Thread: Add high range / low range

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

You ignore the fact they don’t keep cars more than ten years so long term life isn’t a consideration for them.

Why The Japanese Don't Keep Their Cars For Long - Bloomberg

That article that you linked to is 22 years old. I know plenty of people in Japan who keep their cars for longer than the shaken. I also know plenty of people in Japan driving second-hand cars. And given that I have a 1986 Suzuki Alto running around the farm that's got over 250,000 kms on it, and there's an old Camry there too with about the same kms, I'd suggest that they do last well longer than 10 years.

I'm not aware of any rust problem with Japanese cars sold in Australia.

I'm also not aware of any rust issue in Japan.

Given that the rustproofing takes place when panels are galvanised I doubt that there's one process for cars to be sold in Japan and another for export models, but let me know if you have any evidence of that.

Rust from JDM imports is a big concern for those in the performance vehicle scene. Especially some of the older vehicles. Have a look at places like the YouTube channel Mighty Car Mods, most specifically recently their MR2 build or some of their K car stuff.

I'm not sure a Hilux, as a designed off-road vehicle, is a good yardstick for rust in Japan.

I've seen a number of rusty (some minor, some crazy) JDM imports. I got lucky on my own import when I was younger, but I also spent a lot of time searching for the right vehicle. Friends weren't so lucky in many cases.

Originally Posted by libertyts

Rust from JDM imports is a big concern for those in the performance vehicle scene. Especially some of the older vehicles. Have a look at places like the YouTube channel Mighty Car Mods, most specifically recently their MR2 build or some of their K car stuff.

I'm not sure a Hilux, as a designed off-road vehicle, is a good yardstick for rust in Japan.

I've seen a number of rusty (some minor, some crazy) JDM imports. I got lucky on my own import when I was younger, but I also spent a lot of time searching for the right vehicle. Friends weren't so lucky in many cases.

Yep. My opinion is based on personal experience too. I had a JDM Nissan 180SX. Rust issues though not structural. Mate with an Evo VII, shocking rust - admittedly it was JDM > UK so probably got most of the rust in the UK, but showed they weren’t as well prepped to cope with salt.

Originally Posted by libertyts

I'm not sure a Hilux, as a designed off-road vehicle, is a good yardstick for rust in Japan.

I'm not sure if some confusion's creeping in, but the issue was that my personal import Mazda was written-off after it was t-boned by a Hilux with a bullbar.

The Hilux that did it may have been rusty, I didn't check.

Originally Posted by Arapiles

I'm not sure if some confusion's creeping in, but the issue was that my personal import Mazda was written-off after it was t-boned by a Hilux with a bullbar.

The Hilux that did it may have been rusty, I didn't check.

Yup, read that differently to how you intended it. Words are hard...

Yes liberty, I've been reading this post and having a giggle to myself. I too read he imported a Hilux with a bull bar!

My 2c on a car they are asking 93 Grand for that will probably break the crankshaft. Why would you bother? If you do go ahead give me a call I've got a spare transfer case here.

Haha - I read it the same way. Was thinking why would you import a Hilux from the UK. Was going to ask if it was an ARB bull bar as well......

Suggest you talk to a vehicle importer or broker. They may search for a vehicle of your choice.
Another option might be to investigate importing from NZ as they have a very open system for vehicle imports.