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Hello all.
You may recall I am completely non mechanical but fell in love with the SURF when working in Tanzania. Am on my third since returning to UK in 2005 ~all imported directly from Japan to the Port of Tyne.
My current one is 1996 or 07 first reg in Japan ( 'P' Reg here when imported in 2012 ). No problems with it that I am aware of. Recently had timing belt done ( cost a lot, but it's done now and I didn't want to risk a breakdown ). Has now reached just over 200,000 kms on odometer.
MOT man said in excellent condition - he does not see any obvious probs down the line.
However I am wondering whether it might not be an idea to get a much later model, just on grounds of general reliability ~that a 12 or 10 year old is inherently more likely to be reliable / avoid breakdowns on the march and so on... ( On the other hand I read a LOT about cars burdened with computer gadgetry which fails expensively like modern washing machines ).
Anyway, I would appreciate any comments from people with knowledge of these things.
https://www.beforward.jp/toyota/hilu...257/id/787540/
The link is to just one of the sort of car I am currently considering ~though as I say am in no rush to dispose of the current car.
On a connected note : does anyone have knowledge they could share re the current import regulations applicable to cars from Japan ?
Is it still the case that provided they are 10 years old the DVLA will allow them to be re registered here on arrival and with no probs bar fog lamp and speedo change to MPH ?
Or is there anything else one has to watch out for, regulation wise ?
Is there any reason why cars younger than 10 yrs cannot be registered ?
Thanks a bunch for any info.............
You may recall I am completely non mechanical but fell in love with the SURF when working in Tanzania. Am on my third since returning to UK in 2005 ~all imported directly from Japan to the Port of Tyne.
My current one is 1996 or 07 first reg in Japan ( 'P' Reg here when imported in 2012 ). No problems with it that I am aware of. Recently had timing belt done ( cost a lot, but it's done now and I didn't want to risk a breakdown ). Has now reached just over 200,000 kms on odometer.
MOT man said in excellent condition - he does not see any obvious probs down the line.
However I am wondering whether it might not be an idea to get a much later model, just on grounds of general reliability ~that a 12 or 10 year old is inherently more likely to be reliable / avoid breakdowns on the march and so on... ( On the other hand I read a LOT about cars burdened with computer gadgetry which fails expensively like modern washing machines ).
Anyway, I would appreciate any comments from people with knowledge of these things.
https://www.beforward.jp/toyota/hilu...257/id/787540/
The link is to just one of the sort of car I am currently considering ~though as I say am in no rush to dispose of the current car.
On a connected note : does anyone have knowledge they could share re the current import regulations applicable to cars from Japan ?
Is it still the case that provided they are 10 years old the DVLA will allow them to be re registered here on arrival and with no probs bar fog lamp and speedo change to MPH ?
Or is there anything else one has to watch out for, regulation wise ?
Is there any reason why cars younger than 10 yrs cannot be registered ?
Thanks a bunch for any info.............
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