Japanese car imports

[roast]

I'm thinkin of buying a Jap supercar as my mates have recently bought RX7's and Skylines. I'm thinkin more along the lines of the Supra or 300Zx as both offer like perfomance, although personally I think the Supra has the looks to beat them all.
Thing is the 300ZX appears to offer better value, so I'm in 2 minds.
I haven't driven either yet and wanted to hear from anyone who has. Or your views on either one - good points and bad.
I will be lookin to mod it with some new kit so any views on this will be helpful.
Cheers, Roast.

[Tez]

300zx is cheaper than the Supra.

I personally drive a Supra and it is excellent in every way - very reliable vehicles. Not a single problem yet. I use mine as a daily driver.

I think the shape of the Supra is timeless whereas the rear of the 300ZX is looking a little dated I think (rear lights).

Having said that there are some excellent conversion kits for the 300ZX to change the look of the rear end. There are a huge range of kits for both vehicles.

They are both the same sort of drive as they are similar in weight ? both being very front heavy.

Have you considered an EVO?

[roast]

Thanks for your input. I have thought about Evo and Scooby and whilst I appreciate their performance and handling levels i just dont think they've got the looks appeal that i want.

I've read quite a few reports on the supra and have been warned to make sure the turbos have been replaced if over 60K. Is this really necessary or does it depend on the condition of them. Have you had any trouble?

I'm really tempted to import but the sensible bloke inside my head is telling me to buy a uk spec car with fsh.

Cheers
Roast.

[Tez]

Regarding the Turbo's there is never a set limit when they should be changed (with the exception of rotary engines e.g. rx7, rx8).

Turbo's only kick in after a certain RPM. The driver will determine how often this is reached and to what extent.

If you are after performance then you may want to consider a vehicle with upgraded turbo's, in which case the turbo's will have been changed anyway.

In Japan, there is very little chance for people to 'race' their vehicles in Japan. Speed cameras are everywhere and are far more advanced than in the UK.

Few vehicles would have been 'raced' as such. You can tell the vehicles which have been raced due to very bad bodywork and interior condition.

Even the vehicles with full bodykit and basic mods such as exhaust are likely to have been for 'show'.

Another factor is the mileage. In Japan there are many vehicles with very low mileage.

Mine has done 80,000 miles now on standard turbo's. Never had a problem and the kick you get which the set in is as strong as when I first got it.

Hope this helps.

[roast]

cheers for that info. I'll bear that in mind.

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go for a supra over the 300zx.

I know you take a risk when buying an import but I think I will feel more bonded with the car if I import it rather than just roll up at a dealer who has done exactly the same thing and is asking for a 20%+ mark up.

I'm getting the funds together next month so I guess I'll just keep lookin at whats on offer and take the plunge when it feels right.

Roast

[Tez]

Decent supra in buy it now section atm

http://www.japaneseauctions.co.uk/supra1993-129000km-price-510000-p-150823.html

Won't stay there for long tho...

If you miss it there will be plenty more - stock changes every day.