Hi everyone! I really love the idea of having a "true" first generation Prius from 1997-2000. However I would have to import it from another country, so I obviously chose Japan. My question is that I'm not quite 100% sure if it's really a smart idea. I know the Nwh11 had a few problems. Also the head and tail light situation might need addressed? Aswell as the GPS (if it will work outside of Japan). Any info anybody has on this subject from research or experience would be awesome! Thank-you!
You may have to wait until it’s 25 years old. https://www.google.com/amp/s/jalopnik.com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632/amp
Hm, that is really sad ... The other reason I would do it (besides the novelty) is the extensive beautiful trim and paint options offered only ever in Japan. The first gen here just looks like their bottom barrel 1997 base model.
You do realize that Japanese Toyotas are right hand drive. GPS wasn't available until 02. The radio may be different, the characters on the displays will be different. Absolutely no one will want to work on it.
The GPS was actually offered from 1997- in Japan. Right hand drive is legal in the U.S. Most of the characters on the display are just numbers. Aswell as the rest if the Vin plates and most other things having English translations on it. But the service part does scare me, however could a Toyota dealership not scan for problems and order Japanese parts? Aren't most corolla models made I'm Japan?
