Ello! From sask, contemplating rolling dice and importing

[Sexyman]

Long story short. I live in a tent while working 3 wks at a time, January is, I'm expecting a little cold, would be nice to move into a Delica asap. However I don't have enough to buy one that's already been imported. I've been reading as much as possible. Still have a lot to learn though. I was wondering if anyone has delt with this company for importing?

http://www.best-car-japan.com/details.php?ID=234

Also yet another question. This is what I want to do, fly to bc, insure it and drive it to sask to get all the stuff done here. How much of an issue is this?

I'm sure there will be a few more questions, plus possibility of looking at other vehicles or options. Thanks in advance. ;)

Ivan.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Welcome to Delica Canada, Ivan

I can't personally advise you on this issue but there are a number who can. There is also a wealth of knowledge in Purchasing & Importing.

Falco.

P.S.: I am moving this thread to Member Introductions.

[psilosin]

Importing your own is a simple enough procedure and is a lot of fun for the most part. Inspection can be very annoying...with the level of annoyance directly related to how rare rhd are where you live...see them all the time no issue, very rare get ready to hear a million stupid excuses from uninformed people why your vehicle will never be road legal etc etc.

Also do not think the vehicle price in Japan is anywhere close to what your final bill will be. Rememeber shipping, shipping insurance, money transfer bank charges, broker fees, wharf fees, import duties and fees, repairs, compliance parts, inspection fee etc etc. If you pick a good unit you should come out 1-2 grand cheaper than a dealer unit at the end of the day. If you get a pos needing many repairs you may end up spending more. Even minor issues/delays when picking up your vehicle from out of town can quickly add up (extra day or two hotel, meals, etc). Plan for the worst case scenario and tally everything up in a spreadsheet.

Don't gamble with what you cannot afford to lose. If money is so tight that you literally CAN'T buy from a dealer for a 1-2g price difference(as oppsoed to importing for the experience or simply trying to score a great deal) then you should think carefully before gambling with importing (or even buying a Delica at all).

IVOAC (http://www.ivoac.ca) is a great source for information on importing and regulations and is a good place to conecct with some good guys that can help with brokerage and money transfer etc etc.

[nxski]

If you as gambler and don't have a ton of money why not buy one of the many $5500 Delicashop available through craigslist? That's a much bigger savings than importing yourself and a lot less of a hassle.

[jessef]

From what you've said, I would advise against importing.

Few reasons.

Price - you are more likely to find a Delica cheaper locally
Remember that there are many costs associated when importing yourself as well as the 'unknown'

Unknowns
- condition of vehicle
- mechanical condition of vehicle
- damage during shipping
- final cost ready to insure

As for flying to BC and taking it back with you, again you are buying sight unseen which is always a risk on your part.

Money is usually what sets the buying condition so determine whether or not you can afford to risk some or all of it.

My recommendation would be to buy one locally. If you can't afford one, opt for an alternative like an Astro or Safari van. Cheap, reliable and capable.

[thedjjack]

I agree here are the options:

1) by domestic Safari/Astro or Ford Areostar (can get for ~under 2000 easy)

2) buy one that has already been imported so you can see what you are getting ~5,000 + add some work ~2,000 to bring the maintenance up import into Sask.

3) buy a 4x4 pickup and camper.

Love my Delica but if money is limited it is not the best option always

[Sexyman]

Wow, so this van should end up being approx 9k at the end of the adventure? That doesn't seem like such a great deal. Still... Less than 70k...

I have a few requirements for van, essentially needs to be 4x4 and run diesel as free diesel at work. Can't buy truck because it would need to be long box(I'm 6.5ft and short won't cut it, plus work hard enough that I need a good nights sleep) and dont't want to build a box to live in etc. The only other option is a suburban diesel which at 7k price range the kms
Are incredibly high 350k+

Crags list... Could be a possibility. Thanks for the suggestion. Will look into it. ;)

More reading it seems. ;)

Thanks all

[jessef]

the mileage on L300's are meaningless. you will find amazing condition/excellent running one's at 250,000+km's compared to absolute crap under 80k and everything in between.

the single question is what is your budget. that will dictate whether or not this vehicle is one you can or cannot afford.

also keep in mind that the money does not end when you buy it. many many owners dump in thousands after the original purchase in regular maintenance costs.

[nxski]

A 4x4 diesel can leaves you looking at imports which will all cost you at least 9k. If you get free diesel that sounds line a no brainer. Also beware of low mileage, it doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a vehicle that will last longer.

[Sexyman]

Geez. Looking at craigslist, seems more expensive than kijiji. Anyways I guess keep an eye out and got another month in the tent. :(

[jessef]

one more thing. If you intend to have this new-to-you delica in extremely cold temps (-20 +), then you will have to put in some good cash to have it properly winterized.

mandatory :
0w40 synthetic oil
either brand new or re-cored radiator
new thermostat/waterpump/hoses
perfectly functioning glowplugs
possible - injection pump main seal replacement

optional/recommended:
fresh batteries/battery blanket
oil pan heater/block heater

These things above ensure that you don't end up with a delica-brick in below 20/30 that will not start and leave you stranded.


With regards to the link you posted, (I have not hear of that company so I would not use them, plain and simple. People have been importing JDM vehicles for the last 6 years with many companies. I would only recommend a company that has a track record with locals who have used them).

JPN Yen exchange rate to CDN : 0.013760

269,000 JPY - $3,700 CDN
2,100 USD - $2,230 CDN

Customs -
$225 - 6.1% duty
$185 - 5% PST
$100 - A/C fee
$50 - Soil inspection

Port -
$100 - port fee
$35 - temp insurance for a day
$120 - full tank of diesel / coolant

Total : $6,750 ready to drive home to begin the OOP (out of province) compliance

Compliance and mechanical to pass OOP :

$850 - E-code LHD headlights
$10 - reflectors

prices vary (average)

$500 - Tires -
$100 up to 900 - suspension
$100 up to 1,200 - brakes
$100 up to 1,200 engine (oil/fuel/etc..)

OOP inspection - $100-150

The prices I quote above are typical, not the exception.

As you can see, the Delica you linked to originally will realistically be close to $10-11,000 once you are done everything, ready to insure.

Maybe, you 'may' be able to save 1 or 2 grand, but is it worth the risk of $10,000+ or would you just buy locally. Most people who say buy locally unless there is nothing here that is specific to what you want. In that case, you look for the one you want (color, model,etc...) in Japan.

Now this is providing everything goes smoothly. If you have serious mechanical/body issues, then you will have to spend more money.

[nxski]

http://www.delica.ca/trader/

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/searc ... axAsk=9000

I'm seeing a few good looking deals at the moment. Keep your eyes peeled and you shall find. Don't push your budget too close though. If you have to take out a loan or don't have enough for possible repairs you may find yourself in s*** creek without a paddle. I've been barely scraping by for the last year (granted I did a lot of mods but there was also quite a bit of maintenance since I bought mine for 4G).

Happy Hunting

[Super Exceeded]

I have a buyer in JApan who (for a fee of course) can inspect the vehicle for you. If you haven't bought yet drop me a line 604 501 2488. I imported mine myself and had no issues at all.

[Firesong]

How much are you wanting to spend on a Delica?
Year, Model, auto/manual?

FS