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Silversmith
I'll Hang Around A Little
Joined: 19 Nov 2003
Posts: 32
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Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject: |
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| What about Japanese Imports - anybody done it or know if its value for money? |
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karltsmith
Moderator
Joined: 26 Nov 2003
Posts: 570
Location: North Shore, Auckland since March 2004
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Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 8:07 am Post subject: |
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Jap impots are great value but make sure you buy from a Licenced Motor Vehicle dealer, Make sure it has an AA inspection and a JEVIC certificate to support the milage claim. If you but from the Mitsubishi range they have just agreed to honour any product recalls, even those exported to NZ. They are the first to do this. A documentary last month claimed that 80% of Jap imports at some time in the life of the model were subject to a product recall for rectification of serious problems...a high statistic! Apparently there is an australian website where you can check out which models have been the subject of recalls by inputing the VIN number. Haven't got the link though....sorry. We bought a Renault Scenic Jap import 1998 for NZD14000 with 45K Kms on the clock. Mint condition and great for the kids. I'm not a great fan of the internal finish quality of many jap cars! We the bought a Ford Laser Hatchback 18 months old, 2.5 years manufacturers warranty, 2 free service intervals for NZD15,000 from a Ford dealer. If you want some fun you'll pick up an MX5 for about NZ$7000! About 90% of cars on the road are automatic transmission!
Hope all that helps...I know i was very confused about what to buy...there is so much choice!!!
Good Luck
Karl  |
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xanctus
I Like It Here
Joined: 06 Dec 2003
Posts: 70
Location: Island of Valinor
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Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 2:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Guys, are diesel cars not very popular in NZ? cause I have been checking the volkswagen of NZ website and they don't have it in the line up of the cars.... |
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Robert
Valued Member
Joined: 01 Dec 2003
Posts: 126
Location: Christchurch
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Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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Diesel cars are reasonably popular here but petrol is still king.
Although diesel is very cheap (about 46c per litre less than 91 unleaded), you have the hassle of paying 3 cents per KM in advance road user charges (easy enough at any post office) and the additional servicing costs mean that unless you go for a real gas guzzler there is no economic benefit. Most diesel vehicles I see are 4x4 types with large TD engines. Anything smaller and you spend more on RUC than on fuel which is nuts!
If your vehicle can be expected to do more than 10KM on a litre of fuel then, allowing for the extra oil change, you are better off on unleaded. Even for my 2.7TD Mistral (nissan terrano II) the benefit of diesel is marginal.
Boring but, hopefully helpful!
Rob |
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xanctus
I Like It Here
Joined: 06 Dec 2003
Posts: 70
Location: Island of Valinor
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Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 2:09 am Post subject: |
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| ah yes...paying the .3 per Km in advance users, I read it once before...oh thank's so much RObert for your response. |
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