(Home) Service. No wonder people are so scared of imports

I thought I'd have a quick scoot around the 'net' to see which companies deal with the Townies & other imports, I clicked on the link from 'Ace Answers' to go to the site of a company called JAPARTS, they specialise in conversions for UK use, as well as servicing & parts sourcing. I noticed that they dared to put a price list in their site, blow me they know how to charge, £150.00 to fit a rear foglight, they even say they include the switch, very useful if you want to turn it on & off. £180.00 to fit a pait of side repeaters. £200.00 for speedo conversions, although they don't state whether this is a 'stick on facia' over the existing speedo, or if it is an electronic convertor. When people see this sort of price for any type of conversion, it must put them off the import vehicle & make them go back to a UK spec vehicle. - (#1583) Rob Drinkwater, 9 Dec 01

Just in case anyone thinks I am having a go at Japarts especially, I am not, having looked at some other sites they all seem to know how to charge, all I can say is, if you can;t fit your own foglights etc, visit you local reputable garage & they will do it for a fraction of the cost. - (#1584) Rob Drinkwater, 9 Dec 01

Just an observation following Rob's comments on the costs etc and general antipathy by the "trade" on imported Japanese vehicles. We all seem to have our share of problems but, with the very high spec and low purchase price of these splendid vehicles, even fairly large sums spent on rectifying these problems is very worthwhile. Other motoring forums tell horror stories of the high cost of repairs, low build quality, and vast depreciation of the "traditional" MPV type of vehicle. - (#1587) Johnn Davis, 10 Dec 01

You're too easy going John. Rob's right we do get a rough deal from the motor trade. Why should 3rd party copies be so expensive. You can nearly understand Toyota originals being expensive when they have to be shipped in small quantities from Japan but not for stuff made in places like Nottingham! My experiences this weekend in trying to source something as simple as glowplugs proves my theory.
Ian - (#1588) Ian Dunse, 10 Dec 01

I thought prices was high looking at some of parts prices other charg . but I got a front brak pads for £10 a oil filter was £10 dissel filter £11 cam belt £17.5 .
when I got this items I tought god it is over the top the price I paid but now I think it is ok knowing that others pay more then that .
what one need is a club of all the person who own a townace or litace and then they could all make one big order of this items and splet the cost that way one would get the parts a lot low . - (#1591) bigmoe, 10 Dec 01

Nice idea old friend but difficult to administer. You got a good deal on your service parts, maybe you could set up a brokering service for us. - (#1592) Ian Dunse, 10 Dec 01

The problem we have found is insurance. Companies freak out at the idea of insuring Jap imports. We have been told that it's expensive becuase:
a. They have different brakes because the speed limit in Japan is 50 mph!
b. The vehicle does not exist, the closest thing on their system is a VWGolf!
c. The vehicles are so fast that they are in a much higher grouping.
We have heard the lot, quite silly really. Has to be said Insurance companies are a load of Dime bars. - (#1966) Dime bar, 26 Jan 02

this should possibly be under insurance, however, we could all "e-mail" insurance companies pointing out that the majority of townace owners are responsible citizens and mature/experienced drivers.
i had a toyota corolla "crescendo" limited edition, only 1250 made and this was actually cheaper to insure than a standard gl model, despite being worth about 20% more due to the extras fitted. - (#1999) john collier, 30 Jan 02