Question 1

How long does importing a vehicle from Japan take?

Accepted Answer

Eight to twelve weeks door to door is typical. Sourcing and winning at auction usually takes one to two weeks, ocean freight four to six weeks depending on the route and sailing schedule, and customs clearance plus registration a further two to three weeks.

We give you a projected date at the point of purchase and update it if a sailing changes.

Question 2

What does the total landed cost include?

Accepted Answer

Our quotes are landed costs, not auction prices. The figure covers the vehicle, the auction house fee, inland transport in Japan, ocean freight, marine insurance, duty and taxes, port handling, customs brokerage, inspection, registration and number plates.

The only things not included are optional extras you ask for, such as delivery outside our normal area or accessories fitted after arrival.

Question 3

Can I choose a specific vehicle at auction?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that is exactly what our vehicle request service does. Tell us the make, model, grade, year range and budget, and we send you matching auction listings with photos and translated auction sheets.

We only bid once you have approved a specific vehicle and set a maximum price. If we do not win, nothing is charged and we move to the next candidate.

Question 4

What deposit do I need to pay?

Accepted Answer

For an auction purchase we ask for a refundable deposit before we bid, which is applied to the vehicle price once we win. If we do not win any vehicle within the agreed period, the deposit is returned in full.

For vehicles already in our local stock, a smaller holding deposit reserves the car for up to seven days.

Question 5

Do you handle customs clearance and registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both are handled in-house. We lodge the customs entry, pay duty and taxes on your behalf, manage the inspection, and process number plates and the logbook into your name. You receive the complete document pack at handover.

Question 6

What do the Japanese auction grades mean?

Accepted Answer

The overall grade summarises the inspector's verdict on the vehicle. Grade 5 is close to new; 4.5 is excellent with only very minor marks; 4 is good with normal wear for its age; 3.5 and below indicates visible damage or higher mileage; and R denotes a repaired accident history.

We import Grade 4 and above as standard, and will only offer anything lower if you specifically request it and understand why.

Question 7

Can I see the auction sheet before I buy?

Accepted Answer

Always. We send the original auction sheet along with a translation before you commit, plus our own photographs where the vehicle is already in our possession. If a sheet is missing or does not match the vehicle's condition, we walk away from the lot.

Question 8

Are the vehicles inspected before delivery?

Accepted Answer

Every vehicle goes through a full pre-delivery inspection in our workshop covering fluids, brakes, suspension, tyres, steering and all electrical systems. Anything outside specification is rectified before handover, and you receive the inspection report.

Question 9

Is the mileage genuine?

Accepted Answer

Japanese auction houses record and verify odometer readings, and tampering is both rare and heavily penalised there. Any discrepancy is noted on the auction sheet. We photograph the odometer at handover so there is a dated record on your file.

Question 10

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We work with several local lenders and can introduce you to them, but we do not lend directly. Bring your own financing if you prefer — we are happy to provide a pro-forma invoice and any documentation your bank requires.

Question 11

Do you accept trade-ins?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Submit your current vehicle through our Sell Your Vehicle page for a free valuation, and we will offset the agreed value against anything in our inventory or against an import we source for you.

Question 12

Are your prices negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Most listings are marked negotiable, and we would rather have an honest conversation about price than lose a sale over it. Cash buyers and customers taking both a vehicle and a service package generally do best.

Question 13

Can I reserve a vehicle before viewing it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use the Reserve button on any vehicle page and we will hold it for you while we arrange a viewing. A holding deposit reserves the vehicle for up to seven days and is fully refundable if you decide against it.

Question 14

Do you supply genuine or aftermarket parts?

Accepted Answer

Both. Where a genuine OEM part is available we quote it, and where a quality aftermarket equivalent exists we quote that alongside so you can weigh cost against warranty. We tell you clearly which is which.

Question 15

How long does it take to get a part that is not in stock?

Accepted Answer

Parts we hold locally ship the same or next day. Parts sourced from Japan typically arrive in two to four weeks by air freight for smaller items, or with our next container for bulkier ones.

We confirm the lead time in writing before you pay.

Question 16

How do I make sure I order the right part?

Accepted Answer

Send us your chassis number. It identifies the exact production variant of your vehicle, and we cross-check it against the manufacturer's parts catalogue before dispatch. This service is free and takes the guesswork out of fitment.

Question 17

Do parts come with a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Genuine new parts typically carry a twelve-month warranty, quality aftermarket parts six to twelve months, and used Japanese parts three months. The warranty term is stated on every listing and on your invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Importing from Japan

Vehicle condition & grading

Buying & payment

Spare parts

Frequently asked questions

Importing from Japan

Vehicle condition & grading

Buying & payment

Spare parts