Japanese imports
Discussion
Hi all,
Not sure if this is the right sub forum for this so apologies if it is not.
I buy and sell cars and have done for years but have found some good deals for cars in Japan I want to import, mostly these will be German brands, BMW/Audi/MB/VW I have done some homework and asked around and I am fairly confident with the procedure/registration and tax side of things.
The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
The other question I had was to do with paperwork, I can't do VIN/registration checks to see their full history, so I am concerned that if one has been in a crash however minor or severe will this appear on my log book as a CAT S/N?
Also once the IVA test has been completed does this note onto the new UK logbook that the car is now an import?
Do these cars loose much value as they are imported?
Not sure if this is the right sub forum for this so apologies if it is not.
I buy and sell cars and have done for years but have found some good deals for cars in Japan I want to import, mostly these will be German brands, BMW/Audi/MB/VW I have done some homework and asked around and I am fairly confident with the procedure/registration and tax side of things.
The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
The other question I had was to do with paperwork, I can't do VIN/registration checks to see their full history, so I am concerned that if one has been in a crash however minor or severe will this appear on my log book as a CAT S/N?
Also once the IVA test has been completed does this note onto the new UK logbook that the car is now an import?
Do these cars loose much value as they are imported?
It’s really car dependent, as a rule you the cars are a better condition than European cars. Most cars have extensive histories and if bought through an auction will have had some sort of examination but the depth of this varies (usually just a cosmetic report). And most of it is pretty useless unless your buyer can read kanji.
If you’re getting into it I’d really look at partnering with a trader based over there, there’s a lot of Aussies based out there now that’ll can work as an intermediary and translator.
If you’re getting into it I’d really look at partnering with a trader based over there, there’s a lot of Aussies based out there now that’ll can work as an intermediary and translator.
Its more about the spec of the cars i.e safety, years ago the panels were single skin, they had less air bags and you would struggle to insure them.
Once they're re-registered here, do insurance companies treat them as normal cars? My motor trade has said its classed as a Jap import until registered on UK plates then they said they don't care.
They are usually better for a few reasons, the main being the rain has a different sodium level and you don't really get rust same with the air quality, then also every couple of years they need quite a thorough check over which is stricter than an MOT, plus Japanese people (personal opinion sorry if this offends) but they are very clean and meticulous.
Once they're re-registered here, do insurance companies treat them as normal cars? My motor trade has said its classed as a Jap import until registered on UK plates then they said they don't care.
They are usually better for a few reasons, the main being the rain has a different sodium level and you don't really get rust same with the air quality, then also every couple of years they need quite a thorough check over which is stricter than an MOT, plus Japanese people (personal opinion sorry if this offends) but they are very clean and meticulous.
I thought it was because they don't put salt on the roads in Japan in winter? The other issue is that they often don't come with emissions data and whilst this may mean lower VED for the sportier models (you pay as a LGV vehicle), it wont be accepted as exempt any of the CAZ or ULEZ. 
sixor8 said:
I thought it was because they don't put salt on the roads in Japan in winter? The other issue is that they often don't come with emissions data and whilst this may mean lower VED for the sportier models (you pay as a LGV vehicle), it wont be accepted as exempt any of the CAZ or ULEZ.
2006 onwards is exempt ULEZ for imports, petrol models at least.Charlie-3erg5 said:
Hi all,
The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
Issues with imports:The only concerns/questions remaining is regarding the cars themselves, does anyone know if theres any reason why it would be a bad idea to import these, I know years ago it was hard to insure due to the different build quality, but from my research the German cars beside the instrument measurements which can easily be changed, the cars are virtually the same but tend to be in way better condition, most of the cars I deal with are up to 4 years old so nothing old.
- Radio typically won't receive UK stations except Radio 2
- Navigation likely won't work
- May need a rear foglight installing
Charlie-3erg5 said:
The other question I had was to do with paperwork, I can't do VIN/registration checks to see their full history, so I am concerned that if one has been in a crash however minor or severe will this appear on my log book as a CAT S/N?
