JDM Imported

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The JDM Imported Podcast covers everything JDM by Elusive Auto Company, a grassroots dealership and importer of Japanese cars. This is a behind the scenes look at a dealership starting from the garage and moving into a retail space. I will be sharing the current import car market, what cars are hot,…

Elusive Auto Company


    • Feb 24, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from JDM Imported

    Datsun Build Series Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 40:37


    In this episode of the datsun 510 build things are starting to take shape.  Much to go but, I'm into the assemble phase and uncovering some new paths to take this retromod track tool!  Enjoy the Drive Dante @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine dante@elusiveautoco.com

    Major Upgrade?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 76:23


    Hello Hello!  In this episode I sit back, crack a bottle of whiskey and break down the latest developments of the business.  We will walk through some real time JDM auctions, and as always, ask questions.   Enjoy the Drive Dante @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine dante@elusiveautoco.com

    Prices Continuing to Rise Despite Economy... Buy something!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2021 62:38


    The steady climb of JDM car value and will they plateau any time soon?  I'll go in to some detail and thoughts regarding the influence of car prices and some sources that contribute.  Detailing side of the business has surpassed expectations for year 1 at the brick and mortar and on the search for a new car to import. dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine enjoy the drive!

    It Begins. The Datsun 510 Build Series Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 58:36


    Alright, here we go!  As if there wasn't enough on the plate of this solo business owner, family man, enthusiast, loon.... I'm starting a major build.  This is a car that has occupied my daydreams for multiple decades and now, inexplicably, I have one.  This is not going to be a series of me bolting on parts and reporting back.  This is a series of me exercising some old skills and mostly, learning as I go.  Expect triumphs, that are over celebrated, fails, that are completely transparent, and hopefully an insightful listen.   This will be a 10 part series covering the car in its current state (totally naked chassis and some boxes of parts most of which, won't be used) to completion.  This goal is to make this my rolling business car with a track duty focus.  Datsun...SR20...Racebits...lets go!   Dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine -enjoy the drive- 

    Shop Car? Let's get personal

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 65:14


    And Yes, I've changed up the intro due to feedback Have some big news, maybe not the brightest but, it's a decision none the less.  Should add to the content moving forward.  Also, we get a little personal of a major...terrible event that recently happened in my life.   As always, questions, concerns, comments: dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine

    Need Longer Days and looking at the less common JDM market

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 57:54


    What's up all?  I'm venting/sharing about my time management struggles.  It's real.  Update on the business, importing and detailing, as well as talking a walk through the less common JDM market.  Hope you enjoy!  As always, Enjoy the Drive! Questions, comments, concerns, love, hate: dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine

    3 No 1 Yes Equals Win! Real Time JDM Market, Nissan and Honda

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2019 69:04


    Oh Yeah....win!  I was getting hammered with bad news but, persistence prevails.  Business update, struggles, and status.  Then take a stroll with me through the current JDM market on popular Honda and Nissan models. As always, questions, curiosity, love, hate: dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco 412.301.7755 Enjoy the drive!

    The Space.. Next Car?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2019 61:55


    yooo.  getting back to a normal schedule so, stay tuned.  In this episode I discuss the new space, hoops jumped through while bringing a car to Texas, and what my next car might be.   As always thanks for the the listen!   questions, concern, hate, love: dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine

    back on track, Big Biz Update and Soarer talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2019 76:27


    This is turning into a bad habit....Too long in between podcasts!  So, a ton has happened since the last episode and I will be back on track.  If you've been following me, this is a big one. JDM talk of course, on the back half I get into one of my favs...the Toyota Soarer.   As always reach out to me @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine dante@elusiveautoco.com Enjoy the Drive!

    17: Failure?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 56:01


    In episode 17 I uncover some realizations about starting this business....completely transparent realizations. And no, I'm not stopping. If anything stronger but, for anyone interested in the game, or in the game, this will be a good listen. Time to keep pushing! As always I enjoy your feedback! dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco @elusiveautoshine 412.301.7755 

    Tax Changes, Kei Cars, 25 hour days

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2019 62:11


    There are some changes coming for JPN consumption tax...what does that mean?  It's been requested plenty- Kei Cars- the what, why, and how.  As always business updates, wins and losses    questions, comments, concerns @elusiveautoco dante@elusiveautoco.com

    Why We Have The Silly 25yr Rule And JDM Car Values

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2019 59:51


    Episode 15 dives into the point and value of getting my Customs Broker's license, why and where the 25yr rule came from for importing JDM rides to the states, and what JDM cars are good buys right now.  Buying and importing a JDM car is like playing the stock market, one viral video will directly impact the market.  I'll continue to try and keep you in the know, take you along for the ride as business develops.   As always, let me know your thoughts. Dante Elusive Auto Company dante@elusiveautoco.com Social: @elusiveautoco

    JDM 4x4s to buy, less common JDMs, and Do you "Business" Bro?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2019 69:06


    In this episode, I talk 4x4s that are good buys, my son gets a gash on his forehead, what I consider my business to be, and some less common JDM cars to consider.  Many topics as always, this is my real time brain dump of the importing business.  Hopefully some good food for thought. As always, keep the conversation going ask me anything: @elusiveautoco Elusiveautoco.com dante@elusiveautoco.com 412.301.7755 Purchasing Service, Importing Consultations, Cars in Inventory

    Good All Wheel Drive JDM buys, parts importing, and why I've been MIA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2018 62:52


