Here’s Why You Should be Cautious When Buying an Imported JDM Car

[pakwheels]

Originally published at: https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/here-is-why-you-should-be-cautious-when-buying-an-imported-jdm-car/

The influx of imported cars in Pakistan got a great customer response due to the fact that buyers were sick and tired of driving outdated boxes on wheels i.e. Mehran, Cultus and etc. In comparison to local cars, their imported counterparts had a range of innovative features at very competitive prices. But in response to one of my previous article ‘Here Is How You Can Calculate The Cost Of Importing A Car In Pakistan Yourself a lot of people questioned that why does importing a car yourself costs more as compare to buying the same car from the showroom.

RELATED: Verify Auction Sheet

There can be multiple factors that make the procedure of importing a car yourself much more expensive than buying the same car from a showroom, the primary reason for this major cost difference is the undeniable fact of more than 90% accidental Japanese cars being imported in Pakistan. These imported accidental cars are handed over to expert mechanics and ultimately sold to the customer with a byword ‘Bumper to bumper geniyan gaddi’ (Total Genuine Car). In my next article, I will actually share some techniques to identify that whether an imported car was major accidental or not. But for now, here is a glimpse of cars from a dry port of Lahore and Karachi Port Trust.

Does it really Matter?

Well, now the question is that does it really make a difference if you are buying an accidental car that was repaired locally? According to some mechanics, most accidental cars have their airbags opened and in order to save the cost of repairing, new airbags are not installed in the cars. Who would ever check if a car actually does have airbags in the dashboard or not? Moreover, I personally believe that a car repaired locally from the purpose of profit earning will not give you a pleasant experience and will surface mechanical issues from time to time. What do you think of buying an accidental car? Is it worth buying? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below:

 

اسے اردو میں پڑھیں

[umar6633]

People with a lot of money can afford to do so. They will sell the import and buy another import.

[ak_searcher203]

How to identify whether the imported car is genuine or otherwise

[faraztahir]

I do not agree to the article in totality. The reason is this is always not true I.e in more than 90% cases. Merely mentioning of two to three odd pictures n that too repeated ones, one should not be taken away the idea that imported cars are ACCIDENTED ALWAYS. such articles may be avoided as they create anarchy n mistrust in the society. Though I m not an owner of showroom nor a broker but a responsible citizen n Pakistani 🇵🇰. Hence I just want to say that until n unless u don't have any example or not gone through n example by ur self or ur friend one should refrain talking in air. Else u mention showrooms n also give remedial measures to avoid such acts at all levels n give / share normal advices to buyers to their benefit.

[umar6633]

Very difficult. Fake auction sheet can be made. Inspect car with expert for body work but this is not 100% effective as you may overlook internal problems.

[Obxe]

Try putting a small size smart phone with its camera on video recording and flash switched on inside the engine bay and underneath the car to take a good look at the components in every corner.
Keep an eye out for odd rusted spots as they may be the remnants of dents that are straightened out.
Cars are seldom repaired beyond what can be seen without a hassle as the ustaads are in a hurry to move on to next cars
Never rely on a shiny car as the panels are painted with the exact ratio of pearls included in paint as is recommended by the manufacturer.

[Rugal]

I bought a repaired car, knowing it was so and the seller informed me about it before he sold it to me. It had no airbags. Other than that, the only mechanical problem I've had so far is a faulty front wheel bearing that I replaced. Normal wear and tear excluded, the car runs like a dream and no problems so far.

[pwuser148827491148]

This is an overly exaggerated article. used redundant vehicle pics stuck at yard due to issues with customs. In my experience and opinion even an accidental imported car worth far better than locally cheap assembled vehicles with least value for money. Buying an imported car is same as buying anything. If you buy it from a credible dealer you get right product if not then you should be very much expecting mentioned troubles. I have been using imported cars since 2010 so my friends and absolutely satisfied. my 2007 model Suzuki Cervo (Front suspension was damaged when imported) still roars and 140 top speed is not a problem at all. My 2012 Honda Grace is still super smooth since 2 years drives like a charm (whole left side was damaged when imported).
A simple question, isnt buying a fully custom 4x4 600 CC full option car in 10,00,000 better than buying a suzuki mehran aka (Rickshaw) in 7,50,000.

[seymoria]

Totally agree with Hannan. The article is somewhat overrated. Although I appreciate the warning sounded by the original poster about imported cars in Pakistan, the photos shown in the post are of major accidented cars and I think vast majority of imported cars are not damaged like this.

My experience with imported cars since 5 years now is simply superb. The local 'teen dabba on wheels' cars are a piece of junk as compared to cars actually manufactured in Japan, one of world's most advanced nations. Their safety and quality standards are simply way, way above that of 3rd world countries.

Secondly, there are some simple tips for buying imported cars, as highlighted by Hannan. For example, buying from credible dealers, even better if through some reference or acquaintance. I think there are auctions at Karachi port by bulk importers and if one can visit the yard, one can pick a lightly accidented car for sure. Other than that, there also must be ways to look for a genuine auction sheet, which tells it all. Some dealers also give the option of viewing a car directly on a Japanese auction site to select and bid. And of course you can view their genuine auction sheet there. Of course you can also have a reliable denter/painter with you who can tell about replaced parts of the body and one can then cross check if they are reflected in the accompanying auction sheet or not. If not, then its a fake auction sheet.

These are just some ideas from me. If you guys have some more tips to share with others on how buying imported cars, do share for benefit of all.

[altafbaig02]

Salam. i think that original car is so expensive that we can not afford. accedented cars are imported because we want to enjoy the same car but at low budget. such cars normaly required Body Denting or replacement of Bumper or hear light etc and non of them effects the performance of the engine. in some cases some repairs are required for suspension and engines but it is the case of very few car. most of the time the cars are cosmetically damaged. Yes almost dead cars are also imported but no matter what you do with them you can find many marks that will tell you that the car was in bad condition.

From my side damage car is affordable and good solution If customer is not keep blind about its previous condition.

[fazalwahab11375]

Follow this thread.. http://bit.ly/2s0Fpy7

And if you are on social media do read this post where I discussed imported cars with recalls... Which are 100 percent fine exterior and interior but there is a lot more to it.

Read here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/PakWheelsOfficial/permalink/1330191083762878/

[Farxal]

It is an interesting article, but this is not the case at all that 90% of vehicles comes in this shape. But I know there are a lot of black sheeps here who import this kind of vehicles and sell it on the normal price. The best way to identify the vehicle is to verify its auction sheet online which can easily verify who have paid auction account.