Wanting to import from Japan

[m989]

Hi, finally decided to register instead of just browsing the site as I have a question:

what is the exact reason you can't import a car from japan older than 2005?

Emissions or frontal impact damage in the event of a crash or some other reason.

If it is Emissions can't you just import a shell and put an engine + gearbox from New Zealand in it.

Thanks in advance for any advice & suggestions.

[dom]

Im not sure on the reason, but the better option would be to buy a uncompliable car with heaps of good shit on it and reshell it into a car over here.

[murdoko]

You're right, it's the emissions and frontal impact etc etc. You cannot do 'that' as the guys up there decided to regulate this by using the emission code in the manufacturer's plate just before the chassis code eg. for a jzx110 it's GH - JZX110 -ABC123asdkjl and so on. I don't know which emission codes pass and don't pass but you can get this list somewhere.

For example, a jzx110 has an emission code of "GH" which used to be on the list of codes that can pass. now you can't import them anymore.

[WATDA]

It needs to have a 3 digit number before the chassis number, Emmisions and so forth, Means that all the car performance cars cant be imported unless they are classics.