Back from Miyagi

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Back from Miyagi

Postby Ganbatte » Mon May 02, 2011 5:34 pm

Hello everyone! My family and I are recent evacuees from the triple disaster in Japan. We've moved back to the UK for good, as our home in Japan is too close (60 km) to the Daiichi Nuclear plant... and things back there got pretty shook up...

We've left behind our RF1 Stepwgn in Miyagi... used car prices have doubled since so many were lost in the Tsunami... so it's for sale!

We miss our Stepwgn so much (no decent alternatives with 3 kids) we've decided to buy an import (RF2) here in the UK... We picked one up from Jap Autos, Southampton.. just waiting for registration and will hopefully pick her up at the end of the week...

I've driven Stepwgns for over 7 years now (in Japan) but am a newbie to the UK experience... Clearly an extremely common car in JP becomes something of a specialist motor over here... anyprattle... I hope we can contribute to the Steppy community!

Any advice on insurance etc. much appreciated...
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby PARR » Wed May 04, 2011 5:43 pm

First of all, sympathy for your tragedies (and those of your compatriots), secondly, welcome to the Stepwgn Club - I'm sure we can learn a lot about Steppies with your experience of them and thirdly I hope that the future can only get better for you and your family.
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Ganbatte » Thu May 05, 2011 8:50 am

Thanks for your kind words!

As soon as we pick up our Stepwgn we'll be on our way to happiness! My kids especially love 'em! Probably influenced by the Ultraman ads on JP TV!

Hope I can help UK Stepwgn peeps!
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Vantastic » Thu May 05, 2011 5:32 pm

Hi again Alastair - you found us here as well as on Facebook! You might find opportunities to source spare parts for us all as you no doubt still have some contacts back in Japan! Interested? :o :?: :D :lol:
Loving the Steppy! ... my other car is also Vantastic!
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Ganbatte » Thu May 05, 2011 9:46 pm

Yes, very much so... A lot of very affordable parts and accessories using Yahoo auction JP (the Japanese don't go in for ebay so much)...many If you have something specific I can search that online (all in Japanese) and also have a couple of contacts in JP... they however seem in semi-shut down after the disaster... focusing on domestic sales etc.

If you have a specific part, hit me up! I have a look...
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Vantastic » Thu May 05, 2011 10:34 pm

Well - I noticed the chrome across the top of the front grill on my RF3 (2002 model) is starting to get pitted and a nice shiny one would be useful. Also our driver's side front headlamp lens is going yellow and I have tried to use plastic restoring cream on it but am not satisfied with the result so a new one is on my list.

Maybe you can get some idea of prices first? Thanks :D
Loving the Steppy! ... my other car is also Vantastic!
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Vantastic » Thu May 05, 2011 10:38 pm

Ganbatte wrote:As soon as we pick up our Stepwgn we'll be on our way to happiness! My kids especially love 'em! Probably influenced by the Ultraman ads on JP TV!


Is Ultraman popular in Japan then? :o I have not seen them over here - just on the Stepwgn adverts!
Loving the Steppy! ... my other car is also Vantastic!
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Rob » Fri May 06, 2011 9:56 am

Ganbatte wrote:If you have a specific part, hit me up! I have a look...


A generous offer, much appreciated. Let's try not to take the p*ss, shall we folks? ;)
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Vantastic » Fri May 06, 2011 10:55 am

Vantastic wrote:Also our driver's side front headlamp lens is going yellow and I have tried to use plastic restoring cream on it but am not satisfied with the result so a new one is on my list.


You can see it on my Avatar! ... Some bloke painted a face on it! :lol:
Loving the Steppy! ... my other car is also Vantastic!
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Re: Back from Miyagi

Postby Ganbatte » Wed May 11, 2011 10:59 pm

Just exploring the mine-field that is reversing camera wiring, sat-nav for the UK and how to get mold off a seatbelt! I think the camera stopped working when I had a new radio fitted...(?)

Discovered that many nuts 'n' bolts issues are easily solved with donor parts from other hondas...

Insurance was simple with Adrian Flux...

I'll have a go on yahoo auction later in the week for you all!
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