    What's up JDM heads?!  Been too long since I've been on the mic and this episode is full of updates.  Good AWD buys that are legal now for importing, business talk, and some parts importing ideas.  If you're a fan of STIs, Evos, GTIRs, or AWD Celicas...I'm showing you some love.  Also, some updates on importing policy changes....always something.  Ever want to import JDM parts?  Listen for some tips   As Always I'm Here to share.  DM, Email, or Call with any questions. @elusiveautoco dante@elusiveautoco.com I respond to everyone

    Is it worth importing a "project car"? Best legal cars available in the 15k-20k range,

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2018 52:11


    In episode 12 I cover a topic that is often asked by prospecting JDM buyers. "Can I import a car that is non running for a project"  Short answer is yes but, I share the full picture that might have the "value" negated completely.  Also I ask you advice on names for the detailing subsidiary of my buisiness and cover what I think, are the best buy's for 15-20k.   Enjoy and as always, share your questions/opoinions dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco on all social     It's been too long since the last upload.  Schedule is settling down and I'm back on it.  

    Continuing to import cars? Import biz hurtles and Car Show recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2018 55:21


    Episode 11 follows suit to my transparency mantra.  I get on a bit of a tangent with more state registration hurtles, allowing others to do work for me, and my take away from recent experiences.  Bit of a rant but, much can be learned.   Also, I talk about my first Vendor experience at a car show, Clean Culture Charlotte.  Lessons learned, value added, etc.   As always ask any and all questions you have about this episode or general importing: dante@elusiveautoco.com @elusiveautoco all social Enjoy to Drive!

    Buying a JDM Car and is the Business Sexy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2018 47:52


    #10 Milestone!  I'm of course doing a giveaway.  T-shirts,stickers, wheels coupon, and podcast air time if you want it.                    Email: Dante@elusiveautoco.com, put (10) in the subject...that's it.  Entry's till 8/30/18.  I'll do a live selection on the insta (@elusiveautoco)  but, don't worry I'll email the winner as well. This episode is packed full in info on buying JDM, rants, venting, hopefully helpful.  Update on addition to the business model, and of course, I need to decide the next car to import.  Evo, WRX, or....AZ1

    All in! Big Lifestyle shift. RX7 and Cedric ready for sale

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2018 42:04


    Keeping you in the complete know, as always.  I've had another shake up this week which prompted an "all in" focus on the Company.  My toes aren't in the water anymore, dove into the deep end.  Also the RX7 FD and Nissan Cedric are officially on the market.  Looking forward to new inventory!  Lets do this! As always ask questions and share @elusiveautoco dante@elusiveautoco.com Enjoy the drive!

    Threats and Accusations From State Trooper, Took a Brick, Made a House

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2018 45:39


    Alright this one is an absolute roller coaster!  I get some devastating news from the NC DMW based on one employees misinterpretation.  I dig up some facts make some calls and come backed armed with some knowledge.  Got to listen till the end of this one...go from zero to hero. Ask always join the conversation @elusiveautoco sales@elusiveautoco.com  

    Are you made for importing? Take a trip with me to pick up the CEDRIC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2018 70:26


    This is packed full of info.  I cover the traits needed to import good and really my honest opinion of starting a business, this applies to any thing.  Then we will take a blog style trip to Savannah to pick up my Nissan Cedric.....this car doesn't disappoint!  As always ask questions or share thoughts @elusiveautoco or email dante@elusiveautoco.com Enjoy the Drive!

    Car Show Blog, Driving the FD, Parts distributor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2018 35:30


    This is a bit of a different format.  First off update on the Nissan Cedric.  Break down from a day spent at Dankfest, NC.  Driving the FD 100+ miles and it's running sooo strong, ready for Sale!  Questions and comments reach me on social: @elusiveautoco Enjoy! 

    Legal JDM cars and the RX7 FD gets paint!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2018 50:21


       In episode 5 I cover some anticipated cars to soon be legal in the US for importation, some that are currently, and one of my favorites that is already legal but, in my opinion, under the radar.  Want a 20b 3 rotor motor with equal torque to hp numbers, timeless styling, modern interior.?....check out the Enos (mazda) Cosmo.  Love this thing, and chat about it.    Also the FD in inventory get's a new paint job and I cover some interesting findings.      Join me in the chat or with any questions on social @elusiveautoco

    How to import JDM Cars and RX7 initial impressions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2018 48:17


    2 part episode. In the first half I cover my trip to pick up the 1992 Efini RX7, some interesting stories, and my initial impressions of a car I love in a right hand drive flavor. 2nd part is a step by step overview of the import process from Japan to the US. Hope you enjoy! Feel free to share feedback or ask questions. sales@elusiveautoco.com or @elusiveautoco on social. Happy Driving

    NSX drive. What kind of car enthusiast are you?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2018 35:41


    Car Cruise revelation, do you have automotive ADD or, are you the master of focus? Sharing my 1/4 day with a local, beautiful NSX. This is one of my all time favorites.....maybe it still is. Some incoming JDM goodies.

    The RX 7 is getting prepped and how I'm doing it

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2018 34:04


    In Episode two I recap my all nighter fighting a bodykit on Elusive Auto Co's 1990 RX7. I'll get into some of the subtleties of the body kit some business thoughts, and where I'm at. Worth a listen.

    Intro to JDM car importing company Follow the RIDE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2018 20:05


    Episode 1 of many covering the start of my business, importing RHD JDM cars to the US. We will discuss the process of starting a business, importing, and making these cars ready for the road. I am by no means an expert in business startup, this is simply a transparent view of the journey.

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