screw Japanese cars

At 11:22 PM 2/13/2003 +1300, Andrew Grebneff wrote:
>For those who want the best van in the world at a CHEAP price, and
>can register a RHD vehicle, try used vehicle sales in Japan.
>
>A Japanese enthusiast took me through some Japanese websites today
>and the prices were an eye-opener.
>
>There was a very tasty 3.0 Hiace Super Custom full-time 4WD with
>TV/video on auction... highest bid so far �500,000. Very cheap, but
>still beyond my VISA's reach.
>
>A 94 Hiace Custom 3.0  5-speed with alloy wheels �200,000 bid. Quite
>likely optioned up to Super Custom spec.
>
>The best was a 1995 Hiace Super Custom 3.0 (all 3-liter Hiaces are
>TDis), body type KZH-100G. It has: 8-speaker stereo, keyless entry,
>aftermarket exhaust, rear spoiler (accessories listed) as well as the
>Super Custom standard items of triple electric sunroofs, aircon front
>& rear, power windows & mirrors, central locking, cool & hot box etc.
>Dunno what else it has (could have cruise, ABS, airbags, proximity
>sensors...). Only downer is, like most 3.0s, it's both automatic and
>short wheelbase. It has only 58,000km on the odo. Private sale.
>Price? �100,000. This comes to $1515.00NZ, or a whopping
>$833US!!!!!!!!!
>
>To ship to NZ is just under $550US. Have to have it inspected, pay
>tax, fit NZ-certified (crappy Australian-made) seatbelts, register it
>and away it goes.
>
>I'm making inquiries via the Japanese enthusiast student... I can
>import it, put it on the road, sell it for $17000NZ and bring in
>another for myself, as well as finishing my SVX Caravelle projekt!
>
>The Japanese keep VERY good care of their cars' cosmetics.
>
>You guys in Oahstrawoilia & England listening up?