Importing a car from Japan

[Challo]

Not sure if your still looking at Alphards but this guy seems to be the expert. Imports loads of them, runs the FB group and apparently everyone buys from him if they are looking for a fresh import.

He might be able to source you a Hybrid version.

http://newacrecars.com/

[captain.scarlet]

In a way I'm reviving this thread and don't mean to hijack it but better to revive on a similar note than to create yet another thread on the same topic!

In summary, I've found a 1995 Toyota MKII Grande Regalia.

It's got the 2500cc 24v twin cam JZ engine and is in unmolested condition and at a price of around £3,500.

Car isn't in Japan but in the UAE, albeit imported from Japan.

As a RHD car it apparently cannot be registered on ordinary number plates in the UAE because it's not old enough to be a classic car, so export is the only option at this moment in time.

The dealer had sold the same to an Emirati guy but a 1991 RHD model so he is able to drive it in the UAE on classic number plates. It's been valeted etc and it really does look the part.

I'm out here for work and would have loved to have this car as a cheap bit of weekend fun and possibly something to enjoy on my return to the UK.

Admittedly I was looking for a Toyota Crown Royal Saloon (pre-2000) with a view to exporting it back home to the UK and I stumped across this.

My question is for anyone with prior experience or existing knowledge of importing into the UK. What are rates like for shipping from the UAE to, say, Hull (as the closest place as home is Leeds) and what duty, registration fees and VAT etc would I be looking at paying on a car purchased at £3,500?

I haven't been able to find any on the used car market save for one in County Tyrone I think for around £25,000 but very much kitted out, and then another couple at just shy of £8,000 (on Mitula, not the most up-to-date of websites admittedly).

Also if anyone is in the know on rarer Japanese cars, which do you think would be the better financial investment of the two (fuel prices aside)? A pre-2003 Crown Royal Saloon or a MKII?

Both great cars and I'd have both of them if I could; the latter for sale in abundance here and definitely a quirky Japanese cruiser, available for less than £3,000. I'm aware that there's an 'Athlete' edition that's quite sought after.

Then there's a 1980s Toyota Soarer that I've been eyeing up but the dealer selling it wants around £7,000 which seems a tad too much. Thoughts on that as an investment welcome, too.

NB the reason I'd be opting for pre-2001 is because of road tax implications, which IIRC would be based on engine size and not emissions and therefore costlier if not pre-2001.

Thanks in advance!

[mersontheperson]

I have imported a few cars, my biggest mistake was not taking advantage of the personal import tax relief on bringing over a car you have owned for 12 months in a foreign country. You have to ship the car the same time you relocate home.

If I were you, I would buy something that you know will be in demand back in the UK and spend as much as you can afford. Alphard isn’t a bad bet, but forget about step wagon , regalia, Elgrand etc, get a really cool motor that you can get a lot cheaper there.

Discovery 4 petrol V8 etc

[captain.scarlet]

mersontheperson said:

I have imported a few cars, my biggest mistake was not taking advantage of the personal import tax relief on bringing over a car you have owned for 12 months in a foreign country. You have to ship the car the same time you relocate home.

If I were you, I would buy something that you know will be in demand back in the UK and spend as much as you can afford. Alphard isn’t a bad bet, but forget about step wagon , regalia, Elgrand etc, get a really cool motor that you can get a lot cheaper there.

Discovery 4 petrol V8 etc

Hi mate, thank you for the reply.

There's certainly no shortage of Alphards and other MPVs here. Vans and other distinctly Japanese commercial vehicles are in abundance. My place to go is the Dubai Auto Zone.

I did a quick check for the relief you mention but it hasn't yielded any useful reading.

Otherwise if it means a massive saving then for what it's worth I could purchase something and sit on it for a year... not sure what the rules are here about parking a car up on a public highway without any number plates even if not driving it.

I was tempted by a 4WD Nissan Caravan but as they're more minibuses than campervans I know I wouldn't have the resources to do a conversion.

Out of the two saloons (Crown Royal Saloon and MKII), in your opinion which would be a better investment? It's the 1JZ engine that I understand would up the desirability. I'd plan to keep a car I've tired over to import if I'm going to be left out of pocket.

Toyota Century perhaps?

Or would an Alphard/MPV blow them out of the water?

Here's what I'm considering:


Crown (I believe this is a post-2000 model given the design of the rear light clusters). Arguable it's just a reached Lexus.







Soarer (night time shot of another car)







MKII

[mersontheperson]

https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/...

All those cars seem interesting, if they are automatic, there is only so much people will pay for them. 1JZ engines are popular but mainly the turbo variants.

I think the Mark II jzx90 that you have pictured there is great, wonderful to drive, RWD, smooth 6 cylinder, will last forever.

The crown I would say has the lowest potential for increase, but is probably the best all round car, but there are so many of them made, you will always be able to buy one dead cheap.

The soarer looks fantastic and had had some mods done, if they are done well, then it could be a bargain, if not it’s a possibly a disaster. If I was guessing I would think the crown would cost you around 3 grand over there, the Mark II 5 grand, and maybe 6/7 for the soarer?

[sjg]

captain.scarlet said:

NB the reason I'd be opting for pre-2001 is because of road tax implications, which IIRC would be based on engine size and not emissions and therefore costlier if not pre-2001.

Imports get the pre-2001 VED rates regardless (my 2007 Stepwgn is currently £295) because they don't have an official CO2 rating.

Can only get that for cheaper tax (eg if you imported a Prius) with a model report that shows it's been tested to the right emissions standard.

Don't know on current shipping costs but import duty at 10% of the car AND shipping cost, then 20% VAT on that.

Get it MOTed (£55 + fit a foglight if it doesn't have one), then send off forms to DVLA with £55 plus first VED. Then get numberplates made up once you get the V5 back.

[TommoAE86]

Idle musing but that Crown looks like the start of the S170 cars (11th gen) which started from 1999 & a cursory glance at goo-net there were still plenty of the S150 (10th gen) registered into 2000.

The changes in tail-lights for the S170 were based on model line iirc (Athlete/Majesta/Royal). If you're thinking about onward value I would not get that Crown as it's not the "right" engine despite it being a very nice car.

[dobly]

The website i use to search for cars in Japan is https://kuruma-ex.jp/usedcar
It seems to aggregate all the content of the various car listing sites in one place. Of course it is in Japanese, but can be translated to English at browser level using chrome.
Hope someone finds this a useful addition to the initial stages of the process.

[Alexspli]

Hi guys, I’m new to this sector in UK. Few cars arrived and few are on their way. I do encounter insurance coverage issue with them….. looking for suggestions. I do understand that most insurance companies are reluctant to cover, because not sure their risk, such as parts & repair cost. They may charge more, some refuse and some agents giving ridiculous quote. But on the other hand. I couldn’t found one willing to accept 3rd party coverage. Which is eliminated their concerns as mentioned. Any help please?

[samoht]

If the question is 'who will cover my imported car', I've used A-Plan, Adrian Flux and Sky for my 180SX and RX-7. Never had an issue finding cover.

[mersontheperson]

I use Grove and Dean , currently have two imports with them. I already have a main car (also an import) so insure my JDM curious on a limited mileage fully comp policy through Grove and Dean. Both cars cost less than 300 quid each but I am over 50 and live out west

[Axeboy]

Always used Admiral for me due to Multicar and only had an issue once and had to use Adrian Flux

[captain.scarlet]

sjg said:

captain.scarlet said:

NB the reason I'd be opting for pre-2001 is because of road tax implications, which IIRC would be based on engine size and not emissions and therefore costlier if not pre-2001.

Imports get the pre-2001 VED rates regardless (my 2007 Stepwgn is currently £295) because they don't have an official CO2 rating.

Can only get that for cheaper tax (eg if you imported a Prius) with a model report that shows it's been tested to the right emissions standard.

Don't know on current shipping costs but import duty at 10% of the car AND shipping cost, then 20% VAT on that.

Get it MOTed (£55 + fit a foglight if it doesn't have one), then send off forms to DVLA with £55 plus first VED. Then get numberplates made up once you get the V5 back.

That makes sense and quite a relief where the VED is concerned.

I suppose the MOT shouldn't be an issue as the Japanese market cars I've had a look at (even LHD American cars) all have rear amber turn signals for one and rear fog lights at least.

The next question is who decides the value?

In the UAE a RHD/Japanese car can go for cheap if not a classic of at least 30 years of age because it can't be driven as it wouldn't be eligible for classic plates if newer and RHD.

Exporting is the only option yet if it's a rarity it could have some good resale value in the UK. Would be nice if the import duty and VAT were based on the purchase price at source.

As mentioned, I'd hate to go through the trouble and expense and then sell at a loss for whatever reason later on down the line and even lose all the outlay on getting it into the UK.

