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If you’re a Japanese car enthusiast, there is one thing you know you’ve always dreamed of doing once in Japan; and that is to visit as many tuner shops and stores as possible. I’m no different. I’ve wanted to visit an Up Garage for some time now, and a few months ago I finally got my chance. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an affliction towards used parts. Maybe it’s the history that comes along with them; or maybe it’s because I’m fiscally responsible (read: cheap). There’s no better place to go bargain hunting for JDM car part goodness than at an Up Garage.
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If you are in Japan, and don’t have a car, than this place can prove to be a tad bit hidden. The easiest way is to catch the Tokyo Den-en-Toshi Line (東急田園都市線), and get off at Minami-Machida station. You can find a map on the Up Garage website. Machida is actually a really cool town to walk around in.
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Once inside, you’re welcomed with the obligatory いらっしゃい! and then immediately thrown into a black-hole of extremely well priced, used and new tuning parts. Wallets beware.
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Coilovers, exhausts, wheels, sus. tuning, engine mgmt., engines, tranny’s, audio/visual; you name it they have it. The guy in the background is my buddy Jack. He will soon be a co-author on this site, contributing much to life in Japan. Stay tuned!
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Tell me that’s not the best price you’ve ever seen on CE28N’s with tires! These are 17’s! This wheel had a few blemishes, but the rest were clean. Japanese people have a habit of disliking used things. This is a secret to scoring great camera gear for cheap too.
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How about a set of Advan RG’s w/ tires for a little over $800? I was so tempted to ship these back to Cali.
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This location had a lot of used RB’s on hand. I asked one of the ladies working at the counter if they were guaranteed, and she told me everything in the store, mechanical and electronic, have been tested and work fine. I can vouch for that too, because I walked out of there with a used Navigation system for $40. It may not be very helpful in Long Beach, but it sure looks cool.
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To say that their parking lot was small would be an extreme understatement. It’s too bad I couldn’t get full shots of these employee cars, because they were pretty hot. This R32 was literally on the ground.
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I spotted this Levin in the corner, sporting huge over-fenders and some really deep wheels. The red color was really unique, but again, no full car shot. I think it’s time to invest in a wide angle.
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Right next door to this location is the Fly Rat shop and car sales. I’ll have another ‘Locale’ mini-feature on Fly Rat soon. Nissan experts!