Import

[paddyboy15]

looking at a car tomorrow and think its an import?

is there a way I can check this?

also, what is the impact on insurance?

[earpl]

higher insurance

check for vitz/echo badges, fog + reverse lights, speedo in kms, no trip computer things like that, also the pipe from the throttle to the airbox, jdm ones are different to uk spec. + just do a VIC check on the car ;)

[paddyboy15]

If I've run some quotes on insurance online, giving the numberplate, should that recognise if its an import?

'cos with the numberplate the quotes are coming out as as if its a UK car.

[earpl]

only true way to know is a VIC check

https://www.mycarcheck.com/

cant go wrong for a tenner ;)

[paddyboy15]

i know it all depends on the individual but if my policy is currently around £800, what would be the likely increase?

[Matty]

Ring a Toyota dealer and ask them to find a part, but only supply them with the registration number.

If its a UK spec model they should be able to pick up the chassis number from the reg, failing that it may be a parrallel import.

If its a Jap import its real obvious stuff like, badging, clocks etc like what has already been mentioned.

[paddyboy15]

Just done the car check...

it says its not recorded as being an import, but has been involved in a plate change.

What does that mean then???

[earpl]

erm............ dunno but it doesn't sound good...............

[paddyboy15]

that's what i thought. oh well, better to have spent a tenner that 4,500!

cheers people.

[earpl]

true mate true :)

[cmarshall]

Lucky escape

[R6TH M]

Just because its had a plate change doesnt make it bad!! The owner possibly wanted a different registration!!

Oh and it might be like a parallel import - no air con, no t sport spoiler and no rear t sport Badge or vvti Badge

[kimi]

i agree with R6TH M just because its had a plate change does not mean its bad,

most likely had private plates on it and the previous owner has kept the plates.

i used to do it on my old cars.

get it hpi'd it will tell you if its dodgy or not.

and will tell you when it was imported into uk if its an import.

seems a shame to throw the car out if its a good one.

[paddyboy15]

thanks again people.

bought a different T Sport in the end with my insurance money from a crash a few weeks ago. Will post some piccies up soon.