’s FWD only, but has loads of clearance and massive payload. The bed size is a little small but this is the extended cab, a regular cab is a little longer.

At 1554 Lbs payload (for the regular cab) it out payloads most of the RAM 1500 configurations.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:22

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There are mandatory state inspections every two years for registered motor vehicles. Cars older than 30 years qualify as ‘oldtimers’ and usually have cheaper insurance and taxes. Afaik they also don’t have to worry about emissions. There’s no 25 year or 15 year rule. Cars just have to meet emission and safety standards when new. But don’t quote me on that one.

Your boy, BJR > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:23

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You have your namesake to thank for that.

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve 03/08/2016 at 14:24

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lol what? They are badass!!!!!!!!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito 03/08/2016 at 14:25

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1967????? OK, it doesn’t look modern, but I’d have guessed early 90's at least.

Kytec > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:29

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I wish the USA would allow aftermarket emissions mods to make these legal, silvia s15 spec r

not for canada - australian in disguise > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:31

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Yes, I know, I’m weird for liking the Azera. But it’s a big comfy reliable sedan, and I can’t have one. We get the Cadenza though, but I prefer the styling of the Azera.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 03/08/2016 at 14:31

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Pretty sure we can get these as long as you build it yourself.

itschrome > HammerheadFistpunch 03/08/2016 at 14:31

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Shit, now that’s what I’m talking about. Price it between 15 and 22k and I’d buy one tomorrow. if it fits a sheet of ply wood it’s perfect! now make a tent that cover’s the bed and now I have a sweet small truck and camper. haha

nlzmo400r > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:32

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Japanese : R32-34 chassis GTR

European : M5 Wagon and RS6 Avant

Australian : Maloo Ute

HammerheadFistpunch > itschrome 03/08/2016 at 14:35

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Loaded these are $11 grand in Mexico, granted you have only one engine option and its literally a NEON engine so...

Here is a render whats though to be the US spec

Gotta have 4 doors, gotta be AWD, Gotta have huge-ass grill.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:38

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Japan got it

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:44

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A HSV Maloo and forbidden wagons of course, but my realistic dream car that’s offered not in the US would be the Alphard. I love minivans HAHA and these JDM luxury minivans are the best of the best.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/08/2016 at 14:48

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Not in Canada. Unless I fabricate the whole thing too.

avens > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:49

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Honda S660. But then again, if it’s ever sold overseas (non-JDM) then the car will weight 400 pounds more due to regulations, and it’ll have an unnecessarily bigger and heavier engine to please the ‘muricans.

pjhusa > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:49

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It’s superb.

itschrome > HammerheadFistpunch 03/08/2016 at 14:50

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Well, that’s stupid..... ditch the back doors, extend the cab, insist on AWD if you must... but making it a 4 door and giving it a useless bed is why this will fail and other companies wont even try.... retarded..

Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 03/08/2016 at 14:53

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I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say this car’s styling is at the very least least inspired by the original 1967 century.

1967 Toyota Century

1982 Toyota Century

1991 Toyota Century

Current Toyota Century

HammerheadFistpunch > itschrome 03/08/2016 at 14:54

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granted, this is just C&D’s impressions but i agree. RAM should be targeting this vehicle towards fleets and small business NOT at the lifestyle truck market where the Canyorado/Tacoma play, especially with the Ranger coming into the mix soon.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Breakfast Burrito: The True Resident Burrito 03/08/2016 at 14:55

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I don’t think I’d have placed any of those in the correct decade.

marshknute > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 14:59

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Holden HSV Maloo

Mercedes Unimog (I don’t know what the hell I’d with it, but I’m sure I could come up with something!)

Lotus ExigeSport 350 (look NHTSA, if I'm ok with dying, then I should be able to buy one)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 03/08/2016 at 15:04

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Ah, I kind of figured it was similar to the U.S., guess not.

Jonee > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 15:21

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A previous gen Daihatsu Copen. They’re adorably swank.

It was unfortunately ruined with fishmouth a couple years ago.

