Japanese car imports

[Irish]

Hi fellas, I'm new to this whole game, and I am trying to do some research prior to launching an import attempt this October coming. Unfortunately my internet connection { a paltry dial-up} does not support easy research, and so I've decided to ask around with a view to getting my hands on some pertinent info, rather than spend ages browsing.

1.
From what I can see, it's up to me to browse the auctions list and find the motor that interests me. I then note the relevant details in the boxes beside the photos and then pass these onto the buyers [ie this site] via the auction/translation request box.

2. Before I do any of this, I have to lodge some ?650 or so {?500 Stg} to an account as a deposit. This is done via the details that the site admins have passed onto me.

IS THE ABOVE CORRECT? I hope so, because thats the impression I've formed thus far. It seems that the user has to browse diligently, find their motor, contact HBSC and make the deposit [or do so in advance] and then note the details adjacent to the pics, bang them off via an auction request and then sit tight. I'd be grateful if somebody could put me right if I'm wrong. Ta.

The other major issue i'd like cleared up is that of costs and price. Now, I'm aware that that the law of the country of import will dictate certain costs, eg VRT, VAT etc, and that it is up to me to cover these, and fine so.

However, it is the export end that concerns me for the minute. I understand that the following costs apply as follows:-

1. The price of the vehicle, payable in Yen or the Sterling Equivalent

2. FOB charges, which cover getting the vehicle from the auction to a place of safe holding, and then onto the ship.

3. Transportation costs- from Japan to port of destination.

Now! Where does Advans cost come in? Is it calculated as a percentage of the FOB, or is there a standing lump sum payable regardless of the engine size or vehicle cost?? I've seen mention of a ?400 charge, but is that not part of the FOB? Please put me straight on this, as it's not really worth importing if you're getting hit with costs you don't see coming.

That said, all I've seen since I got here is compliments and good news!

Regards,

Irish,

Dublin.

[bince]

hi there,
i have just thought of something interesting.
the price of the vehicle is in japanese yen
what exchange rate is the money calculated at
there are tourist rates & commercial rates
someone could be making a lot of money here.
makes you think!
k.

[masong]

Exactly, like B said waiting a day or 2 can save you personally hundreds so theres money to be had...

[msdunn]

on the flip side, waiting a day or 2 can lose you personally hundreds so theres money to be lost....


depends which way the exchange rate moves - if it were as easy to predict as that then we would all be currancy traders :D