Topic: Obtainable Unobtanium: Five Grey Market Japan-Only Models

[Arthur Dent]

I daily drove a RHD Hilux for something like a year. Wasn't a big deal except for putting the wipers on instead of signaling once and while.

[mixmanmash]

While it's true that there are some pretty cool/neat JDM cars, no way I'd own a RHD car in a LHD world.

My buddy has a RHD Supra and he says it takes some getting used to, Ive driven a few Skylines and I didnt find it horrible. I agree with you though, I wouldnt want one as a daily, but as a track car, hell yeah.

Agreed.

[canuckystan]

I've owned several gray market Japanese vehicles.  They are fun, but if you are considering it, budget for repairs and costs to bring them into compliance.  I find generally the maintenance is poor - it doesn't make sense to drive used cars in Japan, so owners know they won't be driving them all that long, so maintenance is minimal.  Plus a lot of these cars have been sitting around for a long time, which means all fluids have to be changed, and many seals replaced as soon as you start driving them here.  It's not a cheap way to get a car, but fun for something different.

[mixmanmash]

I've owned several gray market Japanese vehicles.  They are fun, but if you are considering it, budget for repairs and costs to bring them into compliance.  I find generally the maintenance is poor - it doesn't make sense to drive used cars in Japan, so owners know they won't be driving them all that long, so maintenance is minimal.  Plus a lot of these cars have been sitting around for a long time, which means all fluids have to be changed, and many seals replaced as soon as you start driving them here.  It's not a cheap way to get a car, but fun for something different.

This is very true from what I have seen.  You do occasionally get a clean unit, but pretty rare.

[Frontier1]

We should add the cute little Copen to the list.

[Fobroader]

We should add the cute little Copen to the list.

Thats not a car...thats a rollerskate with a weed whacker engine....

[Frontier1]

It is very small, there use to be one on display at the Ottawa airport a few years ago.  I imagine it's probably the same size as the Figaro on the previous page.

[Scaerio]

Something from the other side of the JDM spectrum...

I have heard that this is considered to be the best built car in the world.

[EV Dan]

A buddy at school had this Crown. Awesome interior and a CD player, in 1986 

[PJ]

Suzuki Cappuccino for me, though there are a few of those Subaru Sambar microbus' rolling around town and they look terrific.

That looks like a hoot to drive.  At 6,2 I'm not sure if I could fit in it but I'd consider one if I could.   Strange I have seen one around the lower mainland.  JDMs are everywhere here.