Sandstorm82 Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Hi Although I have done a fair bit of research on the differences between these (aesthetics and features), I am still not sure which one is the better option of the two. If anyone of you has also pondered over this, please can you explain your reasoning behind the inevitable choice you made. P.s. Other than trade links, I can't find a trader who specialises in stocking these cars in the UK... Any suggestions? S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Get a uk if you can afford it and its in good condition? If not go for the highest speced import ( ST ). The JDM's need more options throwing at them e.g. band expander or new radio, some don't come with brembo brakes, exhaust is quieter as in the intake. Also you need JOBD to read codes not obd2. UK if you can, but I'd personally take a good condition import over a ragged uk spec. Also insurance is the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiuchi-Gary Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 I only looked at a JDM as I wanted an Auto gear box (I drive a manual car all day so just wanted to press & go......oooo). I have an OBD2 which reads all the fault codes. Parts haven't been an issue so far as all uk stuff fits/works ok. I brought the 1st one I looked at (after doing some research) and guess I was lucky as I appear to have an ok JDM Z. The only issue so far £490 Road Tax!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 I only looked at a JDM as I wanted an Auto gear box (I drive a manual car all day so just wanted to press & go......oooo). I have an OBD2 which reads all the fault codes. Parts haven't been an issue so far as all uk stuff fits/works ok. I brought the 1st one I looked at (after doing some research) and guess I was lucky as I appear to have an ok JDM Z. The only issue so far £490 Road Tax!! odd, many users have found the obd2 doesnt work. Maybe yours does jobd aswell? My import road tax is the standard £2xx a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Welcome to the forum Sandstorm . You wont get a UK Spec Auto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceejay29 Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 There is no denying that the UK GT Spec is more desirable and will hold its money far better, but their are some nice JDM's out there. I have owned a Fairlady for approximately 18 months now and do not have any regrets, bought it based on its service history and modifications.We haven't had any issues regarding fault codes, all have been identifiable though our Snap-on Modis code reader - I am sure that most garages will have something similar which is capable of reading codes. As mentioned above there are key additional extras or upgrades with the UK GT, such as Brembos, electric leather seats and electrical compatibility (SAT-NAV, Bluetooth etc). Out of the majority the only thing I would have wanted are the Brembo brakes as the JDM ones look pants, especially when you run 19's! You will find a 'decent' JDM cheaper than a 'decent' UK GT but consider the cost of upgrading certain parts. No point in saving a grand on a JDM if you then have to spend that on Brembo's for example. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandstorm82 Posted January 11, 2014 Author Share Posted January 11, 2014 This all very useful stuff guys. Thanks! Not keen on the automatics (preference) and I read somewhere auto Zs have issues with pre 05 models. I was hoping for one with a decent service history and low mileage (not fussed about age). The comments about breaks need upgrading on JDMs have definitely made me re-think. I heard parts for JDMs are more "cost effective" than UK ones.... Is this a myth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 That is indeed a myth. Parts are th same pretty much bar brakes if non brembo. Also never heard about this auto romour? Also I wouldnt bother with Low mileage personally I'd go on condition. Id rather have a clean 100k zed than a tatty 60k one. JDM's aren't under sealed either so check for rust under neith but tbh the early uk ones can be rusty too. Remember some jdms can have brembos so keep an eye out for big gold calipers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350 Russ Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 My JDM is basically a UK GT spec apart from not having cruise control so decent spec ones with brembos and leather etc are out there. Also try and find one with both keys as JDM keys are different to uk ones and are impossible to get hold of. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Most (but not all) of The JDM's I've seen don't have the aero kit that is fitted as standard to U.K cars...rear spoiler, front chin lip. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Most (but not all) of The JDM's I've seen don't have the aero kit that is fitted as standard to U.K cars...rear spoiler, front chin lip. Pete Good point. Mine does but the lowest specs can come without them and the car looks naked IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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