If the Japanese de-registration certificate doesn't say it's scrapped, then it will be 'clean' in the UKCharlie-3erg5 said:
Also once the IVA test has been completed does this note onto the new UK logbook that the car is now an import?
YesCharlie-3erg5 said:
Do these cars loose much value as they are imported?
Yes, they'll be worth a bit lessCharlie-3erg5 said:
Once they're re-registered here, do insurance companies treat them as normal cars? My motor trade has said its classed as a Jap import until registered on UK plates then they said they don't care.
They are classed as imports, fewer companies will insure them and you typically end up paying a bit more.Normodog said:
2006 onwards is exempt ULEZ for imports, petrol models at least.
Yes; home market cars often met Euro 4 (petrol) or 6 (diesel) a few years before they were legally required to and thus can be ULEZ eligible from a few years prior, whereas imports have to be post the relevant enforcement date (2006 / 2016) to qualify. Not an issue with cars up to 4 years old though.IMO the main benefit of importing from Japan is (a) cars that were rare or not sold in the UK (b) older cars where the Japanese examples are lower mileage, less rusty and generally better condition. I'm sceptical it's worth the downsides of lack of history, infotainment and insurance on a newer car that's widely available here, but I guess it could be.
I'd think there might be a benefit in importing 2010-15 era petrol powered cars, since most sold in Europe were diesels that now fall foul of ULEZ, whereas Japanese motorists never went for diesel anyway so petrols are much more common there.
Charlie-3erg5 said:
Its more about the spec of the cars i.e safety, years ago the panels were single skin, they had less air bags and you would struggle to insure them.
Once they're re-registered here, do insurance companies treat them as normal cars? My motor trade has said its classed as a Jap import until registered on UK plates then they said they don't care.
They are usually better for a few reasons, the main being the rain has a different sodium level and you don't really get rust same with the air quality, then also every couple of years they need quite a thorough check over which is stricter than an MOT, plus Japanese people (personal opinion sorry if this offends) but they are very clean and meticulous.
They are better for a few reasons, but I don't think the rain or air quality has anything to do with it. It is not the weather in this country that wrecks our cars its how we deal with it.Once they're re-registered here, do insurance companies treat them as normal cars? My motor trade has said its classed as a Jap import until registered on UK plates then they said they don't care.
They are usually better for a few reasons, the main being the rain has a different sodium level and you don't really get rust same with the air quality, then also every couple of years they need quite a thorough check over which is stricter than an MOT, plus Japanese people (personal opinion sorry if this offends) but they are very clean and meticulous.
Japanese roads are not salted and all the auctions are generally graded accurately. The bad examples are just not exported in the same numbers as the good ones.
There are a lot of individuals and companies importing non domestic branded JDM car's. I'm sure you can make a go of it and make some money but it seems to me there are many basic things you could research first. Generally you don't want to be importing cars under 4 years old like you have implied, I'm not convinced nearly new JDM cars are much cheaper than UK equivalents and the nearly new UK market is dominated by dealers offering finance. Will you be able to offer finance on a nearly new Japanese import?
The market for JDM cars are the obvious Japanese performance / 4x4 / campervan / suv cars and then the European cars, Alfa Gta's, VW R32/R36, BMW 335i...etc all of which are over 10 years old and only need a UK mot not an IVA. Demand is high for these as they are being shipped over in outstanding condition. I have a 335i with 68k miles and full Japanese BMW history that i actually believe was more than a book stamping exercise so often the case for uk main dealers.
Edited by BenEK9 on Monday 9th October 03:27
Here are some of my observations on JDM vehicles, now that I own one (it's still abroad and the plan is to export it to the UK in future):
- The car language is likely going to be set to Japanese only.
- The dashboard buttons and on-screen menus will also be (stuck) in Japanese.
- The radio may not necessarily work. Mine is a Mark II from 1990 and I've had to purchase a 12v Bluetooth device to pick up radio signals. There's a reason behind it but I don't want to give a wrong explanation.
