Japanese car imports

romeo42822 · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:27 pm Post subject:

Hey All,

Sorry I have been carried away with other business matters, and neglected my duty on this thread. I can only appologise for this although I am NOW back on the ball.

Just to update anyone who reads the thread ??, well you never know ? !.

I have not Heard from the shipping company after e-mailing them a few days ago (Barratt Shipping) so I e-mailed Japaneseautions and they assure me my FTO is in hand and ALL is well.

I don't have any shipping details as I have not heard from Barratt Shipping. However after saying this the e-mail from japaneseauctions today tells me that its a busy time to import a car (original e-mail below).

I have noted a few things about my purchase (nothing too major) that I shall add after I recieve the car (pics for anynone who is interested) I am not going into detail on the open forum JUST yet, but you can be assured I will when I have the car in my hands. Those of you who that cant wait should PM me!!.

You will be able to see that we are not payng a fortune for the car, but this is a test buy. We have our sites on another model car for more money, but thought it would be prudent to start on a cheapy.

This is the update for now.

Rgds

B

[b]ORIGINAL E-MAIL[/b] :-

Dear B,

Thank you for your email about your FTO.

Please note that everything is in hand. The shipping agent is only awaiting confirmation from Japan regarding space availability on the vessel.

They will notify you upon receiving confirmations.

The shipping lines are busy in Japan at the moment, therefore, can only ship and confirm vehicle, when there is available space.

Thank you,

Kind Regards,
Raymond Wu
Sales@autoadvan.co.uk
Autoadvan
http://www.autoadvan.co.uk

romeo42822 · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:25 pm Post subject:

Hey All,

Honestly this is nothing to do with the car but the guys at www.wickedwelcomes.co.uk (people who host my pics inc the avatar) have just given me the stats on my thread.

[b]WOW[/b] -

It would appear that my posts are more popular than I thought. I only get limited stats (at request) from the site that hosts my pics / avatar. Hey they are friends so I dont ask too much ! - I know they are busy!. I only asked for this info after I got a PM about the amount of people watching my thread. I did not realise the extent of interest in my FTO auction.

I am not going to give the exact figures, as I dont know enough about it.

Anyway I just had to let you all know, as I was very suprised to say the least.

Best Wishes

Ben

romeo42822 · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:58 pm Post subject:

[b]** UPDATE **[/b]

Hey just thought I should let you all know that I recieved this e-mail (below) today with regards to my FTO. I have as usual removed a few details for privacy, but apart from that its as sent.

I must admit I was begining to get a little concerned as I had not heard anyting about a arrival time, but this has put ones mind to rest.

I have recieved more pics from Autoadvan, so I shall post them on here next week. Its only a couple One of the Engine, and the Other details the minor Damage (not listed on the translation I might add). All will become clear next week, when I post the pics.

Anyway thats the update for today, and I shall of course keep you informed as and when I hear anything else. Hope fully the next time I post (apart from the pic update) the car will be here.

Cheers B

[b]NOTICE OF ARRIVAL[/b]

Dear B

Vessel Name :- [b]Asian Parade[/b]

Goods :- DE3A 000XXXX ? [b]MITSUBISHI FTO[/b]

Consignor: - [b]AutoAdvan[/b]

We are pleased to advise that the above-mentioned cargo is due to arrive in the UK as follows: -

E.T.A (arrival): - [b]07/08/05[/b]

Port/Airport : - [b]Southampton[/b]

Clearance Point: - [b]Southampton docks[/b]

In order for us to process Customs Clearance, please forward the following documents by return: -

[b]COPY OF A UTILITY BILL CONFIRMING NAME AND ADDRESS FOR CUSTOMS PURPOSES. PLEASE CONFIRM IF YOU HAVE A VAT NUMBER AND PLEASE ADVISE WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE THE CAR TO COME IN UNDER THE VAT NUMBER OR PRIVATELY. PLEASE COULD YOU CONFIRM YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS.[/b]

Please note that goods can incur demurrage charges against late Customs Clearances, which will be for the account of the consignee.

We look forward to receiving your documents by return: -

In the meantime we remain,

Yours faithfully,

B.S.L.

(As agents only)

romeo42822 · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:21 pm Post subject:

ANOTHER UPDATE FROM TODAY CAN BE FOUND ABOVE ^^^^

[b]** UPDATE **[/b]

I have recieved a PM (personal message), with some interesting points noted from a concerned japaneseautions invividual. I am not going to mention names as this would be unfair, and un-professional.

