Import a Supra Mk4

[dino07]

Has anyone imported a Supra Mk4 lately. What do I need to look out for.

How do I start the process and what do I need to do once I get it. Is there much converting to do?

Can you suggest the best places to import from?

Thanks

[supraflyguy]

I'm having one imported as I type this. the trick is to set a budget before you even start. In my case £10k. Thencheck out Augusts "Japanese performance" (back issues available from MMC Ltd on 01483 211 222) this issue has a buyers guide to the Mk IV supra and was mana from heaven when I was deciding what to go for. For insurance reasons I opted for the non Turbo SZ version. I approached a local Importer who have a buyer in Japan and am now waiting for the boat to come in! You need to be fairly specific about what you want interms of model, grade colour, etc but you will also need to be patient, as finding the right car can take some time (I started the ball rolling with mine in July, and i should get the car just before Xmas!) The dealer I chose is doing all the conversion work done as part of the deal. Basically all that needs to be done is... have a fog lamp fitted (Japcars don't have them fitted) it needs to be SVA'ed (Single Vehicle Approved), MOT'ed, de-restricted, the speedo needs to be recalibrated preferably mechanically to MPH, Speedo needs a new dial, and in almost all cases it needs a cat one alarm immobiler fitted for insurance. Te people I used are www.sportingcars.co.uk who are based in Sussex, stear clear of the bigger importers like auto terminal in Southampton as I found that the asking price for the car is the "tip of the iceberg" what started as a £10k car ended up at around £14.5k by the time all the "extras" were added on! hope this helps

[dino07]

Cheers for the information.

What age are you getting for 10k. I was also looking at spending about that much. Do they quote a full price and do they stick to it.

I would be greatful if you post once you have the car if you still reccommend this type of import and the actual importers.

Look forward to the reply.

Dino:)

[supraflyguy]

no worries mate, I got a couple of pics direct from japan there not that good but here you go. this is my '95 "m" Supra non turbo and drop dead gorgeous I think you'll agree, photos are a bit scratch cos i had to scan them from inkjet prints supplied by the importer thats why theres a fold across the middle of each print!!when I get it (about three weeks and counting) I will do a "EVO" magazine quality set and post some of them. for £10K you can get a good grade four non turbo version or a ropey turbo!

[carinaman]

Looks absolutely fabulous and good choice. Wish you the very best of luck!

[supraflyguy]

thanks, like i said its been a long wait ,but very much worth it

[dino07]

Dont look bad at at.

I really want the Turbo. Do you think for 10k it will be really bad or just a little worse than the non turbo.

I dont want a dog or a car for 10k.

[supraflyguy]

Dino mate whatcha got think about is the following...

you ain't gonna see the car in the flesh before you buy it so you have to be really specific on what standard of vehicle you want.

budget to what you can afford, its no good going for a turbo unless you can afford to run it, service,fuel, insurance, it all adds up. thats i went for a non turbo cos it is what I could afford, also the turbos performance is rocket ship but the nonturbo doesn't hang about and will see off most traffic light showdown wannabees. the non turbo is easiely gonna be quick enough for UK roads and you can always up chip it , breathier exhaust, air filters injectors etc to spice the beast up a bit.

is this your first Supra?

this is my first Supra, and as they are getting rare now the price on re-sale should hold so its my intention to go for a turbo in a couple of years.

i have gone this route for a couple of reasons, one my partner would not agree to the turbo! C'est la vie, and two, I'll have the best looking car in my street anyway. I don't plan on going abroad where the turbo would eat up the auto routes, really coming in to its own. Its down to personal choice, but as I said after a lot of research, with £10 k to spend this is where it worked out for me.

[dino09]

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[dino09]

Thanks for the advise. I'm still looking for a turbo but keeping the non turbo in reserve.

Prices are going up and down like mad at the moment 10k - 15k.

The insurance was only £700 on a turbo how much is the running cost of the non turbo compared with the turbo? Any idea.

I have re regestered as 09 as I some how lost the log in.

[jmhpaterson]

I am selling mine... £10k could bag it for you if that's what you're after...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...98207&category=