Just got a call from the Navy. They said prepare to pack, you're moving to Japan in less than 4 months.



So, one of my first concerns is my fairly new Mini... According to the ship's website to which I'm supposed to be transferring:
The Mini isn't manufactured in the US, so I wonder if/how that applies to UK built cars... Has anyone moved from anothercountry to Japan with their Mini before?

And I can't really sell mine here and buy one there, because I'll have to get a poo '07. :(

Ahhhh, dammit. Any insights, experience, tips, comments, suggestions or whatever are very welcome. A short time to get prepared (I need to sell my fricken house now!!!) and much to do. The only shining light on this, is that my command may fight back because I am supposed to be 'obligated' to them until Aug 07, and the Navy is trying to recall me early... So there's a tiny chance I'll get out of it. I'm not really sure if I'm happy or not about the orders... Bah!

 

That stinks! I say just store the MINI and have fun when you get back. I would not sell it because when you get back you will have to buy the 07. It will be like a time capsule! I will store it for you and drive it now and again. If the NAVY will pay...I only charge $1000.00/month in a climate controlled garage.

Good luck deciding.

 

Sorry to hear this Wagn. I hope you get everything worked out. Man your MINI is so customized its gotta be hard to even think about selling it.

 

Crap!

 

That sucks dude. My guess is that a Mini shipped to the US identical to a car built here for emissions specs etc so would need to be converted for Japan etc, etc.

I've spent a little time in Japan and depending on location I wouldn't bother with a car. A friend lived there for 3+ years and never even considered it.

 

Check with pfunk. He's moving there shortly and should be able to advise you more.

 

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The location is Sasebo Japan. The tour will likely be 3 years. I don't know about storing a new Mini for 3 years. A classic maybe, but I don't know how a new computer controlled-gee-whizz-bang car would handle isolation for that long...

 

Here's the e-mail address listed on Pfunk's site: minijdm (at) mac . com

 

That really sucks. I'm sorry to hear you have to move and are put in this situation with your MINI.

But from a lone citizen in WI, thank you for what you do in serving our country.

 

Say it ain't so!

 

Oh noes!

I haven't even had a chance to meet the Batmini

Either way, I hope it turns out for the best for you in the long run

 

I agree. I doubt it would be worthwhile to store for 3 years.

Option 1.
The value of the car will depreciate regardless to about 60% or 50% of what it is now. You could just buy another one when you get back to USA. 3 years from now you have an 2005 MCS with low miles worth about $15k.

Option 2.
Sell your car now. If batmini is owned by you, not the bank, then invest the $25k or whatever you sell it for. In 3 years you will have $30k assuming 6% growth. You would have $35k if assuming 12% growth. Take that $35k and buy a new 2009 MCS with JCW and mod with the extra money!


Option 3.
Sell your car now. Invest money as in option 2. When you get back, buy a low miles used MCS for $15k and leave the other $10k or $20k in the bank!

 

sucks that you have to leave the country for work. it's bad
enough to transfer to another part of town, but overseas is a big step.

at least for me Japan would still be "home" but still a huge sacrifice
if i had to move now.

i would sell the MINI and get something nice when you get back.

 

what?!! Japan?!! awwwww...poop!!! That's too far away...stupid Navy.
Looks like we'll have to have yet another good-bye gathering

 

Wow, that sucks man....but at least you can bring back parts!

Why so long? I'm glad I never wanted to join the Military...

-Cody

 

Wagnbat: Try to see this in a positive light. There are tons of stuff available only in Japan that you could send back. Do you have a Pay Pall acount?

You can be thankful that you are only going to Japan and not the Persian Gulf.

 

DON'T SELL, DON'T SELL!!! Those that are saying you should sell just want to try to get first dibs.

Seriously, don't sell Will. You've put to much time, care, money, and love into it. Think of all the experiences you've had in it. It's a family member now and you don't just sell off family when you are in a bind. $3,000. is a lot to spend both ways but i think it's worth it. You would be adding to the history/story of the Batmini. There are Mini clubs over there too you know and someone may be able to help with the conversions for less.

Or if the Navy will pay to store it I think thats a great idea too. I would just recomend that you have someone you trust take it out and drive it a couple of miles every month and it should be fine. It will miss you i'm sure but wouldn't you rather come back to the baby you created than adopt a whole new stranger.

Hope you don't have to go.

-HAPA

 

Not since it's been rear-ended, we don't ...but seriously, I don't see how you can hang on to a car for 3 years while still paying for it. Cut your losses - it will be hard - but you will be back...and who says you have to buy new, you can find a nice used one? and if you are away for 3 years, when you get back it won't be the first run '07 model that you have to buy, it will be the refined "new" (bugs worked out) design '09 or '10 model ...But Good luck to ya!

 

You could get rich by exporting power folding side mirrors

 

Email the picture in your sig to your detailer and tell him that you don't think you will pass overseas screening.

Seriously, I had the same choice when forced to go to Gaeta, Italy for 2 years. I chose to leave my 911 parked in a friend's airplane hangar and had my dad drive it twice a month. It worked out well. I did take the family Volvo wagon though and it was wrecked 3 times while we were there. The driving is a little better in Japan than Italy, but not by much. I wouldn't take the chance of wrecking it.

You also should talk with some of the guys who have been stationed there before and get their take on it. They will have a much better feel for what works and what doesn't over there.

 

AMEN! PREACH ON!

 

I for one would be interested in getting my hands on a set of these!

Very sorry to hear about this. You will be missed by a lot of fellow MINIacs. Before you go, I will definately have to get some pictures of you with the Batmini! My new camera should be arriving tomorrow.

 

I do have a paypal account.

I am being stationed on a ship in Japan, and that ship deploys to the gulf with Marines.

True. Everytime one of my Mini friends have gone overseas, I've asked them to ask about these.


I am pretty set on taking the car with me if I can. I'll sell my F150, and keep the Mini. I was reading that quote again, and it says the cars need to be converted to conform with japanese lighting regulations... Easier than emissions, no?

 

Dude - I just saw this. I'm truly bummed. :-(

 

Modification would include LHD to RHD. That would be MAJOR surgery.