The person in question had noted (in a round about way), that NO front bumper damage to my car was stated or noted on the original auction report. You can see the auction report on previous messages via this thread, you will be able to see when MY FTO entered the aution house nothing was stated on the report, and they have to be on the ball in this country because of the rules and regulations.

Since this time I have recieved more pics that shows damage which would [b]suggest[/b] it happened between the aution hall and the port in question (pics 2 follow next week - cant wait ? then PM me and I shall e-mail you the pics, but drop me your e-mail address too ! - I cant send them wihtout an e-mail).

You may of noticed that I did pay for extra transport charges, and I hope this did cover some sort DAMAGE in TRANSIT insurance ??? (if it did'nt then I shall let you know).

I have sent an e-mail to Autoadvan with regards to this matter, and when I recieve a reply it will be posted along with my original e-mail.

I am not making waves, but the point of this thread is to help, and assist others who are considering buying from abroad.

Please feel, and send me a PM if you would like to know any details I have not covered as I am always happy to help !.

Cheers

B

granty · Guest 0.0 Cash Points

if you look at the first post ing and pictures of the car dated Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 5:09 pm you can clearly see that there is no damage to the front right hand side of the skirt ( i have blown the picture up )but the pictures you posted Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:52 pm you can see the damage this has been caused by the handlers in the garage or car park or ? the fault lies with the company looking after your car in storage the proof is there in the photo`s they have sent you [u]some idiot parking your car [/u]

romeo42822 · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:46 pm Post subject:

HI Granty,

I am waiting a reply from Japaneseautions / autoadvan before I take matters further (its never about the cost but the principal).

The pictures you see are as they have been recieved in my inbox, so I am looking forward to a reply from Autoadvan / Japaneseauctions.

Best Wishes

B

msdunn · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:21 pm Post subject:

yes, the car you bought didn't have spoiler damage.
if it had i would have expected the original photo to have been at the near side diagonal.

[img]http://www.secure4u.co.uk/car1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.secure4u.co.uk/FTO1.JPG[/img]

granty · Guest 0.0 Cash Points

dnt know about you but that photo at top looks like its been air brushed in by paint shop pro or sme over paint programme just looks diff colour to me...

Fletch · Guest 0.0 Cash Points

Hi B,
Great that you have taken the time to do a step by step guide.
I am thinking of buying a toyota Lucida G spec, but I don't have a clue how to start or what to do if I should win. It seems very complicated, so I shall be watching with great interest to see how your deal progresses.
Regards Fletch

Guest · 0.0 Cash Points

[b]** UPDATE **[/b]

Hi All !,

Regarding the damage to my FTO, and my responce from Autoadvan / Japanese Auctions (including the original e-mail) is as follows :-

[b]MY E-MAIL[/b] :-

[i]From: B
Sent: 24 June 2005 16:09
To: sales
Subject: [SPAM] Urgent

Dear Autoadvan,

I have been looking through all the available information about my car purchase, and i am very concerned.

I can see from the auction report and initial pictures that NO damage was noted on the front of the car (when it entered auction). HOWEVER between the auction,and arrival at the port the front bumper has been damaged. How did this happen ?? - who is at fault ?.

It was NOT damaged at the auction hall as nothing was placed on the aution sheet (I can see they NEVER miss anyting on these reoprts !). So please would you be kind enough to expalin when the Damage occured. I would like to know when and why this has happened.........

If there was a problem in transit then I should of been informed as I paid addition transport costs (which must of included EXTRA transport insurance ??), and should the company YOU use not be reliable and damage cars that have been bought by your customers then perhaps a CHANGE in transport company may be required.

I look forward to your reply.

Best Wishes

B[/i]

[b]ADVAN / JAPANESE AUCTION RESPONCE [/b]:-

[i]Dear B,

We will contact the parties involved to get an answer on what happened.

The auction photo of the front bumper and the photo at shipping yard shows a crack has occurred during the process.

As your agents we will chase this matter up for you.

Please be assured we will contact you shortly regarding this once we have had a reply.

Regards

Customer Support

Autoadvan[/i]

You can be assured that I shall keep you all in the loop as I hear more.

Best Wishes

Ben

Guest · 0.0 Cash Points

Hi Fletch !,

If I can be any help at all then please feel free to PM (private message) me, and I can answer any questions you may have that I have come accross so far !.

