Any decent importers

[benson]

Hi,

Used to own a n/a mr2 years ago and always wanted a turbo but couldnt due to a longish commute to work. Finally the commute is no more so I'm looking at a mr2 turbo again as a weekend car.

I've been out of the mr2 scene for a good number of years now, save the occasional browse on here at the for sale section. I knew the reputable importers from back then although I presume things have moved on a bit (newera dont seem to stock mr2s any more).

Are there any importers down south that anyone can recommend at all? Would people recommend this route? I bought a FTO via an importer back in 2005 and it was absolutely spotless so I quite like the idea of it as long as I wouldnt be paying massively over the odds. I'd be looking for a tidy rev 3.

Cheers

[ashley]

Give Jurgen a call mate:

http://www.jm-imports.co.uk/

[benson]

yeah he's the chap thats cropped up on a number of jap car forums. Bit of a trek from Portsmouth though. Is there anyone a bit closer? If he's the best guy to go to then no major problems..I'd rather travel a bit to get the right car.

[cosmos]

Got my MR2 at car-imports-direct in Bristol could'nt fault them.

[Charged]

Why import when you can buy good and much cheaper examples in the UK?

[benson]

I m not necessarily looking to import if its not a cost effective option. Again I think things have moved on somewhat from when I last went down this route due to the exchange rate. However I think the good ones being sold privately that match what I m after aren't that plentiful so I thought it might be easier in this respect

To be honest, I have no idea what kind of money I d be looking at for a reasonably standard rev3 via an importer

[tubby_tony]

£8595 for a rev4

http://www.neweraimports.com/stock.jsp

[Charged]

Personally I'd start the search with a wanted advert (in the wanted section) stating what exactly you are looking for.

[bobski]

I would say Jurgen is your best bet he can advise you and import a car for you that suits your budget etc

[craig]

Why import when you can buy good and much cheaper examples in the UK?

This^

I've had an MR2 imported previously, and would never do it again.

[ashley]

I had one imported and would totally do it again if I couldn't find the one I wanted in the UK...

[benson]

Why import when you can buy good and much cheaper examples in the UK?

This^

I've had an MR2 imported previously, and would never do it again.

Can I ask why? I ve had a chat with torque gt who seem to have a good reputation on other forums. They ve given me a price guide of around 4k for a 95 rev3 in the 80 000 mile region. To be honest I ve been keeping an eye on the classified s for ages and there hasn't really been anything that I ve liked. They re either too modified for my tastes, mileage is too high etc

[craig]

I had one imported and would totally do it again if I couldn't find the one I wanted in the UK...

Suppose it depends on how the car arrives in the UK...

Summary of my experience:

-Waited months for the car
-Dented drivers door (required new door - not told about this)
-Both front wings dented ( Happened off loading car in UK)
-Stereo stolen
-Told car was standard 3E5 red, it wasn't and painter couldn't match paint so required a full respray. I had to source a new door and 2 wings.

So, no I wouldn't import a car again. Much easy to buy one already in the UK.

[craig]

Why import when you can buy good and much cheaper examples in the UK?

This^

I've had an MR2 imported previously, and would never do it again.

Can I ask why? I ve had a chat with torque gt who seem to have a good reputation on other forums. They ve given me a price guide of around 4k for a 95 rev3 in the 80 000 mile region. To be honest I ve been keeping an eye on the classified s for ages and there hasn't really been anything that I ve liked. They re either too modified for my tastes, mileage is too high etc

as above reply mate.

[ashley]

Yep- fair point, who imported the car for you? I've seen a good few of the cars Jurgen has brought in and they've always seemed pretty spot on...but I do agree you are taking more of a risk as you can't physically inspect the car yourself first.

[craig]

Yep- fair point, who imported the car for you? I've seen a good few of the cars Jurgen has brought in and they've always seemed pretty spot on...but I do agree you are taking more of a risk as you can't physically inspect the car yourself first.

Topspec Imports mate.

Agree, you wouldn't buy a car in the UK just from photos would you?

[bobski]

Just keep watching Pistonheads etc for bargains in the uk as mentioned there are lots of nice exmples cheap enough.

[ashley]

The main issue is rust- unless you find a car that has been cherished since it's been in the UK, it is hard to find one that the winter salt on our roads hasn't attacked the underside of...with fresh imports this isn't an issue.

I agree you are taking a risk, which is why you need to trust the company importing for you- and I'd happily trust Jurgens guys to find a decent one for me...but you will have to pay a bit more for it!

[craig]

The main issue is rust- unless you find a car that has been cherished since it's been in the UK, it is hard to find one that the winter salt on our roads hasn't attacked the underside of...with fresh imports this isn't an issue.

I agree you are taking a risk, which is why you need to trust the company importing for you- and I'd happily trust Jurgens guys to find a decent one for me...but you will have to pay a bit more for it!

Yeah, not tarring all importers with the same brush, but stating the experience I had. The one good thing about importers like you say, there will be no rust, due to no salt used on the roads.

If buying from the UK, I'd want a reasonably fresh import.