What should I look for at Japanese auctions?
#1
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What should I look for at Japanese auctions?
So I'm going to be importing a Series 7 Rx7 soon from japan. I'm working with Craig from Bonsai Rides. He has started to send me pictures of FDs up for auction in japan but I'm not really sure what to look for beyond the mileage and the grade.
Does anybody have any tips on how to pick a good auction car, or general tips about importing RHD Rx7s? Craig is saying that we will probably need to replace the ECU due to the lower octane gas here in Canada, is there anything else that I am going to have to do to get the car road worthy?
Thanks,
-Benjamin
Does anybody have any tips on how to pick a good auction car, or general tips about importing RHD Rx7s? Craig is saying that we will probably need to replace the ECU due to the lower octane gas here in Canada, is there anything else that I am going to have to do to get the car road worthy?
Thanks,
-Benjamin
#2
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You won't need to replace the ECU. I won't get into RON octane Vs. MON octane. You can google that or take my word that you'll be fine.
Look for a compression test unless you plan on replacing the engine regardless.
I imported a JDM car in 2010 fully knowing the engine was blown because I was having a core rebuilt and installed.
-Geoff
Look for a compression test unless you plan on replacing the engine regardless.
I imported a JDM car in 2010 fully knowing the engine was blown because I was having a core rebuilt and installed.
-Geoff
#3
Craig is actually my client, and the reason he suggested the ECU replacement is because the OEM one got fried soon after he had imported his last RX-7 ('96 or '97 RZ) and had put in a PowerFC. When he asked Mazdees regarding the issue, they said it was a common problem with them. Craig is an honest & great guy to deal with and you get exactly what he tells you you're getting. His stuff is top quality. I've helped him unload containers and such and I've yet to see a car in bad condition. Though I would assume had a customer wanted a fixer upper then that would be a different story, but you would be getting exactly what you asked for.
#4
There is no difference between a JDM and a USDM ECU, the gas is the same. If the car was tuned, thats another matter because you do not know what fuel it was tuned on.
Why don't you just buy a nice Canadian or American car so you don't have to deal with the RHD bullshit?
thewird
Why don't you just buy a nice Canadian or American car so you don't have to deal with the RHD bullshit?
thewird
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There is no difference between a JDM and a USDM ECU, the gas is the same. If the car was tuned, thats another matter because you do not know what fuel it was tuned on.
Why don't you just buy a nice Canadian or American car so you don't have to deal with the RHD bullshit?
thewird
Why don't you just buy a nice Canadian or American car so you don't have to deal with the RHD bullshit?
thewird
I definitely would have bought a canadian or american car if I could find a nice one. I'm looking for something near stock in good condition with only minor performance and reliability mods.
EDIT: By RHD bullshit you mean getting insurance right? I'm hoping that will be OK since I have a perfect driving record.
Last edited by freaknbigpanda; 02-27-13 at 04:07 PM.
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You won't need to replace the ECU. I won't get into RON octane Vs. MON octane. You can google that or take my word that you'll be fine.
Look for a compression test unless you plan on replacing the engine regardless.
I imported a JDM car in 2010 fully knowing the engine was blown because I was having a core rebuilt and installed.
-Geoff
Look for a compression test unless you plan on replacing the engine regardless.
I imported a JDM car in 2010 fully knowing the engine was blown because I was having a core rebuilt and installed.
-Geoff
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So Craig and I just purchased a 1996 type rb Bathurst in white. I've attached a pic, definitely going to get that front bumper replaced cause I don't like it but the car only has 70k km on it and seems to be in great condition so we will see how it goes!
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My permanent address is in ottawa, I've got a perfect driving record, and I've had my full g for 5 years no accidents. Do you really think nobody will write me a policy?
#12
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Your problem is not going to be you, your problem is going to be your car. Many (read: lots if not most) insurance companies have Filed Rules that state "No Right Hand Drive" cars. This means: under no circumstances whatsoever will we provide insurance for a vehicle that is right hand drive.
I never would have imported my car if I did not work in the insurance industry myself. And before you ask (because many have PM'd me) I will not help you get insurance on your RHD car. It's nothing personal and I'm more than happy to answer insurance-related questions on this forum, but I'm not mixing business with my hobbies.
I'm not saying you won't be able to insure it, I am saying it may take a lot of time and effort.
-Geoff
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if you have 10 years driving experience and a daily driver car silver wheels through lant will insure it. I was lucky i got my policy a few months before my company stopped insuring them, but they let me keep mine on the policy because i'd been with them for so long. I pay $260 a month for 2 rx7's and a beater car
#16
Anyway, classic car insurance is your only affordable option but you need special requirements that have been mentioned.
thewird
#18
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Your address and driving record will have nothing to do with it.
Your problem is not going to be you, your problem is going to be your car. Many (read: lots if not most) insurance companies have Filed Rules that state "No Right Hand Drive" cars. This means: under no circumstances whatsoever will we provide insurance for a vehicle that is right hand drive.
I never would have imported my car if I did not work in the insurance industry myself. And before you ask (because many have PM'd me) I will not help you get insurance on your RHD car. It's nothing personal and I'm more than happy to answer insurance-related questions on this forum, but I'm not mixing business with my hobbies.
I'm not saying you won't be able to insure it, I am saying it may take a lot of time and effort.
-Geoff
Your problem is not going to be you, your problem is going to be your car. Many (read: lots if not most) insurance companies have Filed Rules that state "No Right Hand Drive" cars. This means: under no circumstances whatsoever will we provide insurance for a vehicle that is right hand drive.
I never would have imported my car if I did not work in the insurance industry myself. And before you ask (because many have PM'd me) I will not help you get insurance on your RHD car. It's nothing personal and I'm more than happy to answer insurance-related questions on this forum, but I'm not mixing business with my hobbies.
I'm not saying you won't be able to insure it, I am saying it may take a lot of time and effort.
-Geoff
I had no issues whatsoever insuring my RHD FD with my insurance provider. They took the JDM VIN with no issues and insured it for the purchase price
I email them each fall to take full coverage off (and leave fire/theft) and each spring to put it back on
No problems at all
I end up paying under $500/year for coverage (in addition to my 2 other vehicles' policies)
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