How much does it cost to import a car from Japan?

[Axeboy]

Assuming 682500 for the car including shipping you will be around £8000 to £8500 here. However, you most likely will need a full set of new tyres, a service and maybe other small items sorted depending on the car condition.

That includes the car & shipping plus:

Import Duty
VAT
Customs Agent Fees
HMRC Adjustment Fees
Registation and tax
MOT and speedo/fog light
Excludes transport from the docks

You'll need to check and confirm there are no further fees at the Japan end. I normally use a reputable agent in Japan and having done the process a number of times I am more used to it.

Im not sure on the model report availability for the particular model though, that would be a risk worth getting checked before you do anything else. There may be additional costs for this of course.

[Ed/L152]

On this topic, when buying from an importing dealer is it reasonable to expect to see the Japanese export certificate to confirm the mileage? Is it possible to make any independent checks?

[Lollypops]

Totally reasonable to expect. Ask to see the cars auction appraisal sheet as a cars mileage is stated when it goes through auction in Japan, so is independent as such. Be careful if there is an asterisk by the mileage reading - that means there is an issue, although it could be something like changing to an aftermarket speedo - quite common to see Nismo speedos on Skylines for instance.

This way you also get to see any dents and scratches etc pointed out on the auction sheet.

[Ed/L152]

Thanks. One dealer I've been chatting with says that the import certificate remains with the DVLA when the vehicle is registered. I'm tempted to do a DIY import instead.

[Axeboy]

The originals go to the DVLA but I normally take copies. It is normal that they go to the DVLA though.

You can have the mileage checked in Japan easily, I cant remember the name of the scheme but its was £30 or something to get it certified. I think it was a Jevic certificate

Edited by Axeboy on Saturday 24th November 11:58

[J-Tuner]

Just in case this helps anyone get a clearer idea - i have just settled the import fees on my car in southampton:

Freight From Yokohama £553.13
Southampton Terminal Handling Charge £45.00
Delivery Order £40.00
Customs Duty £391.54
Customs VAT £896.39
Custom Clearance Fee £90.00
Total : £2016.16

Then you have the transport costs from the docks to wherever you need the car to go - and then SVA/DVLA fees and Insurance/Road Tax to get the car road legal.

[Ed/L152]

J-Tuner said:

Just in case this helps anyone get a clearer idea - i have just settled the import fees on my car in southampton:

Freight From Yokohama £553.13
Southampton Terminal Handling Charge £45.00
Delivery Order £40.00
Customs Duty £391.54
Customs VAT £896.39
Custom Clearance Fee £90.00
Total : £2016.16

Then you have the transport costs from the docks to wherever you need the car to go - and then SVA/DVLA fees and Insurance/Road Tax to get the car road legal.

Are there any special considerations in having a vehicle transported from the destination docks, and are there any companies in particular you should use for this?

[J-Tuner]

I think using a firm or individual who is familiar with the release process at the docks would be an easy way forward. That said you could go get the car released your self in person and cast an eye over its condition etc and then have any trusted transport service on standby at the docks to literally take the car from A to B. Then you know when the car arrives that it's in the same condition that it left the docks.

I have used Iguana on here to move a car about and he was great. Might be worth asking him if he does dock pickups.

[Axeboy]

For ease I always use a company through the Customs Agent

If you do the customs fees/forms yourself I'm sure can collect the car yourself anyway, or any of the larger transport companies will be well used to picking up from the docks I would expect

[raja01]

Khannabeel said:

Happy Christmas! ! My Toyota Prius 2012 have arrived from Japan.I must say the cars are better quality and have more gadgets....I have paid all togather 1600 pounds each vehicle in which certainly I paid delivery from port to my house around 160 quid each ...you can check the duty calculator on www.japaneseusedcars.co or email them I had all info supplied to me before I booked my car.Thanks

[raja01]

hi
can you help me and guide me as i have a car in japan that i want to import over can you tell me what the cost would be and how much it would work out once ready on the road could you message me or email me back on [e-mail]

[mersontheperson]

You can definitely save a few quid and buy a cat that’s in great condition, but to really take advantage of the market I would suggest buying your own from auction. There are loads of great guys that will find one do and inspection snd you can get a great deal. If you can be patient for a week or two, and go for a higher mileage example (at least a 4.5 grade) I think you can save 1000 usd on an example already purchased by an exporter.