Dumaguete Info Search


Japan Imports?

Discussion in 'Expat Section' started by GNite, Apr 8, 2010.

  1. GNite

    GNite DI New Member

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    I've noticed on adpost several dealers in the Manila area advertising vehicles (vans, suv) at what seem like very fair prices. They claim to be direct importers from Japan. Does anybody know anything about these? What are these vehicles they import? Good? Bad? What should I watch out for? Thanks in advance....
    GNite
     
  2. shadow

    shadow DI Forum Luminary

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    They are referred to as "surplus" vehicles, and can be very good or very bad, depending mostly on the Filipino shop that refurbished it and changed it from right hand drive to left hand drive. Some take the time and do a very nice job, while others stick it together with glue and paint.

    Larry
     
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  3. WHEELJACK

    WHEELJACK DI Junior Member

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    those japanese imported vehicles for your info are knockdown units or chopped units, they are originally right hand drive vehicles converted to left hand drive. so if i were you do not buy those, buy original left hand drive vehicles specially the Philippine version models, not korean models, doesnt matter if 2nd hand but in good condition.
     
  4. OP
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    GNite

    GNite DI New Member

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    Say Larry,

    How can you tell the difference between a "nice job" and "stuck together with glue and paint"?

    Thanks!
     
  5. shadow

    shadow DI Forum Luminary

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    Some shops will spend the time and money on a unit to make sure it is put together decently. They hire experienced clientele that do quality work. They change the fluids, and make sure the vehicle is put together correctly. They solder the wires that they must extend to change it over to left hand drive. They make sure every hole has a bolt in it.

    Other shops just do whaever they have to do in order to sell it. They won't even bother to change the engine oil that has been in th eengine for 10 years while sitting in the Japanese wrecking yards. They don't bother how many bolts are holding a bumper on, as long as it stays there long enough to sell the vehicle. They just twist the wires together, and sometimes will even use tape, if they have any. They pay very low wages to their employees, who usually have little or no experience. Often they will not even look to see if the lights, horn, and wipers all work when they are done.

    These vehicles are only as good as the individual shops and their employees who put them together. Some take the time to do it right, some just cover it up with glue and paint to make the sale.

    Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. First check to see if everything works. What does the engine oil look like? Look under the dash, is the wiring neat, or does it look like a rat's nest? Does the vehicle run good? Look under the floor mats for rust. Look under the vehicle for anything loose, rusty, or missing. Look for missing bolts. Listen for rattles and other noises while driving. Look at the coolant in the radiator, is it green? Or just water? Does it shift smoothly? Do the brakes work good? Does it have crappy chinese tires? Or maybe a decent set of Japanese tires? All these things and many more are indications of how much effort went into making the unit a decent rig.

    Larry.
     
  6. dirky00018

    dirky00018 DI Junior Member

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    like everyone said.. these vehicles are chopped up and reassembled, 2nd hand, etc. if you are not really an expert on vehicle mechanics, you might get ripped off.. my suggestion is that if you have the money, you should go for brand new.. why settle for less when its your safety is on the line?. :wink:
     
  7. OP
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    GNite

    GNite DI New Member

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    If I had the money I wouldn't be shopping used. Just trying to get the best value for what I have. So, with that in mind, anybody know anything about CERDY FRIEND FAMILY VANS in Marikina? They seem to have several new imports each month, range 338 to 428K. Small family-sized vans, i.e. Toyata Estima (similar to US Previa). Ads all over SULIT, OLX, Adpost, etc.
     
  8. shadow

    shadow DI Forum Luminary

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    We have a shop here, and one problem we run into regularly is getting parts. I would not recommend anyone buy anything used and unusual for use in Dumaguete, as there simply are NOT parts readily available for vehicles that are uncommon.

    Larry
     
  9. brian ausie

    brian ausie DI Forum Patron

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    be careful

    I had a Suzie carry that the ex purchased from rusco while I was in Au, after driving this for a few months and waiting in the car I decided to look over the car, in about 5 minutes I was horrified, (being a motor mechanic) I noticed the chopped dash and realised it had a chop so I crawled underneath to see how they did the steering conversion, oh s- - t I said to myself the f- - - - - -g idiots have cut and shut the steering arm which is a big no no in Au, it being cast, so every bump I hit until I gave it back to rusco was a frightening experience, I don’t know how it was welded all I could see it was ground back, I now have a Toyota fortuner purchased here, but the only problem is have to let monkeys do my servicing because they wont let me do my own while it is under warranty, in Au if you are a mechanic you can do your own servicing as long as you use genuine Toyota parts.

    Brian
     
  10. garbonzo

    garbonzo DI Senior Member Veteran Marines

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    We've had a couple Suzuki Carry's at my work...and now have an APV (plus a couple of Ford and Toyota 4WD's). Rock solid vehicles the Suzuki's...have not had any major problems with any of them. But I would never touch an import here in Oz or the Philippines. I've heard enough horror stories, even here - parts are sad song - as is well-disguised wear and tear.....and those multi-cabs that expats rave about how cheap they are....they must be joking...deathtraps on, at best, four wheels...Why anyone would bother with that crap is beyond me...Tamaraws, Innovas, Avanza's are out there in the zillions - cheap dependable and made in, or for, the Philippines. Plenty of reasonable priced parts - and mechanics that have a clue...Those multi-cabs should be banned...total junk.
     
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