Importing cars from Japan
Discussion
Right I've decided I want to import a car from Japan as what I'm looking for is pretty rare in the UK and they don't come up for sale that often.
There seem to be an awful lot of companies offering various different levels of service, from 'we bid on a car for you, then you sort the rest out yourself' to we get the car, get it shipped to the UK, sort out the customs side of things then prep it and register it for you (car is over 10 years old, so no SVA). The more end to end options have higher fixed costs and as the value of the car isn't that great, it can start to become significant. So how much of the process could I realistically do myself? I have to deal with the DVLA regarding registering cars etc for my kit car anyway, so I'm not bothered about that side of things and I should be able to make the required modifications myself (rear fog light, speedo conversion). I don't want to compromise on the quality of the car though, so I'll happily pay for an agent to do a good job there.
I read Tuttle's post on the FAQ thread which was pretty handy for clearing the acual process up, thanks
Finally has anyone done this and can recommend any agents? Sending money via bank transfer to a company on the other side of the world is a little bit worrying so recommendations would be good.
There seem to be an awful lot of companies offering various different levels of service, from 'we bid on a car for you, then you sort the rest out yourself' to we get the car, get it shipped to the UK, sort out the customs side of things then prep it and register it for you (car is over 10 years old, so no SVA). The more end to end options have higher fixed costs and as the value of the car isn't that great, it can start to become significant. So how much of the process could I realistically do myself? I have to deal with the DVLA regarding registering cars etc for my kit car anyway, so I'm not bothered about that side of things and I should be able to make the required modifications myself (rear fog light, speedo conversion). I don't want to compromise on the quality of the car though, so I'll happily pay for an agent to do a good job there.
I read Tuttle's post on the FAQ thread which was pretty handy for clearing the acual process up, thanks
Finally has anyone done this and can recommend any agents? Sending money via bank transfer to a company on the other side of the world is a little bit worrying so recommendations would be good.
One of the best Importers of Japanese sports cars is: Newera
They can get you almost anything (MR2s to NSXs right through to big bhp Skylines and Supras) and have a very good reputation. They're not the cheapest but I've always heard very good things from people who have used them.
Check out their website - it's very good:
www.neweraimports.com/
They can get you almost anything (MR2s to NSXs right through to big bhp Skylines and Supras) and have a very good reputation. They're not the cheapest but I've always heard very good things from people who have used them.
Check out their website - it's very good:
www.neweraimports.com/
A JZA-70 Supra (Mkiii, 2.5TT 1JZGTE engine). Must be manual and to start off with I'd be looking for an aerotop too.
I've seen a few manual aerotops in Japanese auctions, but none for sale in the UK. If I really can't find a decent one then I'd got for the fixed top version instead as there seem to be a fair few more of those
I've seen a few manual aerotops in Japanese auctions, but none for sale in the UK. If I really can't find a decent one then I'd got for the fixed top version instead as there seem to be a fair few more of those
You might be right about the aerotop and manual combination being big money 
Aerotop would be nice, but not essential so I'll have a look for one of those for a few weeks and if I can't find / afford one I'll go for one with a standard roof, which don't seem too expensive.
The one on mkiiisupra was auto though, I'd really like a manual. I'll keep my eyes open for an engine and box too
>> Edited by d-man on Friday 7th April 18:37
Aerotop would be nice, but not essential so I'll have a look for one of those for a few weeks and if I can't find / afford one I'll go for one with a standard roof, which don't seem too expensive. The one on mkiiisupra was auto though, I'd really like a manual. I'll keep my eyes open for an engine and box too
>> Edited by d-man on Friday 7th April 18:37
Yeap This is one - www.japan-partner.com/Auto/1511/Toyota/SUPRA/car-for-sale.html
Very cheap, but from the pics you get if you register it looks like its been smacked at the back end and badly repaired though
This is one - www.japan-partner.com/Auto/1511/Toyota/SUPRA/car-for-sale.html Very cheap, but from the pics you get if you register it looks like its been smacked at the back end and badly repaired though
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff