If we start adding the options of used cars, one can even buy a 7 seater SUV for 1.6m. Similarly buying a new Wagon R will cost more thus adding to your options of used cars and JDMs. The risks & issues related to buying used cars and JDMs in my opinion are as following;
Local Used Cars - upto 5 years old
1- My experience says 90% (or more) of the used cars available in market have tampered meter readings. And the cheaters are so pro that they have high chances of fooling people having good knowledge of cars, let alone the general public.
2- Most of the cars you find are maintained from outside thus there warranty is void.
3- To be on safe side if you try to buy certified vehicles (like Suzuki Certified or Toyota Sure) these people color the car extensively to make the car look new, so once you buy from them the next step of quick reselling (within 1 -2 years) is very difficult as when you will bring the car in market, the dealers/ buyers will make you feel that you purchased some major accident car.
4- Even if you are lucky enough to get a decent used car, the sharing ratio on insurance claim will be higher due to the age of the vehicle.
JDMs
1- High risk of cheating - won't go in too much details but mileage, grade, repair history etc
2- No company warranty backup, thus even in case of any small issue you have to go to some local workshop.
3- For many of the cars, parts availability is an issue and nearly all of them have expensive parts.
4- Leaving a few vehicles, there used to be huge price drop once you get the vehicle locally driven for even 10k kms.
5- Be careful in refueling the vehicle, as the local fuel quality was not very good + cheating of pump management could result in damaging the vehicle.
I would buy JDM vehicle only if I know I am planning to keep it for 5 years atleast and would be driven single handedly by me. And that too will be for cars like Vitz, Aqua, Prius, Axio etc and Crown, Prado, LC in the luxury segment.
