Considering a Japanese import Passat...

Hi, I'm considering changing my 2011 VW Passat 1.4 saloon to a 2012 VW Passat 1.4 Estate, as I need the space. The one I'm considering is a very well equipped Highline model, but it's a Japanese import. Is there anything in particular I should know about buying a used Japanese car?

Thanks, Brendan

Brendan Cullen (Knocklyon)

Feb 2019 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Brendan,

A couple of things. Obviously, any of the car’s on-board systems will be setup for Japanese language, so you will need to get those changed, and the radio may not be set to receive European FM frequencies, so the car’s entire audio system may need to be replaced. Generally speaking, a Japanese Passat will be mechanical similar to a European one, but there will inevitably be some detail differences in specification and equipment, so you may run into trouble further down the line with parts availability.

I’d suggest that you’d be better off looking at the UK market than the Japanese one — the Passat is hardly a rare car, so there may be an easier option out there for you.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe