Is importing right for you and your needs? Whether you're after braggin' rights or bargain deals, asking yourself the important questions when buying or importing a JDM vehicle makes all the difference.
For your average Canadian, car purchases are huge investment in time and money. It's not a step we take lightly in this economy. But many Canadians simply need a vehicle as a way of life when public transit isn't viable. Essentially, you're faced with 2 options currently.
Option #1 - Buying a new car.
Any vehicle, in today's economy is a daunting experience to say the least. You will be very lucky if you could find a brand new compact car for anything less than $25,000 plus tax, not to mention rates of interest. The 2023 Mazda3 starts at $21,900 for a GX sedan and goes up to $37,400 for the Mazda3 Sport GT Turbo. The 2023 Toyota Corolla starts at $22,960 for the base model. The 2023 Honda Civic in LX sedan trim starts at $26,835 and goes up to $37,130 for the Sport Touring hatchback. (Autotrader.ca). And also, while wait times have gotten much better, customers could still be waiting between 2 months to a over year as factories struggle with supply chain issues and backlogs!
Option #2 - Used cars in the domestic market.
Used cars are not much better. Sure, they're here now and ready to drive off the lot, but are they worth it? According to CBC in October 2022, prices for used cars increased 25% over 17months straight compared to previous years (CBC - Cost of living). And many used cars are selling for more than their original asking price or value: cars that have been through 20,000+ km's of salt and rust from Canadian winters. Clearly, these vehicles are overvalued and prices remain high due to supply chain issues and demand.
Given those choices, is importing a reasonable option for you?
Option #3? - importing a used car from Japan
But what about this JDM option: importing a used car from Japan. There are tens of thousands of used cars in Japan with generally low kilometers and comparably less wear-and-tear, sitting at auction, waiting to be purchased for incredibly reasonable prices. They could be yours if you as a consumer are willing to do the time, research and paperwork to get them.
But that's the thing, isn't it? You can imagine how nerve-wracking it would be dropping between $5,000 and $55,000 and wait 4'ish months to ship a car , sight unseen, from a country halfway across the world, and then deal with Canadian customs clearance. Honestly, that's why most people don't take the plunge. But they are missing out on an incredible opportunity to potentially save some money. And you can do it:
if you know what you want
do your research
and take the time to purchase wisely
Defining your Purpose:
I want one for ____. I want one that ____.
The first response of everyone reading this column will probably be Nissan Skyline R34. That is the enthusiast’s response. It is entirely understandable, and maybe a knee-jerk reaction in the worst possible way. sure, you want an r34. Everyone does. Why do you want it?
These 2 questions ultimately ask What is the purpose of your vehicle and what are your specs/limits. For a more detailed analysis of these questions and some live numbers form 2024, check out our follow up article!
Going through this process of elimination even before you start doing research gives you a clearer idea of what you want to look at even before you have a model in mind.
low cost, low k's, low rust, family vehicle for 4+ and a dog? Honda Odyessy
NB: there are some models of Odyessy in Japan which do not exist in North America. So replacing body panels could be a problem
high k's, drift car, fixer-upper with 4 doors? Toyota Chaser
Think what would happen if Dad's sedan came with a 1JZ from a Supra under the hood. Also, all drift cars are by definition fixer-uppers XD.
low-mid budget summer drive, drop top, low maintenance? Honda S2000 or a Nissan 350
Some come with ... um... minor modifications ;)
If you think about it, many of these are questions you would ask when choosing a car in North America. This makes them doubly important when you're choosing a JDM vehicle. But rather than getting wrapped up in the mystique of a foreign imported vehicle, have this little conversation with yourself. It will help you take off those rose colored glasses and a much better perspective on what you realistically want before you dip your toes in that oversea’s waters.
If you don't believe me, believe CBC
And if you think this is just some guy running a website trying to sell you a service, you're wrong. First, I don't offer services ( at least not yet). I just offer education. Second, it's not just me. CBC’s podcast, The Cost of Living, has covered this growing phenomenon.
"How the hot used car market is pushing some Canadians to shop overseas" -The Cost of Living, CBC
Put shortly, people can't afford the crappy used cars in our economy. Canadians deserve better for the cash that we have. JDM importing, if you're willing to go through the time and the effort, could represent very reasonable alternatives to Canadian purchases.
I've run both sides of things; I've imported an Toyota Crown Hybrid as my daily drive, and an Rx7 as my summer/display car.
If you're dreaming JDM dreams, or you yourself have imported, share your comments below! We'd love to hear, discuss and advise on your purchases so fellow Canadians hear the real deal from real stories.
~DREAM
Comments