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Japanese import 3rd gen Prius?

Discussion in 'International Owners' started by QuantumFireball, Mar 22, 2016.

  1. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2016
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    Location:
    Ireland
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    I'm considering getting a 3rd generation Prius and noticed there are quite a lot of used Japanese imports for sale, both here in Ireland and in the UK. Does anyone have experience with these? Any significant differences or potential pitfalls? I noticed most seem to have aftermarket stereos fitted, not sure if they've been replaced to work with the local FM band or what. I believe the trip computer will be stuck in km/l but haven't heard much besides that.

    I found a few forum posts elsewhere about people importing them only to find the batteries dead once they come off the boat, but these posts were from quite a while ago (some probably NHW10's) - maybe the exporters are better at preparing hybrids now, or the newer models are just more resilient to being left on a boat for a month?

    Used Japanese imports are fairly common in Ireland (especially when the Yen is weak), and no modifications are required to make them roadworthy here (I know they're a bit stricter about things like fog lights in the UK).
     
  2. lanigirl

    lanigirl New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2016
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Tonga
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Keen to know more I'm considering importing a Prius from Japan to tropical Pacific Islands for the good gas mileage but am concerned abt battery as there's no thorough check pre shipping
     
  3. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2016
    416
    267
    0
    Location:
    Ireland
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    I ended up importing from the UK instead. I'd say the risk of problems occurring during transport are probably lower for you since you're not as far away from Japan as I am.