2019 Jazz EX - Import Vehicle

[langserve]

Yes! I thought about one of those. A lot of companies use them for company cars so there are a reasonable number around. In the end I decided I didn't really need it though.

[springswood]

Japan does sound like an extraordinary country. I had a friend whose daughter lived there. She loved it, even though her workplace (and colleagues) thought it was taking a liberty to take a whole week's holiday to go back to the UK for her brother's wedding.

I can't imagine the reaction would be positive here if you offered someone a Jazz as their company car. Though I'd be with the Japanese on that one.

Regarding the Shuttle I'm even more tempted now I've found it has better soundproofing than the hatchback. The main worry is parts and servicing. For instance I see there is also a hybrid shuttle version of the Mk3 with better power and economy. Unfortunately it has a dual clutch automatic transmission. I don't know yet if that is used on any UK cars, but if not there's a risk of my pride and joy becoming a very large paperweight.

[Kremmen]

I mentioned Japan imports to a knowledgeable friend and the first thing he said was - yes, their MOT does create an export market but ..... if you buy one get it undersealed because Japan home vehicles have none.

I haven't checked

[culzean]

I mentioned Jap imports to a knowledgeable friend and the first thing he said was - yes, their MOT does create an export market but ..... if you buy one get it undersealed because Japan home vehicles have none.

I haven't checked

The first Jap cars in UK used to be prone to rust because no salt used on Japanese roads, so maybe cars destined for Jap market won't need underseal.  The first Jap tyres in UK used to be made of nylon ( I had some on a motorbike, they were bad enough in the dry, absolutely lethal in the wet ) because Jap road surface is like shellgrip,  they are gradually reducing the height of mount Fuji to get the volcanic stone to pound up and surface their roads.

[embee]

Indeed.
 My kei car (Cappuccino) has no underbody protection other than just the regular paint. It is an official import but it was done as a limited homologation run of just over 1100 cars and they didn't change the body protection away from Japanese domestic practice, just a few minor bits for lighting regs etc. in order to make it UK legal. They rust badly (or well if you prefer) if used throughout the year, most have died of tin-worm by now.

Pretty sure the grey-import MX5 Eunos/Miata models were the same.

Avoid.

[langserve]

I mentioned Jap imports to a knowledgeable friend and the first thing he said was - yes, their MOT does create an export market but ..... if you buy one get it undersealed because Japan home vehicles have none.

I haven't checked

It's really not the severity or cost of the MOT or shaken as it's called. The cars that are sent to auction and end up in the UK would all pass the shaken and it is not time consuming or expensive. People have just been persuaded it is not middle class and  it is asking for expensive repairs to run a car past about 50,000 km or about 5 years. A lot of us know better but a lot don't. Or maybe people just like having a nice new car. The end result is many more used cars than the market can handle so the vast majority go off to auction and export.

[springswood]

I was sort of aware of that because the same is true for pianos. Our kid got one from an importer who brings them in by the container load. They seemed in perfect condition to me but custom dictates you have new.

On rust, that explains why the specialist importer in York I looked at recommends getting a car waxoyled as soon as it comes off the ship.

[richardfrost]

I have noticed a lot of use of the word Jap to refer to the Japanese. I always thought that term was meant to be offensive and it certainly was during and after WWII. I have done some googling and I believe in most cases it is still considered to be an insult. Whereas we Brits might consider it a simple abbreviation of Japanese, I don't think a lot of Japanese people see it that way.

Just saying. Do with this information as you will.

[langserve]

Thank you Richard. I held back from commenting hoping someone less intimate with Japan than I am would say it. I sympathise with people who say oh it is just like Brit because in one way it is. However, unlike Brit, it does have very negative connotations and unhappy associations so it does cause hurt. I never ever use it and wish others didn't.

It is not really political correctness but just good manners and common decency not to use it.

[Kremmen]

I wasn't aware and have modified my post.

[guest4871]

I, personally, very strongly object to the term Brits. I find it deeply offensive.

We don't call Germans Germs.

[langserve]

I wasn't aware and have modified my post.

Good man! Thank you.

[Westy36]

Didn't realise that the abbreviation of Japanese was seen as offensive. Good to know and thanks.

Funny you mention the 50k figure. In the UK, it is still a mental barrier of 100k miles. Most people consider over 100k to be high mileage and the car on its last legs. Honestly, if a car has been serviced and driven with care, the mileage is just a number. I've driven several of cars with +250,000 miles and they still work just fine. Indeed I remember driving a Renault 21 1.7 petrol with 260k, and it was still a delight to drive.

The highest mileage motors I've personaly owned are my Mk1 Octi that I took to 160k miles, and my Ford Transit that I sold at 183k miles. Both motors were still in fine fettle. Our Jazz with just 96k, still feels fresh and up for the next 100k !!