240ZG on EBAY JAPAN

[26th-Z]

Hey Robert!

This guy wants $32,000 for the ZG and Alan is saying he is seeing original cars go in the $40,000 range. I use this currency conversion site http://www.xe.com/ucc/

One of the reasons the price seems so high is because of the strength of the Yen at the moment. Now is not a good time to go overseas and buy with American dollars.

[HS30-H]

Originally posted by RobertH

How much (American dollars please) do you think one would pay to acquire a stock ZG? Can they be imported into the states if you could not find one here? thanks RobertH

Robert,

I think you could actually find a genuine Factory-built ZG ( HS30-H model ) for as 'little' as 2,000,000 Yen if you are prepared to buy privately and overlook a few details in originality and condition.

However, after that there are plenty of extra costs to put on top. You would have to take into account just where the car is located, and if its in 'heartland' Japan then its going to cost you money to get it transported to a port where it can be shipped from. Shipping costs can vary depending on what method you use ( containerised or roll-on roll-off etc ) and there are lots of other small charges that mount up.

Above all, you need to have someone there on the spot that you can TRUST and who knows their job. De-registration and stuff like that needs to be done properly, and if you are not there to inspect the car yourself then again you would want to be putting your faith in somebody who knows what they are looking at.

Ultimately I think the relatively low market value of an S30-series Z in the USA ( in comparison to Japan ) - combined with the unfavourable exchange rate - is what stops a general drain of this type of car from Japan to other markets - and the USA in particular. The thought of RHD will be enough to put off plenty of people too I would imagine.

You will hear of, and see, some ex-Japanese market models that were brought back by armed forces personnel that were stationed in Japan. The fact that they were able to do this is largely due to the fact that they could get relatively cheap ( free? ) transport back to the USA, and assistance with registering and legalising the car at the other end.

Some of the more common models ( later S31 two seaters and 2by2's ) can be had for much less money if you are in the right place at the right time, but in general no early Z in decent to fair condition or better is getting cheaper these days. If anything the prices are going up to a level and stabilising, and the creme-de-la-creme cars are changing hands for as much money ( or more ) as they ever did.

Language and communication difficulties are major obstacles that still exist even with translation software and the access that Yahoo Japan gives you to the market. However, as with Ebay ( in my opinion ) the very best stuff very rarely makes it on to the web auctions.................

Alan T.

( just my own personal views, of course!:classic: )

[RobertH]

Are you telling me there are legit factory ZG cars in the states?I am sure there are serial numders and ways to detect a fraud??? I would not expect to find a REAL ZG on e-bay but I guess you never know. .I am new to the forum (70 240Z)and have plenty to learn about these great cars.

Thanks for the info

RobertH

Lakeland, Florida