joey@felix.UUCP (03/19/84)
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It is possible to buy a U.S. car in Japan and ship it over
to the states and save money in the process.
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1) A auto maker in Japan will not sell anyone a U.S. spec car due to
the strict import quotas on Japanese autos here in the states and
also due to their contractual agreement with their U.S. counterparts,
i.e. Nissan USA, Toyota USA, etc..
2) They will sell you an European model (much better anyway, since the
steering is on the proper side).
3) Now, who can purchase U.S. spec models:
- Diplomats are allowed to purchase such models. There is no
restrictions on how they dispose of their cars. So in effect,
you could purchase a U.S. spec car from a diplomat or if you
are lucky and know one, have him purchase the car, store it
in a garage, and when you go there, you can purchase it from
him.
- Servicemen are also allowed to purchase U.S. models but they
are not allowed to take the car off of the military base. Again,
you can purchase a car used, or ask a serviceman you know to
go through the same process as above.
4) The cost of converting a Japanese car varies but I know of one
guy who brought back a Honda City Turbo and it cost him around
$3500 to have it converted to U.S. specs. In addition, the shipping
charge was $1000.
5) There is one other possibility, one which I haven't had time to
explore. You could conceivably buy a Japanese car or European
spec car. After that, you might?? be able to buy the U.S. parts
(much cheaper) and install them yourself.
6) The major things required to convert to U.S. specs:
- mph readings for the speedometer (can be taped on)
- side blinkers in front and back
- passenger doors reinforced with steel beams
- 3 mph bumpers (used to be 5 mph)
- engine mods to meet EPA specs. Since Japanese emmissions
are stricter, the simple addition of a catalytic converter
in the exhaust system might solve this problem, together
with minor adjustments in the fuel injection or carburation.chris@umcp-cs.UUCP (03/21/84)
It figures:
From: joey@felix.UUCP
... Since Japanese emmissions are stricter, the simple
addition of a catalytic converter in the exhaust system
might [make the car meet US specs], together with minor
adjustments in the fuel injection or carburation.
Does this mean it's the case that the US specs *require* a catalytic
converter, regardless of whether the car meets emissions specs without
one? I could believe that ....
--
In-Real-Life: Chris Torek, Univ of MD Comp Sci
UUCP: {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!chris
CSNet: chris@umcp-cs ARPA: chris.umcp-cs@CSNet-Relay