Importing from Japan

[Benengo]

Ideally I'm looking for a RHD Japanese classic. Does anyone have any recommendations on companies who can source auction vehicles?

Obviously there will be the purchase price, commission and shipping, but does anyone have experience of the likely registration fees and import tax? Are there any other costs i need to consider?

Thanks

[jaybarts]

JM Imports based near Newcastle seem to have a good reputation. They have auction and dealer links on their website and a good facebook page to see what they're up to.

Although I have no personal experience with them.

[Axeboy]

Ive done it a couple of times, currently doing one using Autospecs/Japanusecars

Website here: http://www.japaneseusedcars.com/

Has some useful calculators etc, simply put the main costs are:

Purchase price in Japan (FOB)
Agents Fee (maybe £300 to £500)
Shipping (say £700 to £1000)
Customs Agent Fee if needed (maybe £100)
Various insurances (not much)
Import duty/tax when it arrives
Transport from the docks to you
SVA, cars over 10 years old are simple enough to register (needs MOT)
Convert to UK, fog light basically and switch kph to mph


Exchange rate isn't great, but some good cars still over there. Check the website for more info and if you check Facebook they have a decent page, speak with Michael.

Normal process for any of these sites/companies is to drop a desposit to be able to bid. However, you may be allowed to browse without bidding if you ask, that way you can check prices etc.

Also, some sites have "dealer" cars or Pre-auction cars for a fixed price. Hope that helps.

[Benengo]

Thanks for all this ^^

Very helpful!

[Axeboy]

Do you mind me asking what car you are interested in?

I could probably get you some decent info

[TommoAE86]

I got my Skyline from Torque GT, like JM Imports above I'd only heard good things and they (Torque) have been spot on with mine. Aftersales is good, when I go to shows they are always happy to chat about whats happening. They've just opened a parts desk too which is good for getting bits from Japan with discounts for customers

Here's a write up of the process should you want more info on it: http://www.skyline-owners-club.com/forums/showthre... from what I experienced with mine.

[Benengo]

Axeboy said:

Do you mind me asking what car you are interested in?

I could probably get you some decent info

Quite different cars (and price ranges!) a but i'd either like a 240Z or an NSX!

[Axeboy]

Ahh, nicee

Well, just for info:

NSX:
Not sure if you are ok with an auto or want a manual but most go for around 3 million yen at least. A grade 4 1991 3.0l manual with 88000km went for 4.1m yen. Using some basic numbers that would mean the car would be £40,000 in the UK including shipping/taxes etc. You can get autos for around 2 million yen which would be just over £20,000. That's just to give you something to go on. I'm not sure how that compares to the UK but I would assume the prices are high for the NSX across the board.

240Z:
The Fairlady Z which I will assume is the s30 model you are interested in from the early 70's? There are not that many about, even in Japan. I did spot this one: "1973 FAIRLADYZ 240ZG HS30 2400 MT5 59000 DARK RED WINE R2 1,500,000 4,229,100" So its been repaired so hard to tell condition, but it went for 4.2m yen which is around £40,000 again. There are more for sale from dealers but prices are strong.

[Benengo]

This is all great stuff ^^ many thanks!

Seems like prices are still pretty strong then? The one thing that does go in my favour is that (due to my current job) I can import up to 2 cars to the EU tax free, so that may help out a bit!

Would I do better looking in the US?

[Axeboy]

I think those cars will just be strong anywhere to be honest, many will be going to the US too.