Tokyo Newbie's First EP

[JPDDEP]

Hello, everyone! Allow me to preface by saying that, as an American living in Japan, I am probably the least qualified to actually join these forums, so do please forgive me for that...but this is pretty far and away the best source for English Starlet info hahaha

With that out of the way, I'm Grant, and like I said, I'm from the US, but have been living in Japan for the past 5 years. After far too much time putting it off, I finally got my act together, got my Japanese license, and saved up enough for a car.

And I stumbled across a little gem of a Starlet that no Japanese person would consider buying but that was absolutely perfect for me!

The basics:

1997 Starlet Glanza V

1331cc 4E-FTE, 133HP

C56 5-speed

Completely stock everything

Full maintenance history/paperwork

110,000km

It's got a little bit of body damage you can't really see in pictures. The rear bumper has a pretty decent scuff, there's a long scratch down the passenger door, and a noticeable dent in the hood next to the intercooler scoop. But with the exception of one 2-3mm spot on a front fender, no rust anywhere on the body or the undercarriage, no leaks, A/C blows cold, engine pulls strong...it's a pretty great little thing.

Went to test drive it back on 6/23 and put down $1000 on it not long after. Total price of the car, including the 5 weeks of paperwork to get the title into my name: 460,000 yen,or just over $4100. Not a bad deal, I feel like.

So, why would no average Japanese person have bought it?

1: It's more than 10 years old, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people.

2: It has more than 100,000km, i.e. junk in the eyes of all-non car people

3: It will need it's shaken (roadworthiness inspection) done again in March next year, i.e. too much PITA in the eyes of all non-car people

4: It has some minor, but noticeable body damage, i.e. junk in the eyes of all non-car people

Fortunately, though, thanks to all that...perfect car for a stupid Gaijin who's willing to put in the DIY time.

Plans for the rest of this year: get it ready to pass inspection in March

- New tires (Either 185/55/14 Federal 595s on the stock rims, or get some 15x6+35 BBS Basketweaves off Yahoo Auctions for a bit nicer fitment)

- New brake pads and front rotors

- And probably a decent Nardi/Momo wheel and TRD shift knob, because they're cheap and easy and the OEM ones are pretty tired-looking

Plans after passing inspection:

- Intake/Ex. Manifold/Exhaust

- Raise the boost to ~0.8bar

- E-manage and tune

- Shocks and springs

- Rear swaybar

- Confetti Recaros if I get lucky on auctions/at UpGarage

I'd like to get it to something like 160-170HP within a couple years, but more than anything, I want to keep it a reliable car I can travel with the Mrs. in, go to meets at Daikoku with, and maybe occasionally do some gymkhana or mini-circuit time attacks.

Anyway, here's my new project for the forseeable future!

[Gainzy]

Cool man welcome what's it like living out there? Have you been to any tuning shops? Many other starlets kicking around?

[maddox710]

Your really nice the Holy mecca of jdm starlet parts alot people will benefit jealous

[JPDDEP]

Cool man welcome what's it like living out there? Have you been to any tuning shops? Many other starlets kicking around?

[JPDDEP]

Your really nice the Holy mecca of jdm starlet parts alot people will benefit jealous

[Calum122]

Ahh wow, that's crazy. I would love to go to Japan some day!

[Nanglebadger]

Welcome to the site bud.

I will have two days in Tokyo in mid september to do some sight seeing. Sadly I think Daikoku is out of the question as a hire car is required and I wouldnt fancy tackling the tolls etc, but hoping I'll see plenty of machinery on the streeys of Tokyo!

Keep us updated on how you get on modifying an EP in the motherland!!!!!!

Phil.

[JPDDEP]

Ahh wow, that's crazy. I would love to go to Japan some day!

[Armand]

Welcome along to UKSO, you will get all the info you need here

ps. That is awesome owning an EP in the mother land