Has anyone imported a car from Japan. I am considering a MX5 for a runaround for the missus. I am considering going down the Jap Aution and import route and was wondering if anyone here had tried it....

There are lots of things to beware of, one is some insurance companys dont like them because some UK dealerships wont support you with parts on an import, so if you have bump you cant get the parts, this may have changed but I know Mitsubishi used to be funny about it.
Steve,

From my experience this is no longer the case, got insurance no problems on my wifes jap import Subaru Legacy Bi Turbo, there are also lots of companies now offering parts off the shelf for grey imports. The major problem at the auction is getting something for the right money. Everyone seems to have jumped on the bandwagon and as a result the last 2 ayctions i went to were 90% retail punters hence the prices were quite high.

Mac

imported 2 cars from Japan around 6 years ago, mazda mx3 and a mitsi FTO, both cheap as chips and easy to do, plenty of companies that will ship the car over for you. Can take over a month though to get the car here though, so check on the delivery times.

Mazda supported me and got any part I needed. 99% of the time a UK car part fitted the jap car.

Mitsubishi, however, saw it as a chance to rip me off all the time, including Alternators that cost £1100 new! So didn't use them for a while (That was last year too)

Don't forget that the car will need SVA'ing if you bring it over yourself, though good chance to see what the sva test is all about!

Chris