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I'm in the process of looking to up-date my car, currently a 1996 Nissan Maxima with 240,000ks on the clock. I'm considering a Lexus ES300 2003 model done 60'000ks.

My question is why are they so much cheaper at one particular dealer in Auckland, and why are they the only ones allowed to import them?

Is there a potential problem with Lexus's imported from Singapore?

I have been told by a couple of the Toyota dealers that they are not allowed to import them, that the imported cars electrics are made for Singapore not NZ, and will be faulty.

Graeme

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 19 January 2009

I can't speak on behalf of Toyota but what I can say is they have always been very strong on trying to give a Toyota driver a good experience with their product whether it be in a NZ new or an imported vehicle.

Their signature range of vehicles, for example, are carefully selected to meet the market demands and all go through a specific reconditioning programme before going on public sale.

We have heard of the problems some vehicles can and do give which are sourced from Singapore but these have been mainly the European brands to be honest. The biggest problem relates to a break down within the wiring looms caused by the high humidity in Singapore.

I'm not saying the Lexus brand doesn't suffer in the same way, I simply saying I haven't heard of the problem. If it can happen to a Euro I guess it can happen to all vehicles coming out of Singapore.

There are stories of cars having part of, or the complete wiring loom replaced, which is a very costly and labour intensive undertaking, and it's possible these problems can emerge long after any warranty periods from a dealer have expired.

If what you are saying is correct then Toyota simply view this source for used Toyota's or Lexus's as high risk, and one they don't want to take.

No dealer will not hold exclusive rights to the particular models you mention, it's a free market, obviously they see an opportunity for themselves by sourcing cars out of Singapore and are entitle to do so.

It's all about risk and choice. You have to weight up the pro's and con's and make a decision on what you think is the best option to take, and be prepared to live with it.

My experience with Singapore imports is there is a high chance of odometer tampering rolling back. I brought a used Singapore VW (VIN: WVWZZZ7NZDV012136) from a NZ dealer and have to return it due to many issues with the car. I checked the service history with VW SG and found out that the odometer has been rolled back.
In Singapore, it is not a criminal offence to roll back the odometer, therefore it is a very common issue with Singapore cars. I do not understand why the Singapore Government allows it.