michaelz
New Member
Hi all, I was trolling the web for information on JDM DC2s and came across here.
Have finally pulled the trigger and bought one, here's my story. Pic + length warning.
I'm Australian, currently living in Japan. Will be here for 1-2 years so I decided to buy myself a car to bring back with me.
Decided on a DC2R because the JDM DC2 is one of the few cars we can't import to Australia since Honda Aus sold the quad round lights model, international variants are banned. Nevermind, I'll be able to bring this back with me under the foreign ownership loophole. XD
So I sat down with a few dealers to find myself a nice DC2. Looked at auction sheets, sorted through and inspected the best ones.
Car laws here are tight so junkers are usually exported as half cuts. This meant as a buyer you're pretty well protected.
Here's one of the first ones I test drove. Was tempted by it as it had a full Spoon exhaust, intake, Endless brakes and a remapped ECU.
Was a little bit rough like dents, faded headlights and moisture in the taillights.
When the Japanese roadworthy inspection report came back it said I needed to change engine mounts, front wheel hubs and various other misc things because they are "showing signs of wear". Honestly by our standards this car would pass no problems, but since Japanese rules are so tight, clearly it was a lemon by Japanese standards so I passed on it.
Looked at various '96 models with smaller brakes and 4 stud hubs. Didn't like them so I went back to looking for a '98+ model which were proving quite hard to find. Nearly gave up and was going to buy a common S14 Silvia before this one came up:
Was really happy with the condition. Factory HIDs, 89,000KMs = 55,000 miles, no accident history and 100% original. So I told them I'll take it. Took delivery a week ago and haven't driven it all that much yet. Crappy weather
Here's some pics of the day I picked her up and took it on that first drive.
And that's that. Hope you enjoyed the read.
Have finally pulled the trigger and bought one, here's my story. Pic + length warning.
I'm Australian, currently living in Japan. Will be here for 1-2 years so I decided to buy myself a car to bring back with me.
Decided on a DC2R because the JDM DC2 is one of the few cars we can't import to Australia since Honda Aus sold the quad round lights model, international variants are banned. Nevermind, I'll be able to bring this back with me under the foreign ownership loophole. XD
So I sat down with a few dealers to find myself a nice DC2. Looked at auction sheets, sorted through and inspected the best ones.
Car laws here are tight so junkers are usually exported as half cuts. This meant as a buyer you're pretty well protected.
Here's one of the first ones I test drove. Was tempted by it as it had a full Spoon exhaust, intake, Endless brakes and a remapped ECU.
Was a little bit rough like dents, faded headlights and moisture in the taillights.
When the Japanese roadworthy inspection report came back it said I needed to change engine mounts, front wheel hubs and various other misc things because they are "showing signs of wear". Honestly by our standards this car would pass no problems, but since Japanese rules are so tight, clearly it was a lemon by Japanese standards so I passed on it.
Looked at various '96 models with smaller brakes and 4 stud hubs. Didn't like them so I went back to looking for a '98+ model which were proving quite hard to find. Nearly gave up and was going to buy a common S14 Silvia before this one came up:
Was really happy with the condition. Factory HIDs, 89,000KMs = 55,000 miles, no accident history and 100% original. So I told them I'll take it. Took delivery a week ago and haven't driven it all that much yet. Crappy weather
Here's some pics of the day I picked her up and took it on that first drive.
And that's that. Hope you enjoyed the read.
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