Importing a car from Japan

[7heGeneral]

Hi guys,

I've found a car I REALLY like, but the only issue I've got is it's in Japan. The car wasn't ever sold here, so I can't just "buy a local one".

I'm sure plenty of you guys have imported cars into the UK so was hoping some of you could give me some real life experiences / processes. I've read the gov websites before you link me to them, but was hoping I could get some proper info from you experienced folk.

TIA

[aka_kerrly]

The obvious question is where did you see the car for sale and was it on a exporters website?

I brought a car over from Japan a few years ago an used be-forward an got the car shipped to Bristol. I paid the dock staff a handling fee to sort all the paperwork so I could arrange to collect the car and have it dropped off for an MOT.

I'd already sorted all duty/taxes etc , insured the car with A-Plan who can do a policy based on a VIN number until the DVLA issue a number plate.

It really wasn't that hard, cost £1100 shipping , £300 port fees, the purchase price of the car was £1300 , the total cost on the road in the UK was a shade over £3k. Note you don't pay vat on shipping costs.

Bare in mind since I brought my car over the exchange rates have gone a bit wild so the shipping costs are a bit higher now nearer £1500-1700.

[Stardus]

What car is it?

It kinda depends on if it needed IVA testing as well and any modification needed for the UK roads (Fog lights, speedo, etc). That will add to the cost.

I have imported my Honda S660 through TorqueGT from auctions, their fees are reasonable for the work they have to do for me, bidding in Japan and all that. Going through an importer would be the easiest way, but not the cheapest.

[d_a_n1979]

Stardus said:

What car is it?

It kinda depends on if it needed IVA testing as well and any modification needed for the UK roads (Fog lights, speedo, etc). That will add to the cost.

I have imported my Honda S660 through TorqueGT from auctions, their fees are reasonable for the work they have to do for me, bidding in Japan and all that. Going through an importer would be the easiest way, but not the cheapest.

I agree using Torque GT or DCY, York

I've used both (various Hondas) and never had any issues. TBH I'd rather pay a bit more and have someone who's time-served in this to do all the work for me than risking it myself

[MDMA .]

d_a_n1979 said:

Stardus said:

What car is it?

It kinda depends on if it needed IVA testing as well and any modification needed for the UK roads (Fog lights, speedo, etc). That will add to the cost.

I have imported my Honda S660 through TorqueGT from auctions, their fees are reasonable for the work they have to do for me, bidding in Japan and all that. Going through an importer would be the easiest way, but not the cheapest.

I agree using Torque GT or DCY, York

I've used both (various Hondas) and never had any issues. TBH I'd rather pay a bit more and have someone who's time-served in this to do all the work for me than risking it myself

As above. Used TGT for my current car. Sent them a link to the dealer who had the car, they picked it up from there and did everything. Money well spent as I couldn't be bothered to save a few quid doing it all myself. They have their own inspection teams over there that cover the whole of Japan so no issue where in the country the car is. Worth a call to them. They are very helpful.

Edited by MDMA . on Tuesday 27th July 12:00

[7heGeneral]

Sorry guys - been a bit busy with some other stuff.

The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.

Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.

Thanks again

[rampageturke]

7heGeneral said:

Sorry guys - been a bit busy with some other stuff.

The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.

Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.

Thanks again

Does it have to be an Alphard specifically? There are plenty of Nissan Elgrand's in the UK and they are the same kind of vehicle.

But fwiw, there are also a few Alphards on autotrader, they do come up now and then as people have imported before.

[sjg]

I did it for a Honda Stepwgn a couple of years ago - wrote it up here: http://stepwgn.uk/2019/06/07/my-import-process-par...

I don't think you really save much by doing most DIY, but you do get a much better selection to choose from at auction so if you're fussy about colour or spec and you want something to keep for a long time then you can get exactly what you want.

Worth trying the traders with cars on autotrader/ebay though - the import specialists tend to have dozens of cars in the process of being shipped over, and may have something suitable on the way. If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.

[Trevor555]

sjg said:

If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.

This 100%

And I've seen obviously forged auction sheets as well, funny how all of them are grade 4's even though the vehicles had clearly been repaired (Badly)

One dealer I knew packed up saying he couldn't sell his nice honest ones when the dodgy dealers were taking all the business.

I strongly suggest anyone buying an import that's already here to do a Bimta check.

They tell you the mileages (Kilometers) of the vehicles when they went through the Japanese auction (done on the Vin no.)

