Grey import best buys

Normally, we would warn people against buying second-hand cars that have been imported from Japan. How­ever, it’s not only madcap modified saloons that are shipped here.

In fact, unless your budget will stretch to a wild-looking supercar, buying a so-called ‘grey import’ is one of the only ways to get yourself behind the wheel of some of the most distinctive vehicles on the road.

Take our trio of head-turning Japanese imports. Each model comes with character by the bucketload – yet none was ever officially sold in UK showrooms. Despite their unique appeal, running them is a fairly simple, painless affair, especially now that there’s a plethora of specialist dealers, insurers and parts suppliers catering for these types of vehicles.

The majority of grey imports from Japan have been meticulously looked after. What’s more, many have travelled far fewer miles than cars of the same age in Britain. Add in the extra benefit of owning a vehicle which is truly individual, and there has never been a better time to go grey.

Nissan Figaro
The cute, retro-styled Figaro was only manufactured in 1991, with a limited production run of 20,000 cars. As a result, there was a rush to own one when it was first revealed. A lottery was even held in Japan for prospective buyers.

The model’s real attraction lies in the fact that it’s based on Nissan Micra running gear, which makes it reliable and cheap to run. Thanks to a turbocharged 76bhp engine and three-speed automatic gearbox, it’s also simple to drive. The fact it features an easily foldable soft-top roof only adds to its appeal.

Best of all, though, despite the Figaro’s classic looks, it comes with modern equipment such as power-steering and air-con as standard. Today, finding one is easy – just avoid neglected examples without proof of regular servicing, as these will prove problematic. Look out for overheating engines, head gasket issues and smoky turbos.

Nissan dealers still have most spares, and many Figaro specialists can supply used and reconditioned parts, as well as accessories. While genuine examples are now scarce in Japan, you can buy a decent one in the UK for around £6,000.

Nissan Cube/Cube 3
It’s 44mm shorter than a Ford Focus, cavernous inside and feels like an MPV on a city car chassis. Meet Nissan’s Cube. The line-up comprises the funky five-seater Cube and the seven-seater Cube3 (pictured). Both feature easy-to-read instruments, while the latter’s rearmost bench folds into the floor. There’s even a special place in which to stow the rear headrests when they’re not in use.

On the outside, it certainly stands out, with its angular grille, square headlights and side-hinged tailgate. The Cube is loosely based on the Micra, and shares the car’s 1.4-litre petrol engine. All variants are generously kitted out, with ABS, air-con and twin airbags as standard. There’s even a four-wheel- drive model in Japan, although none has made it to the UK. And given Nissan’s reputation, there shouldn’t be any issues with spares and reliability. Prices now start at £5,000, while a Cube3 like this one will fetch about £7,000.

Subaru Sambar minivan
As legends go, the Sixties VW camper has to be one of the best-loved of all-time. But don’t think you will need to spend five-figure sums on an original, because this converted Subaru Minivan has just as much eye-catching charisma – and at a fraction of the cost.

It’s based on what’s known in Japan as a ‘kei car’ (small vehicle), and mounted under the floor at the rear is a tiny 685cc normally aspirated engine. In truth, it’s nothing more than a mini commercial van clothed in a VW lookalike bodykit. So while it’s semi-convincing, it’s far from the perfect family runabout.

However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the immense fun factor of driving the little Sambar. When you’re perched at the wheel with the buzz of its feeble 40bhp engine filling your ears and everyone staring at you, it’s impossible not to smile. It’s practical, too, with twin sliding doors and a useful loading area, made even bigger with the rear seats folded flat. Standards of finish vary, so try to compare as many cars as you can before you buy. It’s a niche model, but this low-mileage example is currently selling for £5,495.

Thanks to: Parkside Garage (01403 780801) for the loan of the Nissan Cube, and Southern Motors (01202 434611) for Figaro and Sambar
 

Extra Info

Retro appeal

Mother-of-two Donna Hide from Worthing, West Sussex, bought her Figaro just over 10 months ago, and hasn’t looked back.

“I’d owned a few classic Volkswagen Beetles, but couldn’t rely on them. So I bought a new Ford Ka instead,” she said. “But I got bored with it after a while because it was too sensible – so I decided to go for the Figaro. I’m into retro things, and the Nissan just seemed to fit my personality perfectly.”

She picked the car up on eBay for only £4,000. “I did some research on the Internet, so I knew what to look out for. The fact that parts are still available from Nissan dealers was reassuring.”

The only real negative was insurance, as the Figaro sits in Group 10. If you are considering a grey import, make sure you log on to www.bimta.co.uk and get a background check.