Greetings --

I recently accepted a new job in my company where I'll now be traveling to Japan about every 2 months.

My first question is -- has anyone looked into the savings you might get buying IN Japan instead of paying one of the typical Evo importers to bring it in? Two big issues with JDM parts for us here in the US are freight and import. For what I'm proposing, however, both costs would be almost free. The US import rules when flying are that one person can bring in up to $600 (may even be up to $800 now... I've forgotten) without paying duty - I could bring a rim each trip. Or, if I take my family I could bring $600 x 3 = $1800, or, an Amuse exhaust, etc. I never take much luggage, so the freight (airplane) would be free/almost free (oversize).

My second question is -- does anyone have suggestions of better (or direct) places to shop than SuperAutobacs? The prices there were pretty high, and this probably won't be worthwhile unless I can be buying more competitively. I can travel pretty freely in Japan, but will primarily be in the Tokyo area.

Thanks for your inputs,
RedAustinIX

When I lived in Japan... it was cheaper to buy Japanese parts in the U.S and have them shipped to Japan....

I never understood that :shrug:

Alot of times I ended up going to the junk yard and just buying parts... you could find some interesting things in the japanese junkyards

from seats, turbo kits, wheels etc.

But as far as New parts... be prepared to spend some serious Yen

Autobachs is expensive! you can also buy from the local speed performance shops, a little cheaper but still expensive

Talentsearch -- thanks for the info. Your experience pretty much matches what I had found so far. I'm thinking maybe the best bet is to try to go to the local HQs for some of these vendors (Amuse, Rays, etc.) and see if I can get a special deal for the out-of-town "gaijin".

Anyone else have any experience/suggestions?

Thanks,
RedAustinIX

If you speak jappanese you could buy through the yahoo auctions, nothing beats those prices, but you have to be local and complete the transaction while you are there.

Supersupra --

Hey, that's a great idea...I hadn't thought of that. I don't speak Japanese but my wife does so that'll work.

Thanks!

If anyone else has good ideas, please keep 'em coming
RedAustinIX

If you are looking for NEW parts it is not any cheaper in Japan. Many times, parts cost MORE than in the USA.

You can get some great deals on USED parts at Up Garage or other used parts stores. A lot of time the parts are as good as new but at a fraction of the price.

I live in Japan, and as far as I've seen it's cheaper to buy Japanese parts in the US.

There are Defi BF gauges on "sale" near my house for 25000 yen each. That's 250 bucks each. Doesn't seem that cheap to me.

yes definately agree with supersupra, but I think in order to open a Japanese yahoo account you will need a japanese bank account, and or address.

Evo_me --

That's ok with me.. my wife's Japanese

ZK -- do you have an address, web site, phone #, etc. for Up Garage? I'll try to do my homework before I go.

Thanks,
RedAustinIX

I didn't think it would be that bad, but then it doesn't suprise me either. The American dollar is just so strong compared to most every other currency. But, like you said, I am sure the swapmeets and junkyard sales have a lot more potential.

You got PM