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).
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
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.