For a 1995 Mark II the purchase price is around £3,000, which is pretty good.

[captain.scarlet]

TommoAE86 said:

Idle musing but that Crown looks like the start of the S170 cars (11th gen) which started from 1999 & a cursory glance at goo-net there were still plenty of the S150 (10th gen) registered into 2000.

The changes in tail-lights for the S170 were based on model line iirc (Athlete/Majesta/Royal). If you're thinking about onward value I would not get that Crown as it's not the "right" engine despite it being a very nice car.

Many thanks there're! I've taken heed of the advice that they are in abundance, so the Mark II or the Soarer is on my nominations sheet.

Which engine or version would you be minded to go for if a Crown? The Mark II I've got my eyes on has the GE and not the GTE engine. I've always been of the understanding that the GTE engine is the one to go for (slightly more BHP) and can be a dealbreaker for a Crown purchase or sale.

[captain.scarlet]

mersontheperson said:

https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/...

All those cars seem interesting, if they are automatic, there is only so much people will pay for them. 1JZ engines are popular but mainly the turbo variants.

I think the Mark II jzx90 that you have pictured there is great, wonderful to drive, RWD, smooth 6 cylinder, will last forever.

The crown I would say has the lowest potential for increase, but is probably the best all round car, but there are so many of them made, you will always be able to buy one dead cheap.

The soarer looks fantastic and had had some mods done, if they are done well, then it could be a bargain, if not it’s a possibly a disaster. If I was guessing I would think the crown would cost you around 3 grand over there, the Mark II 5 grand, and maybe 6/7 for the soarer?

Thanks mate. Agree with you. The Crowns are in abundance. Honestly no shortage of them at all. The place is well worth a visit to anyone going to Dubai at all.

Crowns, yes anywhere between £2,500 and £3,500. Circa 13,000 dirhams to 18,000 dirhams. Most places want in between.

The guy with the Soarer sat on the pavement for months wants around £7k for it, but he also wants about £4,000 for a wreck of a 1971 RHD Rover P5B coupe needing a full restoration that I've posted photos of in another thread.

An emotional guy who laments how much he pays for these cars and the import taxes into the UAE. Pity me I'm thinking of shutting up shop and just leaving the country it's not worth it for me anymore etc etc.

Makes it difficult to want to haggle or do business with him.

The guy with the Mark II on the other hand thought AED 35,000 / £7,000 (based on the old exchange rate) for the Soarer was way too much. If the dealer wasn't so emotional I'd probably go in with an offer of around £5,000...if anyone thinks that's feasible or even sensible!

Otherwise the Mark II has more or less stolen the show where the exclusivity and looks are concerned. I can always leave a Crown for another day and a part of me knows they're slightly reclothed Lexuses.

As mentioned, I'd like whatever is imported to be an appreciating and sought-after car.

This one has the GE and not the GTE engine, however. Would hope this would not affect the resale value in future for want of a few extra BHP. There is a Mark II currently in the classifieds in the UK with the GTE and the owner wants just shy of £20,000 but far from original spec. By contrast there are a couple of others at around £8,000.

[samoht]

captain.scarlet said:

The next question is who decides the value?

In the UAE a RHD/Japanese car can go for cheap if not a classic of at least 30 years of age because it can't be driven as it wouldn't be eligible for classic plates if newer and RHD.

Exporting is the only option yet if it's a rarity it could have some good resale value in the UK. Would be nice if the import duty and VAT were based on the purchase price at source.

If you own the car overseas for a year (I think), you don't have to pay taxes on import anyway.

Otherwise generally it's based on what you paid plus shipping cost, i.e. what it's cost you to get the car to the British port it lands in. I imagine if there's some dodgy deal where your brother 'sells' you a car for 1 Dirham then HMRC might not accept that, but if you pay the normal 'fair market price' then I think that's what it'll be taxed on. Certainly for my import it was.

captain.scarlet said:

This one has the GE and not the GTE engine, however. Would hope this would not affect the resale value in future for want of a few extra BHP.

I guess the turbo car (GTE) would be worth 50-100% more for resale on the UK market. Just a gut feeling though, you'd have to check out sold prices to build a proper picture. But I wouldn't assume that the 3.0 N/A will be worth nearly as much as the 2.5T just because the rated power is nearly as much. The stock power may be similar but the potential for cost-effective tuning is much more on the turbo engine.

[TommoAE86]

captain.scarlet said:

Many thanks there're! I've taken heed of the advice that they are in abundance, so the Mark II or the Soarer is on my nominations sheet.

