Why FTO's can't be imported

HiRAEdd · Post by **HiRAEdd** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:13 am

I was talking to a bloke who imports sports cars yesterday and I asked him why the FTO isn't being imported. He said that no one can get compliance because the headlights fail. They take the cars out to one of the Uni's (UQ I think he said) and test the cars and the FTO's headlights fail. He didn't know what about them failed. Anyone have any ideas? Even the standard headlights are pretty good I thought, let alone when you drop HID bulbs in them

paladin · Post by **paladin** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:22 am

it may e the std brightness is not up to standard? becuase i really cant imagin anytihng like that happening, having been over the wiring

HiRAEdd · Post by **HiRAEdd** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 10:20 am

I thought about that but that would be a really easy thing to fix. I mean certainly no more difficult or expensive than changing seat belts like you have to in the newer models.
The only thing I can think of is the actual style of the lamp itself is "illegal" in Australia. Replacing the entire lamp, whilst possible, would be a very expensive thing. It would be interesting to find out though and then perhaps look to manufacturing a "fix" for the lamps to allow importers to bring them in.

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:24 am

it could be something to do with the design of them, like the projecter lights, etc..

aren't our lights very diffrent to most other cars??? not sure. maybe it could be it...

FTO338 · Post by **FTO338** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:52 am

Well lots of local car use projector lights, & silvia S13 use projector lights & they got through. So don't know whats going on........

Think of it this way, a well maintain FTO could be a collection item now ehehehehe

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:22 pm

yeah, except no one will pay that much for it, they will just settle for an 11k FTO, that has problems.

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:30 pm

HiRAEdd, is it possible to get more info?

FTO338 · Post by **FTO338** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:49 pm

Boris wrote:yeah, except no one will pay that much for it, they will just settle for an 11k FTO, that has problems.

Well i just let those rust bucket, half baked, sh*t box break downs in few yrs time, & all will be left are the good one like most of our one hehehee

EURO · Post by **EURO** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 2:51 pm

has anyone noticed on j-spec how cheap the cars are at the moment?

evo 6-7 and r34 going for 27-30 grand.. some real bargains on them, that includes compliance, shipping etc....

HiRAEdd · Post by **HiRAEdd** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 3:25 pm

Boris wrote:HiRAEdd, is it possible to get more info?

I asked but he didn't know. I'll see if I can find anything else but don't hold your breath :/

FNTSY · Post by **FNTSY** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:33 am

if it was a headlight problem wouldnt they just fix it upon import.
as they change mirror lenses in the mirrors, add intrusion bars to the doors and change seatbelts on many models

paladin · Post by **paladin** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 6:25 pm

i think youll find a little while ago mitsu kicked up a big fuss over imports stealing sales and slamed them, so only rally/race cars could be imported, mainly evos to boost rally pressence due to subies being cheaper/ more common to privteers

CSV · Post by **CSV** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:43 pm

paladin wrote:i think youll find a little while ago mitsu kicked up a big fuss over imports stealing sales and slamed them, so only rally/race cars could be imported, mainly evos to boost rally pressence due to subies being cheaper/ more common to privteers

The only evo's which can only be imported for race/rally use are those that were sold locally in Australia. Which leaves a lot of them exempt...

FTO338 · Post by **FTO338** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 1:12 pm

Hmmmm i looked up the list the other day, & V6 FTO are still allow, so i don't know why your importer said it can't be done, or is it because he CBF.

The list is updated at 29th June 2005, so its very current.

http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/not ... igible.htm

This is the list of vehicle that are not eligible, but the FTO on it is the 4 banger 1.8L one not V6 2.0L

h[url]ttp://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/not_elig/not%20eligible.htm[/url]

ph3var · Post by **ph3var** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:23 pm

http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/sevs/018-00.htm

Says that the other models are allowed to be imported as it meets standards. But still no one is doing SEVS compliance for them.

EURO · Post by **EURO** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:33 pm

j spec has an fto on its mailing list....

approx 11, 800 or something complied and landed.

has a great list of other cars they have ready to go as well.

FTO338 · Post by **FTO338** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:36 pm

hmmm they maybe using left over plates from the old rules. Can u find out Dave?

EURO · Post by **EURO** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:24 pm

The site is

www.j-spec.com.au go to mailing list and then page 3.

(#2775) 1994 Mitsubishi FTO GPX .. MIVEC STATUS: AVAILABLE

trans engine km's color around $11,200
Tiptronic 2.0L V6 68,000 metallic silver landed and complied

I would contact, but not at home so dont have email here.

FTO338 · Post by **FTO338** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 10:33 pm

Thanks Dave

G_A_V · Post by **G_A_V** » Mon Jul 04, 2005 11:08 pm

CSV wrote:
paladin wrote:i think youll find a little while ago mitsu kicked up a big fuss over imports stealing sales and slamed them, so only rally/race cars could be imported, mainly evos to boost rally pressence due to subies being cheaper/ more common to privteers
The only evo's which can only be imported for race/rally use are those that were sold locally in Australia. Which leaves a lot of them exempt...

There are compliance plates avalible for them now