9 replies to this topic

[shedonwheels]

I've already posted in the links section about this sorry

Anyway, can anyone help with info on importing a mini from japan and the changing of the mileometer from kms to miles? I wanted to know how this process works? Have kind of already decided I'm going to import a mini (if I can bare to wait ages for it to arrive) and the only couple of things putting me off are the mileometer issue and also prooving the usually low mileage on these cars with the documents being in japanese.

Has anybody on here bought an imported mini? How did you find the process?

I already have one guy who is helping me look for the right mini, he said there were a couple of ways to address the mileometer issue, either buy a mph dial sticker to cover the current kmph dial, or replace the whole dial. I would prefer to replace it but don't know if this may look dodgy in the future if I ever sell the mini on. Does the new dial get adjusted to match the old kms reading but converted to miles or does it just start from 0?

Importamini can you help?

Otherwise I'm looking for a rust-free(impossible you say!) blue or white mini with an airbag and at least half leather interior, pref. standard exhaust, low mileage.

Have a budget of up to 5k for the perfect little min

Thanks x

[Senile Old Git]

As dealers we looked into this import idea, I thought the cars landed were a lot of money especially when consdering you are buying blind. Also, things like seat belts, glass, tyres and all lights are E marked on cars for the European market. I doubt if that is the case on these imported cars.

But saying that there are a few dealers who specialise in these imports, so if I was you, let them take the risks and buy a car from one of these guys once you have seen / driven it. Also many of the metallic cars suffer from laquer blistering due to the heat.

In respect to the KPH / MPH issue, get yourself a speed detector, least that will be nigh accurate!!

Edited by Senile Old Git, 17 May 2008 - 07:22 AM.

[jayare]

My Dad has an imported Mini, albeit from Germany rather than Japan, so things like the e-mark on the lights, seatbelts and the like weren't an issue. He added small markers at the common speed limits - 30, 50, 70mph converted to kph and kept the kph speedo. Adding a face with mph markings will mean that the speed reads in mph but as you aren't changing the odometer, that will still read in km (confusing, to say the least). You could also change the whole speedo to an mph one and keep some for of evidence (photos certified by a Mini club official or similar) of the change of speedo.

JR

[koss]

You can buy a reduction gear gizmo that fits in between the gearbox and the speedo cable. In effect it slows the speedo down.
40kmh will then be 40mph etc and the odometer will go up in miles. Seat belts should be ok as the car was made in the uk.

[ferrit]

Also, things like seat belts, glass, tyres and all lights are E marked on cars for the European market. I doubt if that is the case on these imported cars.

Are you sure SOG?, it was BL/Rover that made these in the UK after all, and we all know they loved to build cars out of the parts bin. So most likley the only non E marked parts would be anything retro fitted in Japan

[scrog]

the jap minis are cool not just cause they have air con standered on jap minis (not even an extra in the uk) but some better interia trim on some
and if the import is more than 10 years old you can keep the kph speedo
and if they have the jap clear lens on the back you need to fit some reflecters

[nurseholliday]

You could get a graphics/vinyl company to make you a sticker that goes over the speedo and that'll put the MPH markers on the speedo.

My dad bought a jap motorbike not sold in the UK ( CBR400RR ) and the importer, Carnells of London supplied one printed specifically for his speedo.

If you can calculate the radius or the diameter of the speedo reasonable accurately you should then be able to work out the dimensions of the markers. It's then simply a case of drawing it on their software and printing it.

[asteroth]

why are you worried about the speedo? i left mine in kmh, far too much of a pain to bother changing.

[shedonwheels]

The dealer who is looking at minis for me said he could provide a sticker to cover the dial or he could replace the whole thing. If he does replace the whole thing he will have to put a new mileage reading on the new dial, my problem is will this look dodgy if I come to sell the mini in the future? I suppose like someone said, I can take photos of the process and keep the old dial as proof. I'm hoping the mini would come with some paperwork to prove its japanese miles too.

I just wondered if anyone had any experiences of this process or japanese minis in general?

He has forwarded me to the japanese auction site he uses, its called www.auctions.bonsaicars.com if anyones interested. Just scroll down and under R find Rovermini then there is the listings for that evenings auction. I saw one I kind of liked today except it was an auto!

Thanks for all the replys!

[asteroth]

Just imported mine through www.aptusdirect.co.uk

I didnt change the dials, too much effort/cost.

I had no problems and my mini is exactly as described - immaculate. PM me if you want more details.
Rick.