Best Wishes

Ben

romeo42822 · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:20 pm Post subject:

** PICTURE UPDATE **

Hi All !,

As promised last week, these are the pictures I spoke about. Top One is the Engine (obviously), and the other relates to the damage caused (see earlier posts for details)...

[img]http://www.secure4u.co.uk/FTO12.JPG[/img]
[img]http://www.secure4u.co.uk/FTO11.JPG[/img]

Cheers

Ben

masong · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:05 pm Post subject:

Ouch. i dont hold much hope unless there is someone with a very guilty conscience ready to confess... Its a shame as the driver probably had no respect for the car, otherwise it wouldnt have been left like that.

romeo42822 · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:46 am Post subject:

Hi masong,

Well I am hoping that Japaneseauctions will deal with this issue in the most appropriate way ??!!.

I am sure they could loose face, and customers if people think they use a transport company that dont give a s*it about customer cars bought at auction.

My solicitors in London have a branch in Japan (how lucky is that !), and as a prudent measure I have spoken to them. Of course I cant go into detail at this stage. Its [b]not about the cost[/b] of repair or the inconvience but about the principle !!.

This type of thing happened to me before (similar situation), however I am like a dog with a bone and wont let go until its resolved. It does NOT matter about the cost it's all about the principle.

You can be assured I shall see it through to the end, no matter what the cost or the outcome.

I shall keep everyone [b]updated[/b] on here as usual !
Rgds

Ben

romeo42822 · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:58 am Post subject:

granty,

I would agree with you about the picture as a mate works for a organisation that checks images for validity. I sent him the original picture and the others taken by Japaneseautions, and he agrees with your comments.

The pix / airbrush can be noted by looking at the tyres his initial observation (which are destorted in the original pic - obvious for someone who does this type of thing everyday) - aparently this is a give away ! (I am only quoting him).

We shall see what happens, you can look forward to my update on here.

Rgds

Ben

msdunn · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 7:05 pm Post subject:

not sure if i agree with granty about the airbrushing.

if it had been done before

1 - it would have been noted on the auction report,
2 - they would have taken a photo from a different angle, the other corner to save having to airbrush it
3 - from the close up no-one has even tried to make it look more acceptable, it could have been jigged around, loose bits cut off, and even touched up with paint on the white bits. but it has just been left as is.

thats the trouble when it passes through different hands. i got a pajero which i know for a fact left japan with a cd player, but when i collected it it had a radio cassette. i tried to take it further but got no-where.

romeo42822 · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject:

Hi msdunn,

Where did you get your pajero from ? was it Japan Partner ?,as we bought our delica through them.

We were informed than on some occasions that the audio system does go "missing".

Like you the CD system did go astray, but someone told me that you cant use UK CD's in them anyway. I cant be sure its true as it was just a comment that someone told me. I never bothered to look into it or verify the accuracy of the information. There did not seem any point as the system went astray.

Cheers

Ben

romeo42822 · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:03 pm Post subject:

[b]** UPDATE **[/b]

Well its been a week now and I have heard [b]nothing[/b] from Japaneseauctions or Autoadvan with regards to the Damage to my FTO.

I did not want anyone to think I had been ignoring my responsibility to this forum so thought a small update was in order.

I have e-mailed Autoadvan and Japaneseauctions AGAIN today, and await a reply (as usual).

If anyone is buying from auction then you might want to check if any transport fees COVER [b]DAMAGE[/b] insurance !. If your transport fees do not cover DAMAGE then THINK very carefully before you buy a car at auction.

You have guessed that I am not a happy person, and looking forward to a reply from Autoadvan or Japaneseauctions !.

Cheers

Ben

msdunn · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:27 pm Post subject:

no i get mine direct from an agent who bids at auction for them.
i have bought many off him and he is 100% - thats why i know the cd was there when it left japan (otherwise he wouldn't have told me it had one in!)

i am looking at this site to consider newer vehicles.
i have only done 10 year olds so far, i get them cheaper, but newer ones may work out cheaper here if the sva is heavily discounted.

ps - radio's don't work - above radio2 - a cd is a cd.

keep us posted with the spoiler mate

Terence · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 4:04 am Post subject:

I have sent an email to Japan however not had a reply about it.

Will have this chased up for you and find the source of the problem.

On vehicles with low bodykits scraping can happen.

We have had to take spoilers off vehicles before shipment once it gets to us as some vessels have ramps so steep.

Don't have a clue why they are designed like that...

When the vehicle was delivered there was already a crack.

You will hear from us within the next few days.