Next would be a Renault Clio V6 because French hot hatch.

Then a Tata Magic Iris because come on.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 03/08/2016 at 15:22

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I believe our rules are that you CAN build your own car, just not an off the shelf kit car. This is enforced by saying that the components can’t come from the same manufacturer. That in itself provides a loophole:

Buy major components from Caterham—body, suspension, chassis.

Buy seats from anyone who sells aftermarket racing seats.

Buy accessories and running gear from anyone dealing in automotive lighting and such things.

Buy engine from whoever makes one that suits your preference. I’d probably throw in an LS or SBC, for you I’m guessing something VTEC.

Sneaky Pete > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 15:24

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RS6 Avant, but it’s not my country that hates fun, VW/Audi hates my country.

Sam > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 03/08/2016 at 15:27

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If you ever get a Stagea, promise me that you won't put an R34 front clip on it like every other Stagea owner.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Sam 03/08/2016 at 15:39

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I cant decide. The r34 clip looks good but it’s kinda played out.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 03/08/2016 at 15:41

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Yeah. You’d have to buy everything separately.

Also, an LS wouldn’t fit since the block is wider than the cover on the front. You’re pretty much limited to inline engines.

Leon711 > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 15:42

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Much like FSI said, but slightly different as he is in Germany and I’m in the UK, no restrictions on what you can have as long as it can pass the yearly MOT which is a roadworthiness test.

Of course being a RHD market, some manufacturers don’t give us everything but we can still import them.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 03/08/2016 at 15:54

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So, don’t buy the bodywork. Or, cut out the sides of the engine bay.

Don’t worry, I’d make it fit.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 16:07

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Trailblazer plz, or as Holden calls it the Colorado7.

Or a Skoda Superb.

Or a 220i. Put that 180hp 2.0T in the 2 series over here BMW. Please.

itschrome > HammerheadFistpunch 03/08/2016 at 16:29

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and you know the ranger is gonna come back all bloated and shit... it’s stupid. granted they build what people buy and people buy trucks like fashion accessories which results in what we have today. never mind the people who just want to haul some shit some times that’s not a 5th wheel and don’t need a huge ass truck. Or people that own a house and just want a small truck as a 2nd vehicle when they need to pick up stuff bigger than their daily can carry but not like a whole house.

mazda616 > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 16:36

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I’d have 100% bought a 2016 Mazda6 wagon (instead of the sedan I have) if Mazda sold them here. :(

CaptDale - is secretly British > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 16:37

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Gen F2 Holden Maloo R8 HSV

CaptDale - is secretly British > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 03/08/2016 at 16:39

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I want a 620R.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 16:56

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Big Holden sedan with an LS engine and a manual transmission.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 17:28

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Not necessarily fun, but I would DD the shit out of a Citroen Cactus if it were ever sold in Canada, which, it sadly isn’t...

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Mercedes Streeter 03/08/2016 at 20:32

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and a diesel variant for hard core jalops

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY 03/08/2016 at 21:45

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Their “rawness” becomes old after about 15 minutes. Respect to the taxi drivers who drive in them for hours.

EL_ULY > Vicente Esteve 03/08/2016 at 22:25

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Wat? The rawness is pure bliss that I never want to go away! You’ve been in your nice new car too long lol :] Perrón or plush? You decide. I’ve been around new cars for too long, give me dangerous and mechanical!

Vicente Esteve > EL_ULY 03/08/2016 at 23:26

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I may have gotten used to the refinement, but I still get to drive a Vocho once a month!

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > fourvalleys 03/09/2016 at 00:03

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Absolutely gorgeous. Like they took a Golf and stretched it and smooshed it in all the right ways.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > Jonee 03/09/2016 at 00:05

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The Magic Iris, you can tell it just wants to be fast. But it just isn’t.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > Mercedes Streeter 03/09/2016 at 00:24

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I’ve always been partial to the Volkswagen Up!, and I absolutely adore the Citroen DS5.

Nauraushaun > Mercedes Streeter 03/11/2016 at 17:43

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In Australia you can have any car.