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@Linc said:
So what's the outlook on maintenance and repairs on an imported car if you're not mechanically inclined?

Depends a lot on the make and model. I have an imported Suzuki from Japan, and maintenance is easy because the engine is uncomplicated and shares the vast majority of its parts with the US domestic market relative; only the steering rack is different. The Suzuki is also a popular off-road enthusiast platform, so aftermarket parts both original and 3rd party are widely available. There were domestic clones for India, UK, and Australia also, so that enriches the pool of compatible parts too.

Hondas and Toyotas are likely to share parts out of the catalog, or a close proxy can be adapted by a reasonably talented mechanic. Example: bad power steering pump? Use another car's and get a longer belt.

But then there are models like the Autozam AZ-1 or the Suzuki Cappuccino. Parts will be difficult to obtain, and there will be a lot of scratching heads even if the cars are pretty neat and popular within enthusiast circles.

That covers the Japanese side of the fence. Euro imports are likely to share lots of parts with their USDM counterparts, as even if that particular car didn't come to America then it probably had a motor that did. Except for diesel. Don't import a diesel unless self-flagellating is a hobby.

When in doubt: Google is often pretty telling if you search for "(X model) parts". You should see the first page filled with hobbyist sites containing aftermarket and OEM components. Even if you don't know how to install yourself, it means you have something you can take to a mechanic.

You're really looking for things like pistons, camshafts, crankshafts, rods, timing chains, oil pans. This will tell you the engine can be rebuilt if something catastrophic happens. But availability of general wear-and-tear stuff like water pump, thermostat, alternator, starter, serpentine belt, radiator fan and clutch, power steering pump are all indicators that the car will be easier to maintain.

Just keep in mind that shop time is generally $100/hr + parts, and figure you're in for 2 hours minimum if something bad happens. Bigger jobs will run you $500-800. Engine rebuilds into the thousands, though probability is low if you can validate the provenance of the car and see some maintenance history (ymmv).

//edit afterthought: Good basic diligence on the car in question to find out what motor it uses, and if that motor came to the US in another car. That will preempt a range of scarcity issues if your vehicle has a sibling that was in the US.

Six week review: omfg this car... I dare anyone to drive one and not be happy
I've also managed to locate the service manual for it...naturally it's all in Japanese. But thanks to the Google Translate app I can get a somewhat accurate translation. Printed the thing out so I can write the translations next to the Japanese characters