You're right. I completely forgot about them! Possibly ranked worse than the monsoon shields.
mm12345,
Nov 30, 8:51am
Euros - yes.Japanese makers - no.Political/economic reasons are behind it, deals made to allow access to jap cars to Euro markets, US, etc. You won't find many Japanese makers importing their own models in to Japan from cheap production offshore, unless there's been a deal done.There would be riots in Japan. "Toyota" Cavalier probably didn't improve public perception of things like that.
freedomaira320,
Nov 30, 9:38am
Largely true, but there are enough exceptions to make this not very compelling. The Toyota Cavalier is a perfect example. The top 10 vehicle importers to Japan might be mostly Euros, but also include Nissan and Toyota, obviously being sourced from somewhere else.
mm12345,
Nov 30, 10:19am
I'm not disputing that, but wouldn't mind seeing a cite for that data. The Japanese Govt official import export stats are incredibly (and probably very deliberately) obscure and difficult to navigate.
gman35,
Nov 30, 10:27am
Spot on ,I have noticed this with many 90's imports , they are as sloppy as.
kazbanz,
Nov 30, 10:29am
Nothing to do with them just being old and worn out though!
cjdnzl,
Nov 30, 10:46am
NZ new cars aren't so flash either.I remember the saga about side impact bars in doors, cars specced for NZ left them out for cheapness, whereas the imported cars ex japan had them in.For me, I prefer a Japanese import in good order over a NZ new car every time - but you need to do some homework on the vehicle you are contemplating buying.An honest Japanese import is probably the best buy available here. As for mushy suspensions, my Primera is as firm-riding as any NZ car I've ridden in. I reckon overall there is more bullshit than truth talked about with respect to cars, both imported and NZ new.Stories about cars are are getting close to fishing stories for accuracy.
gman35,
Nov 30, 11:08am
Not always , I think some of the spring and shock damping rates definetly contribute to the rolly-polly suspension feel of many.
freedomaira320,
Nov 30, 1:38pm
The figures come from the Japan Automobile Importers Association, but you're right to probably treat those stats with a grain of salt. They would mostly be US and UK made Toyotas and Nissans (British Hondas are also being imported to Japan), but I have no doubt their will be some Asian sourced vehicles as well.
Anyway, my point really is that if you absolutely want to buy a Japanese built car you're going to have to do your homework on the vehicle, regardless of whether it's an import or not. Yes, the import is more likely to be 100% Japanese, but it's probably easier to research a NZ new vehicle to verify that it is.
chebry,
Nov 30, 1:53pm
get all your info backwards do ya if you think a primera is good maybe you need to get out more the intrusion bars are in all NZ new cars its the jappas that leave things out not required for JDM
gunhand,
Nov 30, 4:15pm
Intrusion bars! LOL, a bit of pipe squashed at the ends with some sealer in the middle. May stop a push bike at 40kph but thats about it. They are an over named item to say the least. All they are, are a panelbeaters nightmare.
utwo,
Dec 1, 3:44pm
Regarding the different suspension tune, etc, it depends. Some cars sold new in NZ have the same suspension spec as the Japanese domestic model, while others are specific to NZ. Since the end of local assembly, it's probably not as common. One example where the differences are obvious is an Australian-built Toyota Camry vs. a Japanese-built one. The springs/shocks are different, but much more obvious is the steering ratio and feel. The Japanese Camry feels like there's an extra full turn of the wheel from lock-to-lock and it has much more power assistance - feels bloody awful (or should I say, lack of feel).
kdcentralni,
Dec 1, 6:47pm
Local distributors here Toyota, Nissan etc, set their cars up in comparison to the main players in that sector. For example the 2.0l 4cylinder market where there is a few players, they will want all body configurations as many air bags, bigger colour range, climate air, higher kw engine more safety features leather wrap steering wheels etc. All for say under $34k retail. They then go back to head office/factory and say this is what we want and we will badge it a kiwi name to appeal to this market and get market share. Prime example Ford had the better idea for the Mazda produced ranger, it took on the BT50 and won, Ford knew that market better than Mazda and set their utes up with the end user in mind, and sold more.
usdefault,
Dec 1, 7:59pm
At least if it's NZ new you know it's been drunk driven in at least 50 times.
NZ new cars get drink drivers home safer than Jap imports.
bmwnz,
Dec 2, 6:21am
As for those who hate the plastic window shields, you'd be surprised at the number of people who want them for their NZ-new cars, including brand new ones from the dealer. I have a mate who bought a new Mazda recently and unless the dealer fitted those shields, the deal would not have proceeded and he would have gone elsewhere.
amberjandal,
Dec 2, 7:15am
Your friend has a very funny fashion sencelol
bmwnz,
Dec 2, 7:30am
LOL. I'll tell him that. Personally, I buy whatever car takes my fancy and don't give a rat's bottom if its NZ new or Jimported. I never even notice those shields, 'cos I'm a digital window user - its either fully closed or fully opened, so they serve no purpose to me. Actually, on reflection, I like them.
chebry,
Dec 2, 8:02am
Australian market Camrys are tuned for straight ahead steering and use mid range shocks NZ market cars get faster steering and much harder shocks to cope with our road conditions
sw20,
Dec 2, 9:00am
My AE82 Corolla GT is NZ new. Even put together in Thames. Worth more than any equivalent FXGT import.
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