Import vs local

One can’t deny that Japanese ‘grey’ imports have changed the Namibian motor vehicle industry. According to a member of the Jan Japan management (who did not want his name mentioned), the main reason this market exists is because of overpriced cars in Namibia. If you think about it, these importers basically buy a car in Japan, pay shipping costs, pay import taxes, add their profit margin and still manage to sell it at a cheaper price than our local second-hand dealers. Now you have to ask yourself, how much do these cars cost over there? But, as with all good things, there are pros and cons. Speaking to a salesmen working at one of our local dealers (who also spoke on condition of anonymity), there is a major downside to buying imports. First of all there are a few clear differences between the cars that come from Japan and those we receive from South Africa. That is the reason you can’t get your grey import car serviced at official dealer’s workshops, meaning you need to look for a ‘bos mechanic’. These cars also come without any warranty, and you do not know its condition. If you were to drive the car for two days and its engine seizes, you cannot return it. Japanese grey imports are also the reason why dealers like Novel Ford have limited the number of cars they accept as trade-ins. Understandable, because they aren’t selling their previously owned cars at the same rate they used to. Here are a few reasons you want to buy a new or previously owned car from authorised local dealers: Firstly, you have a service plan. Your car is under warranty. You can just get into your new car and drive to the coast without worrying about having a breakdown. The only downside of buying local is that you pay your butt off. For the import lovers there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Jan Japan claim to be in the process of opening a service provider for their cars. By the end of 2015 or beginning of 2016 you should be able to get your grey import serviced by Jan Japan or buy spare parts from them. One will have to see it to believe it though. GARWIN BEUKES