A couple car Questions

[browna]

Now that spring's arrived and I've found that my wife's car lease can be turned in 8 months early, still in a positive equity position, meaning we can turn it in an walk away, no cost. We assume we're going to not buy it out.

Done with leasing after 9 years, first step was last October, purchasing a used Acura MDX. High miles, but a great deal, and after minimal investment, runinng mint..in a couple years, with us driving not that many miles, we'll likely be able to sell it for what we bought it for.

In the mean time, time to replace the leased car...and give the wife the MDX.

But, we have to go cheaper (around 15K,) anda car just to drive around town...just my own opinion, but I like to have unique vehicles.

Thus, I have a very good idea of what I am looking for...but its a risk for a few reasons. Even riskier is one of the ways I am thinking of going about it.

BMW 850 or 840. Rare cars in general..exotics at the the time, circa 1991-1997. Prefer a 840 (V8, not a V12). but these are rarer cars. The 850's have issues with the engine...and all cars that are 15+ years are issues. And, these cars are expensive to fix no matter what. But just love the look..stunning as far as I am concerned, and a timeless look.

One alternative is importing from Japan. 15 year old cars can be imported from anywhere without restrictions. Unlike JDM (Japanese Domestic Models), BMW and Mercedes sold in Japan have left hand drives. Right hand drives are a little too off the wall for me.
The cars from Japan, due to Geography, gas prices, and governmental restrictions (cars must be thoroughly inspected every couple years, proof of a parking space must be shown etc), there cars have less then 80K km's usually...and thanks to the inspections, appear to be in very good shape.

Costs are usually around 12-20K$ CDN all in for these models.

But, it is risky. First for the car itself, from wherever it comes from as its a low production exotic that's 12-15 years old that will be twice as much to fix, and potentially a lot of fixes, second is buying a used car, sight unseen, from another country.

But, lots of websites seem to be bringing them over, and most of what I read show now importation issues, or, "lemon" issues.

So, after all that, anyone have expereince with those models of BMW, or, any further insight/resources/experience with importing JDM vehicles? Probably a shot in the dark, but thanks for any help.

[Sylvanfan]

Neeper used to do some car importing from Japan, and is pretty familiar with all the laws.

[Incinerator]

Buying a used German, and an exotic at that, is just asking for troubles...I foresee that you're gonna have electrical problems up the wazoo. Stick with the mainstream Japanese like the that MDX you have.

[urban1]

go to beyond.ca. lots of JDM talk on there.

[Bill Bumface]

Don't touch an 8 series if you are going to need to be driving it most days. Very cool car, but it will end up experiencing some shop time. You see lots of JDM cars running around, but not many EDM's. If I were you I'd try buy a 15 year old that was only ever sold in Europe. Get a Cosworth or a Renault or Peugot or something cool like that.

[Nuje]

I was so tempted to do that, but the biggest problem is finding parts...some of those aren't only cars that aren't sold here, but companies that don't sell ANY cars here. Imagine that headache....that said, I wish the Alfa Romeo Brera could turn 15 years old already....hawt cars. I agree with the "stick to Japanese" notion though. It costs a LOT to maintain one of those 8 series (if it didn't, I would have one by now)