Well since I'm here in Japan does anyone know if its actually cheaper to buy wheels here rather than going through a regular U.S. website? Does anyone know of any sites that I could use or any vendors that are in Japan? I'm looking primarily for Work or Advan.

 

Why don't you find out and let us know.

 

If you're wanting stuff imported, give Bulletproof a call: http://www.bulletproofautomotive.com/

They're great to work with and have their own dedicated container come in every month from Japan. Their customer service really impressed me when I got my authentic First Molding rear diffuser from them. They're the folks that I'd use for anything imported.

 

Most if not all vendors guarantee the lowest price so in the end its probably best to go with a vendor whos well known and trustworthy. Some mfrs dont sell to the general public directly. Best to inquire with the company and ask yourself.

 

What is the point of buying JDM wheels in Japan? 90 percent are made in China.

 

^ wrong for once.

RHDJapan, call them up rather than using the website if you are local.

 

Oops… Just realized OP is actually in Japan right now. Reading comprehension failed me.

Sorry.

 

^^ stil, rhdjapan is super low priced AND is also IN Japan.

 

Thanks! I'll definitely look into rhdjapan.

 

Since you are in Japan I think you can easily do that research for us here in the US, just in case we ever make it there. Lol. First thing would be to find out the shipping cost. Dealers usually get a big break on shipping compared to you shipping as an individual. And as the OP said, some manufacturers sell items cheaper to dealers than to individuals.
Try buying for example a pioneer headunit from the pioneer website and compare the price with Amazon. It will surprise you

 

Nengun is good too

 

Great call on Nengun. Very good selection of parts and I see shipping prices are very reasonable to my base.

 

They'll also make bids on your behalf on Yahoo Japan, that's where I managed to get a brand new ARC Cooling panel when they were IMPOSSIBLE to find even used.

 

I was in Japan in 09 and tried to buy a set of rims to be shipped back to the states. The import tax and courier charge killed it. It was cheaper to just buy from here in the states. If you can bring it back with you, then its worth it.

Also, if you get a chance, go visit Fuji International Speedway. Since we went off season, we got to hang out in the pits with some of the F3 teams.

There was a mini Fuji circuit on one of the lots where you can race your go-karts. Becareful though, there are some pros out there with legit karts that will put you in your place.

The next lot over was a Gymkhana ring. Also, if you can, just rent a car instead of taking the train. Walking everywhere sucked. But beware, the road up to the raceway @ Fuji gets used as a drifting ring.

 

you can check out upgarage, it's a chain of 2nd hand parts stores in Japan. Since it's second hand each location has different inventory but when i was there i saw some pretty good deals and the wheels range from scratched up to near mint...and as far as i can tell they all came with tires.

 

Just go through a reputable vendor when you get back to the states

Most manufactures will ship their wheels in a larger quantity and that helps to eat up the shipping cost and prevent it from being passed onto the consumer

There is also a big market for used wheels from Japan here in the states with several companies who specialize in the trade

 

+1 for what people have said. Unless you're finding some super cheap deal the other fees associated with them will either cost just as much or more than getting them from an authorized dealer here.