Which engine or version would you be minded to go for if a Crown? The Mark II I've got my eyes on has the GE and not the GTE engine. I've always been of the understanding that the GTE engine is the one to go for (slightly more BHP) and can be a dealbreaker for a Crown purchase or sale.

The Crown's in the UK with the 1JZ-GTE are pushing £8k+ but I've seen some listed and going for above £10k if they are clean and manual, with the other engines starting at £4.5k depending on condition, fresh from an importer is more like £6k for a GE vs £10-£12K+ for a GTE. This is just anecdotal when I see them come up though and the same can be said for any of the Toyota saloons.

[RobBMW]

Hi everyone.
Sorry to hijack a thread slightly. Ive put a deposit down on a 2013 Audi and due to collect tomorrow. It's been imported from Japan and seems to have legit full service history.
The csr has been registered in the UK. Has a log book & reg plate.
Ive checked HPI and DVLA. Both confirm an import although the DVLA website lists Vechicle Type Approval as "not available".
Could the seller (small dealer) have registered the car without an IVA?
If they did get an IVA test done, should they hold a copy of it?

If they have taken advantage of some kind of loophole, am I likely to get stung for the car not having had one if I drive it?
(i.e. will i get pulled for it? Car impounded? Etc.)

[samoht]

RobBMW said:

Hi everyone.
Sorry to hijack a thread slightly. Ive put a deposit down on a 2013 Audi and due to collect tomorrow. It's been imported from Japan and seems to have legit full service history.
The csr has been registered in the UK. Has a log book & reg plate.
Ive checked HPI and DVLA. Both confirm an import although the DVLA website lists Vechicle Type Approval as "not available".
Could the seller (small dealer) have registered the car without an IVA?
If they did get an IVA test done, should they hold a copy of it?

If they have taken advantage of some kind of loophole, am I likely to get stung for the car not having had one if I drive it?
(i.e. will i get pulled for it? Car impounded? Etc.)

Personally if the car has a registration and an MoT then I would assume that it has an IVA and has been legally put on the road. I.e. generally the DVLA requires all the relevant checks, import tax payment etc before they will issue a registration. Unless it's totally fraudulent paperwork (which could in principle be an issue on any car), then it should be fine.

If the seller has just imported the car then yes I'd expect them to be able to show you a copy of the IVA pass certificate.


I would be more interested in knowing
- does the radio pick up UK frequencies beyond Radio 2?
- does the sat-nav work in the UK?
- is it still limited to 112 mph?

also check insurance, you may be more restricted with which insurers will cover an import. Not impossible, but check the price is in your budget.

[RobBMW]

samoht said:

RobBMW said:

Hi everyone.
Sorry to hijack a thread slightly. Ive put a deposit down on a 2013 Audi and due to collect tomorrow. It's been imported from Japan and seems to have legit full service history.
The csr has been registered in the UK. Has a log book & reg plate.
Ive checked HPI and DVLA. Both confirm an import although the DVLA website lists Vechicle Type Approval as "not available".
Could the seller (small dealer) have registered the car without an IVA?
If they did get an IVA test done, should they hold a copy of it?

If they have taken advantage of some kind of loophole, am I likely to get stung for the car not having had one if I drive it?
(i.e. will i get pulled for it? Car impounded? Etc.)

Personally if the car has a registration and an MoT then I would assume that it has an IVA and has been legally put on the road. I.e. generally the DVLA requires all the relevant checks, import tax payment etc before they will issue a registration. Unless it's totally fraudulent paperwork (which could in principle be an issue on any car), then it should be fine.

If the seller has just imported the car then yes I'd expect them to be able to show you a copy of the IVA pass certificate.


I would be more interested in knowing
- does the radio pick up UK frequencies beyond Radio 2?
- does the sat-nav work in the UK?
- is it still limited to 112 mph?

also check insurance, you may be more restricted with which insurers will cover an import. Not impossible, but check the price is in your budget.

Thanks Sam,

I did a LOT of research this last week not knowing anything about Japanese imports before. Discovered the radio thing, fog lights, side repeaters. All seemed to check out as it was all working like a UK car hence why I put deposit down on it. I'll check the radio again before i drive away later to be sure.

It was only the lack of IVA certificate that was putting me off really. The DVLA and HPI reports show very little info about the engine, CO2 emissions etc. I figured it must have been completed to the DVLA requirements somehow to get registered though so may be im just looking for excuses haha