- Older satnavs will also be thrown off. Possibly less of an issue if there's a modern infotainment system, but I could be wrong!
- There's no rear fog light requirement in Japan, so you'll potentially have to factor that in. I was behind an obvious JDM imported Prius recently in the UK and one of the giveaways was the rear fog light being a basic rear mounted one, which was quite unsightly.
It is possible to have one within the rear light cluster but subject to particular minimum positionings away from other lamps as per the legislation (I can't recall the name but it's a 1989 Act). Otherwise it won't be road legal or able to get an MOT without a rear foglight.
- The number plates for imported vehicles need to be of specific dimensions and the typeface a certain thickness.
- The speedometer will be in KPH and there may not be the option of switching to MPH. An inexpensive USB/12v GPS speedometer or an OBD II one can overcome that issue, however.
I think there'll be some who may not be bothered and could learn to live with certain things. If it's something rare in the UK, collectible or classic then it could be appealing, especially to JDM enthusiasts, people in the car meet scene etc, but Japanese marque JDM vehicles would probably garner more interest.
- The car language is likely going to be set to Japanese only.
- The dashboard buttons and on-screen menus will also be (stuck) in Japanese.
- The radio may not necessarily work. Mine is a Mark II from 1990 and I've had to purchase a 12v Bluetooth device to pick up radio signals. There's a reason behind it but I don't want to give a wrong explanation.
- Older satnavs will also be thrown off. Possibly less of an issue if there's a modern infotainment system, but I could be wrong!
- There's no rear fog light requirement in Japan, so you'll potentially have to factor that in. I was behind an obvious JDM imported Prius recently in the UK and one of the giveaways was the rear fog light being a basic rear mounted one, which was quite unsightly.
It is possible to have one within the rear light cluster but subject to particular minimum positionings away from other lamps as per the legislation (I can't recall the name but it's a 1989 Act). Otherwise it won't be road legal or able to get an MOT without a rear foglight.
- The number plates for imported vehicles need to be of specific dimensions and the typeface a certain thickness.
- The speedometer will be in KPH and there may not be the option of switching to MPH. An inexpensive USB/12v GPS speedometer or an OBD II one can overcome that issue, however.
I think there'll be some who may not be bothered and could learn to live with certain things. If it's something rare in the UK, collectible or classic then it could be appealing, especially to JDM enthusiasts, people in the car meet scene etc, but Japanese marque JDM vehicles would probably garner more interest.
The advice above from others is generally good.
A few points.
KPH to MPH converters are available and are wired at the gearbox or behind the cluster. Older cars are generally easier, newer CANBUS less so but still possible. There are a few UK suppliers of these around.
Ive never had an issue with the rear fog light in the cluster replacing one reverse light. Its tidy, its passed all MOT's without issue.
Also, worth budgeting for some undersealing too.
JEVIC or BITMA can do a car history check on any Japanese car.
Also, worth doing research on the IVA process if under 10 years old. Depending on the model you import there is a chance it will be troublesome. Head over to the Japanese forum on here to see examples. I expect its a minimal amount but always been a risk for me so I have stuck with 10 years+ every time
A few points.
KPH to MPH converters are available and are wired at the gearbox or behind the cluster. Older cars are generally easier, newer CANBUS less so but still possible. There are a few UK suppliers of these around.
Ive never had an issue with the rear fog light in the cluster replacing one reverse light. Its tidy, its passed all MOT's without issue.
Also, worth budgeting for some undersealing too.
JEVIC or BITMA can do a car history check on any Japanese car.
Also, worth doing research on the IVA process if under 10 years old. Depending on the model you import there is a chance it will be troublesome. Head over to the Japanese forum on here to see examples. I expect its a minimal amount but always been a risk for me so I have stuck with 10 years+ every time
Sorry Captain - thought I'd put my 2p on your observations 
The MOT doesn't check what the speedo reads in just that it lights up and you can read it.
