Japanese imports set to make a comeback

Bargain-priced second hand Japanese imports may soon make a major comeback in New Zealand, says the car buyer’s Dog & Lemon Guide.

Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says: “In their native Japan, sales of second-hand cars hit a record low in April. Russia has recently banned Japanese second-hand imports. These two factors mean that second-hand Japanese cars will now be available cheaply to New Zealand vehicle importers. For the consumer, this means cheap Japanese imports will start to make a comeback soon.”

Imports of second-hand cars from Japan have fallen sharply in recent months, due to oversupply, tougher emissions regulations combined with economic recession.

“Just before the New Zealand government brought in tougher emissions regulations, importers brought in far more second hand cars from Japan than the New Zealand market could stand. This led to a serious oversupply at a time of economic downturn, so many importers stopped bringing in second-hand cars.”

“However, now that Russia is no longer importing second-hand cars from Japan, prices have dropped and there are plenty of good models for New Zealand importers to choose from.”

“Due to tougher New Zealand emissions regulations, the days of the really cheap and nasty Jap import are over, but I predict there will still be plenty of good quality second-hand models from Japan in the near future.”