I hesitate to wade into this discussion, as there are accusations going back and forth, but as an end consumer with 10 years of experience in importing JDM vehicles for non-business purposes, I feel compelled to throw a few things out for those who might be otherwise dissuaded against what could be a great vehicle for you. I have many, many friends with multiple JDM's, and have a a personal interest in supporting JDM's in North America.
So, much of this is probably obvious, but those who know me would say I can't hold my tongue.....
1. Airing these kinds of things publicly rarely ends happily for all involved, so I wish you all well. I'd hate to think anyone is purposely misleading anyone else, and would rather believe there are misunderstandings on both sides, but what do I know?
2. If I'm buying something that is gray market, I want to see proof of everything. There are enough hoops to jump through as it is, between gov't reg's, insurance co's, etc, that I want to be 100% positive that I'm getting what I'm paying for. Buyer Beware is very appropriate here. Every JDM vehicle I've ever bought (all Mitsu, funny enough) has had the build month and year on a plate, on the door jamb. I'm not sure if this is standard practice for every other JDM vehicle, but it is for every mitsu I've purchased. I've checked the electronic parts catalog for interest sake from time to time (also gives paint and option codes), but I'll stick with my build plate, and matching chassis ID as the primary source, rather than an unseen source that I can't verify.
3. I always get a deregistration paper from Japan when it is exported, (in Japanese AND English), which clearly states the year and month of the vehicle. This, along with the build plate, gives you assurance that what you're buying is legit. This should come with every JDM vehicle that graces our shores, and if you don't get it, you should ask for it.
4. I've dealt exclusively with one importer over the years, but know several others, and ALL are very interested in protecting this industry. It is under constant attack from conventional dealers, govt regulators and insurance companies (one Canadian province has already banned JDMs altogether, based on a flawed document funded by a BC insurance company, as far as I can tell). We don't need any more fuel to throw on this fire. Yes, there are dishonest dealers out there, but I'd suggest they are few and far between: As the end buyer, it is ultimately our responsibility to double check EVERYTHING before money changes hands.
I apologize if I'm taking the OP's topic too far sideways, but I thought it was important that folks have as much info as possible if they find themselves considering a JDM ride for themselves.