Personally I don't see the issue with leaving it in KPH, the conversion isn't hard and even so you can learn the key speeds, but legislatively you have to account for stupid people. One bit of fun in changing the signal is that it removes the JDM speed limiter (180kph/112mph) as the speedo is effectively in MPH, take that law
captain.scarlet said:
Here are some of my observations on JDM vehicles, now that I own one (it's still abroad and the plan is to export it to the UK in future):
- The car language is likely going to be set to Japanese only.
- The dashboard buttons and on-screen menus will also be (stuck) in Japanese.
Buttons are usually a mix, Skyline was all symbols & English but my Crown is a mix of those plus Japanese text, it doesn't take long to work out what each does. - The car language is likely going to be set to Japanese only.
- The dashboard buttons and on-screen menus will also be (stuck) in Japanese.
captain.scarlet said:
- The radio may not necessarily work. Mine is a Mark II from 1990 and I've had to purchase a 12v Bluetooth device to pick up radio signals. There's a reason behind it but I don't want to give a wrong explanation.
There are specific FM radio expanders, mine cost £12 from amazon and now I can get most UK radio stations, Radio 2 will always be the strongest though.captain.scarlet said:
- Older satnavs will also be thrown off. Possibly less of an issue if there's a modern infotainment system, but I could be wrong!
Modern ones are likely to be locked, I have a big ocean vista on my 2006 Crown screen. Older cars will probably be better as it's less complicated to replace. captain.scarlet said:
- There's no rear fog light requirement in Japan, so you'll potentially have to factor that in. I was behind an obvious JDM imported Prius recently in the UK and one of the giveaways was the rear fog light being a basic rear mounted one, which was quite unsightly.
It is possible to have one within the rear light cluster but subject to particular minimum positionings away from other lamps as per the legislation (I can't recall the name but it's a 1989 Act). Otherwise it won't be road legal or able to get an MOT without a rear foglight.
I did unsightly awful thing on my Skyline, for the Crown I put it into of the reverse lights so it's just like some other UK sold cars with 1 fog and 1 reverse. It is possible to have one within the rear light cluster but subject to particular minimum positionings away from other lamps as per the legislation (I can't recall the name but it's a 1989 Act). Otherwise it won't be road legal or able to get an MOT without a rear foglight.
captain.scarlet said:
- The number plates for imported vehicles need to be of specific dimensions and the typeface a certain thickness.
Standard square plates should fit fine in the Japanese plate slot, just make sure the holes are drilled in the right place. No issues ordering new ones from any mainstream plates place. captain.scarlet said:
- The speedometer will be in KPH and there may not be the option of switching to MPH. An inexpensive USB/12v GPS speedometer or an OBD II one can overcome that issue, however.
Whenever I look at this it seems to generate discussion. As far as I believe it's an offense to have your car in KPH only under the construction & use regs, however this technically only applies to cars originally sold in the UK (this is how it's explained to me) so your import could be exempt, I wouldn't want to test that theory. To be sure you can get converters which change the signal before it hits the speedo and it'll display the MPH on the dash. The MOT doesn't check what the speedo reads in just that it lights up and you can read it.
Personally I don't see the issue with leaving it in KPH, the conversion isn't hard and even so you can learn the key speeds, but legislatively you have to account for stupid people. One bit of fun in changing the signal is that it removes the JDM speed limiter (180kph/112mph) as the speedo is effectively in MPH, take that law
captain.scarlet said:
I think there'll be some who may not be bothered and could learn to live with certain things. If it's something rare in the UK, collectible or classic then it could be appealing, especially to JDM enthusiasts, people in the car meet scene etc, but Japanese marque JDM vehicles would probably garner more interest.
I'm strongly biased to JDM metal so I justify all the little things you have to put up but the big one for me is that I have owned cars not sold in the UK. If I wanted something like a BMW/Audi etc I'd just search for a looked after UK example. I think its worth doing with specialist/performance cars but not everyday cars.
