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Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2023 2:07 pm
by ayau
There's a 95 spec JDM ITR for sale locally. I've never purchased a JDM import, so are there some key things that I should look out for when buying a JDM import? It appears you can't use a traditional CarFax check with the VIN since it doesn't exist in the system.

The key things I'd want to know are:

Has it been in an accident?
Is the body and engine original?
Could the tachometer be potentially modified?
Any issues registering a JDM import car with the DMV?
How well do these JDM cars resale? I know the USDM cars are pretty easy to sell since these are really rare now.

Anything else I should know before buying a JDM import?

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2023 2:09 pm
by ayau

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2023 10:55 am
by funkyboost
You can use carvx.jp. It's like a Carfax for JDM cars. In general check for RUST. check the floor pan, around suspension bolts and spare tire area. Maybe ask him why the headlights and radiator were replaced. But from the pictures looks clean. It has some good after market parts. But if you are looking for the best resale value, all stock is best. Maybe you can sell the aftermarket parts off the car and try to source some stock parts. But stock type R parts are really starting to get expensive. I would also do a compression check the engine if you can. Good luck.

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:45 pm
by jayhaire
I own both a USDM and JDM. There are some small differences, and in general, the JDM ones had a few nicer parts. I only glanced at the ad. Good advice on checking over the chassis for corrosion. Likewise, look at the doors, bumper, etc. for replacement / repaints. The JDM doors lack the same side impact bars and are much lighter than USDM.

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:09 am
by ayau
What do you think would be a fair asking price? It's really hard to value these cars. Would you say they're usually worth more or less than a stock USDM ITR?

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 2:08 pm
by jayhaire
ayau wrote: Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:09 am What do you think would be a fair asking price? It's really hard to value these cars. Would you say they're usually worth more or less than a stock USDM ITR?
They seem to go for a little less on BaT compared to a USDM version in the same condition but still go for a good amount if already imported and registered.

Re: Buying a JDM ITR questions

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:28 pm
by Dave7CDMTYPER
Yes I'd say the JDM ITR's are definitely worth less than USDM. JDM ITR's can't be registered in California, which has a big impact on value. So you should have some good reasons for negotiation.