Hey everyone,
I noticed that my all time favorite kei car is finally 25 years old so I think it's time to get one!
Can anyone point me in the right direction for the import it on your own, a broker, or a full fledged importer? My personal preference (even though it isn't very grassroots) is to use a full service importer so I don't have to deal with Customs and other government paperwork. Any BTDT?
The main issue is finding a reliable source in Japan, which is where a full service importer has a massive advantage.
Customs clearance isn't that big a headache unless you ill-advisedly try to DIY it instead of hiring a customs broker. A good customs broker will make that part of the process very smooth for a relatively reasonable fee.
There have been some good threads here on this in the past. (My goal is not to say "Search n00b" or anything as much as share the info that already exists that I remember)
I'm getting increasingly interested in this myself as I really want something 90's and Japanese to park in my garage next to the Euro E28. Somehow I have become a "Euro car guy" between the E28 and my GTI and I never wanted to be that guy...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/jdm-imports-inspectionsquality/82839/page1/
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/skylines-import-versus-already-here/125328/page1/
Ive always wanted an accord euro type r.
Theyre just about 25 years old now. But im broke....
Instead of dealing with shady importers, check out Duncan Imports first. They've done all the work getting the cars into the U.S., you just have to go and buy them!
Dusterbd13-michael said:Ive always wanted an accord euro type r.
Theyre just about 25 years old now. But im broke....
Neons are better anyways ;)
I have been talking to a guy about importing a export.
pointofdeparture said:There have been some good threads here on this in the past. (My goal is not to say "Search n00b" or anything as much as share the info that already exists that I remember)
I'm getting increasingly interested in this myself as I really want something 90's and Japanese to park in my garage next to the Euro E28. Somehow I have become a "Euro car guy" between the E28 and my GTI and I never wanted to be that guy...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/jdm-imports-inspectionsquality/82839/page1/
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/skylines-import-versus-already-here/125328/page1/
Perfect. Thanks!
I disappeared for a while, forgot my password, no longer have the old email address, started a new account, and couldn't (still can't) find the search. Assuming I buy one, I'll try and make it up to you guys by posting lots of pictures.
Joe Gearin said:Instead of dealing with shady importers, check out Duncan Imports first. They've done all the work getting the cars into the U.S., you just have to go and buy them!
They're the first people that have come up and that's exactly what I'm hoping to find, a full service importer. I'm just wondering if there's anyone else I should look at.
There was a Forester STI for sale in Japan that made it onto one of the groups I follow on Facebook. It was not legal for import, yet, but man, I wanted to buy it and somehow get it cut up into parts and shipped over.
In reply to stumpmj350 :
Japanese Classics in VA also has a stellar reputation.
stumpmj350 said:Joe Gearin said:Instead of dealing with shady importers, check out Duncan Imports first. They've done all the work getting the cars into the U.S., you just have to go and buy them!
They're the first people that have come up and that's exactly what I'm hoping to find, a full service importer. I'm just wondering if there's anyone else I should look at.
Hoosier Classic Imports is similar to this, they have a handful of cars already imported and here on their showroom floor for sale. I dont know much else about them, i just follow them on Facebook after I saw they had imported a lancia delta integrale
Joe Gearin said:Instead of dealing with shady importers, check out Duncan Imports first. They've done all the work getting the cars into the U.S., you just have to go and buy them!
This is where I bought my mini... 10 minutes from my house. Even if you don't buy there, it is worth the trip just to walk through the inventory.
I wish they made Skyline GT-R's in left hand drive...
In reply to docwyte :
RHD isn't as big an issue as a lot of people seem to think it is. You might miss an overtake or two, but other than that you get used to it quickly.
If you're my more interested in buying from auction, which gets you more for your money look at Pacific coast jdm or brave auto.
pointofdeparture said:In reply to stumpmj350 :
Japanese Classics in VA also has a stellar reputation.
I second this. I personally know them and would vouch for them all day everyday.
I saw a car carrier dropping off a car, what a weird looking old nissan sentra, oh there is a gtr badge. Proof of concept.
https://youtu.be/HRLJPAqgiI0yupididit said:pointofdeparture said:In reply to stumpmj350 :
Japanese Classics in VA also has a stellar reputation.
I second this. I personally know them and would vouch for them all day everyday.
I third this.
Did a little digging. Looks like good Autozams are essentially gone. Also, Dave at Duncan essentially gave me a no-go on fitting in one (I'm 6' 2"). He did say I wouldn't have any issues with a Cappuccino and I'm pondering that now (Japanese Classics and Duncan both have them in stock).
If anyone else is lusting for one, there's one in Houston with a Texas title on ebay right now (search Autozam) for just under $16k right now.
I'm going to peruse Brave Auto and Pacific Coast JDM next.
Yeah, the bubble is already set up for the Autozam AZ-1- everyone who wants to try and flip them has bought one and is waiting to hock it for more at a later date, which i'm not very sure if they're gonna get.
I'm going to peruse Brave Auto and Pacific Coast JDM next.
How did that work out?
I'm building a master list of JDM exporters and importers to help the community: https://www.jdmbuysell.com/dealers/ Any JDM dealers that I'm missing?
Are the rules the same for trucks? I've yet to do anything really stupid yet and have been thinking a Renault Magnum is the kind of stupidity I'd enjoy.
I've worked with The Import Guys a few times, have been happy with them each time.
Here's a very helpful comment on the subject I saved from the Book of Faces before I discontinued my use of that platform:
Anyone considering importing a car from Japan should use this formula.
Car cost x 108.5% + shipping + 500. That is the basic cost to get the car to the states. If you live east coast add 90 dollars for the boat transfer in Panama. You will also need to aquire a TWIC for 125 dollars to access the port (this takes 30 days to process) it is good for 5 years.
These costs are if you are going to get the car yourself, you have a truck and trailer, and you will go to CBP yourself.
Some other important pieces of information is that you have to hit CBP twice. Once to get a vehicle release and once to get the car verified. A lot of times the CBP office is not close to the port. Galveston, Tx port uses the North Houston CBP office. (It's about an hour drive) You don't want to add two hours or more to your trip.
What are the benefits of importing a car yourself? Avoid drift tax. Most importers are marking their cars up significantly. Japanese car costs are on the rise and it's making almost any car, even automatic cars no one wants over 10k.
If you are starting out Japan Partner is a good service and are friendly. I found a car at a japanese dealer and asked them to go get it for me. They also have a storage program free for the first year and 600 every year after if you want to buy a car not federally legal yet.
TCV (formerly tradecarview) will show tons of cars from Japan on the page. They work as a proxy with dealerships in Japan where they do not release the money to the dealership until the car is shipped. You can negotiate prices on the APP or website.
Don't allow people to make money off of you when it is honestly not difficult to import a car yourself. TCV can also show you going rates for cars in Japan.
This is just to help people out considering purchasing a vehicle.
do you have to pay the 25% Chicken tax if you bring in a used truck ?
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