[anonymous-user]

7heGeneral said:

so I can't just "buy a local one".

There about 300+ on Ebay so it seems you can buy local, you have comeback as well.

[7heGeneral]

The Spruce Goose said:

7heGeneral said:

so I can't just "buy a local one".

There about 300+ on eBay so it seems you can buy local, you have comeback as well.

Thanks - but there's definitely not 300 Alphards which are Hybrid on eBay. Having just looked there's 2

Also as it's a cheap'ish car I'd like the experience of it all. As I said I'm in no major rush for it, so I'd like to try it for myself.

[7heGeneral]

Trevor555 said:

sjg said:

If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.

This 100%

And I've seen obviously forged auction sheets as well, funny how all of them are grade 4's even though the vehicles had clearly been repaired (Badly)

One dealer I knew packed up saying he couldn't sell his nice honest ones when the dodgy dealers were taking all the business.

I strongly suggest anyone buying an import that's already here to do a Bimta check.

They tell you the mileages (Kilometers) of the vehicles when they went through the Japanese auction (done on the Vin no.)

Thanks for reaffirming my choice in wanting to bring one over myself. A lot of the dealers selling these are in places I wouldn't want to pass through, let alone buy a car from.

[7heGeneral]

rampageturke said:

7heGeneral said:

Sorry guys - been a bit busy with some other stuff.

The car's not an interesting one at all - it's actually a boring 7/8 seater. I REALLY like the Alphards between 2006-2009 and wanted to bring one over to use a family bus. As it's not a very expensive car, I was thinking I could do it myself. I'm in no rush for it to get over here, and just thought the whole process could be exciting.

Oh and if it all goes well I'd probably look for a replacement for my Golf R from over there too - Not too sure what just yet, but probably one of the special Civics.

Thanks again

Does it have to be an Alphard specifically? There are plenty of Nissan Elgrand's in the UK and they are the same kind of vehicle.

But fwiw, there are also a few Alphards on autotrader, they do come up now and then as people have imported before.

Thanks for the Elgrand tip - but I've got my sights set firmly on a Hybrid Alphard with the velour seats

[7heGeneral]

sjg said:

I did it for a Honda Stepwgn a couple of years ago - wrote it up here: http://stepwgn.uk/2019/06/07/my-import-process-par...

I don't think you really save much by doing most DIY, but you do get a much better selection to choose from at auction so if you're fussy about colour or spec and you want something to keep for a long time then you can get exactly what you want.

Worth trying the traders with cars on autotrader/ebay though - the import specialists tend to have dozens of cars in the process of being shipped over, and may have something suitable on the way. If you're buying here then imports do seem to attract some dodgy dealers who'll pick up the auction dregs, clean them up (maybe *ahem* miscalculating the mileage when converting the odo to miles) and sell for strong money. Anyone good should have auction sheets and other docs available.

Thank you very much for this! Your link is exactly what I'm after

[samoht]

I brought in a 180SX 14 years ago, writeup is here https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?342007-Gui...

JapaneseUsedCars still running and I'd use them again.


Yeah, Alphard FTW! Good luck with your search & purchase.

[D_G]

7heGeneral said:

Thanks for the Elgrand tip - but I've got my sights set firmly on a Hybrid Alphard with the velour seats

Have you driven one? Or a 2.4 or 3.0 petrol?

[wolfie1978]

Try these guys, they let you pick the car then they deal with the paperwork
https://www.firstchoicecarimports.com/

[TommoAE86]

I've bought two cars through TorqueGT and have been really impressed with the service and quality of both the cars, Skyline was a grade 4 and the Crown grade 3.5 though both were much better than the auction sheet would lead you to believe though.

Here's how they do it: Personal Import Service

I'd say they do cost more than one already here, but you get alot back like choosing colour, spec, making sure you know it's undersealed right from the off etc so in terms of value I was more than happy with the price I paid.

A Hybrid Alphard will be a Lexus underneath so servicing will be nice and easy, although my Crown isn't a hybrid I've not found it hard/expensive to service, check out this website to see different specs/looks goo-net. Just remember that you need to move the slider so that they are over 10 years old to just need an MOT instead of the IVA (for cars under 10yrs old) which is alot more expensive.

Edited by TommoAE86 on Wednesday 11th August 22:05

[D_G]

SVA doesn't exist, IVA for cars under 10 years old, just an MOT if older.

[TommoAE86]

Thanks edited my post