[Wagnbat]

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:

Quote:

You will probably want to purchase a vehicle upon your arrival. It is not recommended to ship cars manufactured in the U.S. after March 31, 1976 due to the cost of emission alterations, inspections and modifications to the vehicle's lights which costs approximately $3000.00. The vehicle will need to be returned to its original condition upon return to the States which will cost approximately another $3000.00. You are authorized to store one vehicle for the duration of your tour at government expense. If you own more than one vehicle you will need to store them at your own expense or sell them.

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 turbo.

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!

[AprilWhine]

I assume you will be in Yokosuka?

I've been there for months at a time TDY but never PCS there. But I say to take the ship's advice, store your MINI and buy a beater there. MINIs are available in Japan, if you don't want a beater you could buy a used MCS?

[Wagnbat]

Sasebo on a gator freighter is the assignment.

[AprilWhine]

The USS Essex it is then.

Haven't spent as much time in Sasebo, but I do remember that it's harder to get around there without a car. Yokosuka has a much better transit system. If you are going to live in Navy housing, it's a fair distance from the base and you will need to commute.

Hopefully, whokilledkanji will be along soon for some horse's mouth advice. He's on Honshu I think.

[Jim Ray]

Well, you already have the hat!

The rules about Left hand drive cars are relaxed for military on duty in Japan. I have had friends and coworkers who took their cars. Converting a MINI will probably be less cost, as it meets Japanese specs when sold there. So the parts will be available at the dealer, unlike a Chevy or Ford, which are not imported. Near the exchanges, there are parking lots where people leaving the country park the cars for sale that they don't want to take back to the states. Really cheap cars for use in fender bender traffic.

I don't feel that it is worth it. I have driven in Japan, and it is tough island. Public transportation is everywhere, and relatively cheap. Gotta go with the NAM crowd, and recommend selling. I just sold my 2005 on Ebay, and had really good bids.

Good luck.

Jim

[Jim Ray]

And, welcome to MINI2.

This board is a little different than you are used to. For the most part, if no one has an answer to your question, they will not just post to blow smoke.

[Wagnbat]

Thanks for the welcome.

It seems I may have wiggled out of the Japan tour for now, but that's not firm... It wasn't firm in the first place, so I guess I'm in sort of limbo. Hehe... Would still welcome any additional info on the subject.

[AprilWhine]

Why don't you call someone on your future ship?