I imported a MK7 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG from Japan and it was a lot of headache for not a great deal of gain. I probably spent £800-1000 having the car put back to UK spec. Changing the speedo, sat nav & radio as well as having the toll card reader removed as it constantly displayed on the dash no toll card inserted. After all that, I really struggled to sell it as most people lost interest when I told them it was an import and the people that didn't lose interest soon did after they found that lot of places wouldn't insure it and they couldn't just go on GoCompare and buy a policy straight away & I couldn't offer finance on it which a lot of people wanted.
I imported a MK7 Golf 1.4 TSI DSG from Japan and it was a lot of headache for not a great deal of gain. I probably spent £800-1000 having the car put back to UK spec. Changing the speedo, sat nav & radio as well as having the toll card reader removed as it constantly displayed on the dash no toll card inserted. After all that, I really struggled to sell it as most people lost interest when I told them it was an import and the people that didn't lose interest soon did after they found that lot of places wouldn't insure it and they couldn't just go on GoCompare and buy a policy straight away & I couldn't offer finance on it which a lot of people wanted.
I wouldn’t be confident I’d be able to get parts for a European car imported from Japan if it was some weird spec not sold in Europe.
Probably wouldn’t be in the European EPC so dealers won’t be able to help unless they ask the manufacturer, and they may say they can’t support it.
People accept that on a Japanese made car, but why put up with the hassle on a BMW or Merc?
Probably wouldn’t be in the European EPC so dealers won’t be able to help unless they ask the manufacturer, and they may say they can’t support it.
People accept that on a Japanese made car, but why put up with the hassle on a BMW or Merc?
MustangGT said:
If I was looking for a premium car I would not consider a Japanese import if the same model is available as a UK model. Even if it was priced significantly cheaper. Am I in a minority? Maybe, but probably not.
Why would anyone buy an import with unknown potential parts and servicing problems, over a UK car? Yes if it's JDM only maybe, but not if available here.It may not have any issues but not knowing would put me off, as i guess it would a lot of others.
ARHarh said:
MustangGT said:
If I was looking for a premium car I would not consider a Japanese import if the same model is available as a UK model. Even if it was priced significantly cheaper. Am I in a minority? Maybe, but probably not.
Why would anyone buy an import with unknown potential parts and servicing problems, over a UK car? Yes if it's JDM only maybe, but not if available here.It may not have any issues but not knowing would put me off, as i guess it would a lot of others.
Have a good look around an early / mid 00’s fresh jap import vw/bmw/Alfa/merc.
Have a good look underneath and then try and find a UK equivalent.
Not to mention they are usually fully optioned, in the true sense, when a uk car is ‘fully loaded’ when it has non-heated cheap leather and sat nav.
MustangGT said:
If I was looking for a premium car I would not consider a Japanese import if the same model is available as a UK model. Even if it was priced significantly cheaper. Am I in a minority? Maybe, but probably not.
I'd be the same - a friend was looking for an E39 at the start of this year, after checking out some of the imports available he chose a UK market car with 95k miles on it. His reasoning was that the imported cars he drove felt like they needed either rebushing or a complete suspension overhaul anyway (which the car he bought also needed), but with the money he saved he's having the subframes removed, underbody 'restored' and then coated, so chances are it'll look better/withstand rust longer than a JDM car anyway - plus I think he's still about £1500 better off than the cheapest imported car he viewed. Better the Devil you know, as they say...BenEK9 said:
ARHarh said:
MustangGT said:
If I was looking for a premium car I would not consider a Japanese import if the same model is available as a UK model. Even if it was priced significantly cheaper. Am I in a minority? Maybe, but probably not.
Why would anyone buy an import with unknown potential parts and servicing problems, over a UK car? Yes if it's JDM only maybe, but not if available here.It may not have any issues but not knowing would put me off, as i guess it would a lot of others.
Have a good look around an early / mid 00’s fresh jap import vw/bmw/Alfa/merc.
Have a good look underneath and then try and find a UK equivalent.
Not to mention they are usually fully optioned, in the true sense, when a uk car is ‘fully loaded’ when it has non-heated cheap leather and sat nav.
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