Ask an expert

Hello,
I'm looking at buying a 2001 XL Corolla that has done around 130,000kms, and was told it was NZ new, however after getting an AA history report I have discovered it is actually imported from Japan (in 2002 having done 67,000km). Although that in itself doesn't really affect my decision in buying the car, I would prefer NZ new and was wondering what impact that has on the reliability of the car? Does the fact that it is imported affect the asking price? NZ new corollas seem to be more expensive than imported ones. I have booked the car in for a pre-purchase inspection.
Thank you

In most cases a Japanese used import will be no different to a poorly serviced NZ new vehicle. Japan used vehicles do not normally have a good service history and this is why NZ new with a good service history is preferred and normally the NZ new vehicle has a slightly higher asking price. I don't see a problem with buying a used import from Japan as long as you arrange for a service upon purchasing the vehicle. Sometimes a service can be negotiated as part of the deal with the seller - you should ask.