Parallel Import / Authorised Agent

[jckybong]

Hi guys...Need some explanation here..
What is the difference between parallel import and authorised agent?
I know that parallel import is refer to those agent who deal direct with Japan.
How's about authorised agent in singapore? Does it mean that "Authorised agent " = Local Agent?
I saw few same car model at P.I and Authorised agent..
But they selling at difference price..Just wonder why same model but selling at difference price?
which is better?
Parallel import or Local Agent??

[Dihudaxia]

Wah.... this qus requires a long answer that i reckon few have time to answer.

So i shall keep it short.

Let take an example. The Honda Civic.

PI's are do import the cars directly from eg. Japan. They are NOT officially recognised by Honda JPY. The civic they import looks the same, name is the same but they do not do any form of modifications to the car in order to localise the car's settings (eg. Radio tuning, emission control etc). What is sold in JPY is almost what you get in SG.

Authorised agents aka distributors, are officially appointed by Honda JPY to sell honda civic in SG. Auth agents will officially spec the car according to what they feel is more important for local markets, perhaps add some equipment locally and/or make modifications before import to suit the country's regulations. Normally, distros will have higher prices due to larger overheads/profit requirements and/or to support its workshops. Distros offer warranty and repairs while sometime PI's will not offer official channels for warranty repairs.

Examle: Kah Motor (Honda Distro) has its own workshop with technicians trained to carry out repair works on all honda models. But some PI's have no workshop that can do all out repairs on Honda vehicles. They will normally tie up with local garages to help out with warranty claims.

PI or Auth Agents, well, that is your personal choice.

PI's offer wider ranges and sometimes better prices. But auth agents offer peace of mind. Which is more important? You choose.

[yumiko82]

wow..good explanation...bottomline is...u will have a hard time when it comes to servicing ur car...i suggest buying from distributors, easier and u definitely get ur car (PI u might not)...though initial cost higher, but it's worth it, save time, trouble and breath...

also, i had a friend who bought from those finance companies who deal directly with distributors, better service and deal...

[xiao`meow]

wow..good explanation...bottomline is...u will have a hard time when it comes to servicing ur car...i suggest buying from distributors, easier and u definitely get ur car (PI u might not)...though initial cost higher, but it's worth it, save time, trouble and breath...

also, i had a friend who bought from those finance companies who deal directly with distributors, better service and deal...
why would you have a hard time servicing the car?
i don't find any problems servicing mine...
1st 2 servicings were at Jack Speed, then 10K was @ stamford... next i may go to a nearby workshop to service... so far no problems

[Dihudaxia]

wow..good explanation...bottomline is...u will have a hard time when it comes to servicing ur car...i suggest buying from distributors, easier and u definitely get ur car (PI u might not)...though initial cost higher, but it's worth it, save time, trouble and breath...

also, i had a friend who bought from those finance companies who deal directly with distributors, better service and deal...

Servicing depends on which workshop has which tie-in with which PI. Some workshops are horribly unreliable.

But TS, do not that some PI's prices seem low, not because they are generous or giving you some special disc, but its cos of alot of hidden clauses, or "must buy" items that are not stated upfront on the sticker price. Choose your PI carefully.