Import deletes product data for make/model search

So I found a make / model / year filter search mod for open cart at themeforest for $15 which was a bargain
Installed and you can specify the year / make /model for each product on that product page in admin and it shows in the additional search box the mod creates.

I have become dependent on the free import/export tool that I have used for years and noticed that when I export & re-import and it saves data to the product table it deletes all data for my products for the make, model, year.

The developer is aware and can try to make me another plugin to import my make,model, year data but I suppose that is just going to be more time and should just buy and extension here for around $50 that will prob work correctly?

Or should I just try another import export tool?

thanks!