IMPORTING

This is where the fun begins, you have the dream, we find the car!

We will:

You need to:

Then... you win the bid, and the vehicle is yours!

Each week in Japan thousands of vehicles go up for auction, some of the larger auctions cover 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles in a day.

Within this there are usually a number of SEVS eligible vehicles at each auction, it is just a matter of matching the right vehicle and your requirements, then the rest is negotiation.

There are many tricks to successful bidding in Japan, we know the ropes, just give us a try.

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

  • Are there any catches? And why is it so cheap to buy direct?
    • There are no hidden fees or commissions paid, you pay only the auction price and agent fees in Japan, normally quoted as an FOB price.
    • You pay the invoice direct, so there is total transparency.
  • How long does this process take?
    • Usually we can match your requirements within a week or 2, maybe a bit more if you have something special you require, but we buy these vehicles regularly and have no trouble locating most models in any one week.
  • Can I buy outside the Auction System?
    • Yes, we also buy vehicles, which our agents have purchased from auction, or before they go to auction.
    • If we have vehicles available in Japan, which meet your requirements, we will offer these to you.
  • What if the vehicle has been modified?
    • It is a requirement of RAWS that the vehicle is standard for compliance.
    • You can purchase a modified vehicle and have the vehicle made standard in Japan before shipping, or in Australia prior to compliance, but there are costs involved and there may be issues shipping parts removed in Japan. Any parts removed in Australia must be destroyed.
    • We generally recommend the purchase of unmodified vehicles, as these are usually in the best condition.
  • What is the Auction Grading System?
    • The vehicles for auction have an auction grade report provided.
    • This provides a fairly accurate description of the condition of the vehicle, rated as follows:
    Exterior:

    5Almost new, with low kilometres. Few if any faults
    4.5Very good condition, still fairly low kms. Maybe with a panel affected by minor paint blemish, etc.
    4Also very good condition, around 75,000km with One or two panels affected by minor paint blemishes
    3.5Similar to 4, but may be around 100,000km
    3Average condition with a number of blemishes on panels and possibly mechanical work required
    2.5Not in good enough condition for export
    2Not in good enough condition for export
    1.5Not in good enough condition for export
    0Not in good enough condition for export

    Interior:

    AAlmost new with no condition faults
    BSlightly dirty
    CClean but with some damage, i.e. could be a fabric tear, etc.
    DFabric tear/damage or dirty interior

From here the process is:
  • We apply for an Import Approval from DoTaRS
    • This can take a week or 2, but is automatic for RAWs and SEVS vehicles
  • Shipping is arranged through our agents
    • For Japan to Australia we use Kiwi Car Carriers
    • Their RORO (Roll on Roll off) ships are specialist car carriers and our experience to date has been good.
    • Shipping can take 2+ weeks, from loading to unloading in Australia.
    • Kiwi provides an insurance cover ‘KIPS Marine Insurance’ while in transit and up to unloading on the docks
    • KIPS includes ‘general average’ insurance cover, i.e. contributions to others if the ship or its cargo is lost
  • Local Customs Clearance and Quarantine clearance is arranged
  • We keep you informed at each step
  • We arrange local delivery, as per your instructions
  • Compliance is arranged through our Registered Automotive Workshop
    • This includes all necessary modifications to meet the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADR), servicing, etc.
    • RAWS vehicles are fitted with an Australian Compliance Plate
You will need to:

  • Pay an auction deposit, when you have provided instructions on the vehicle
    • This is usually 50% of the auction price
  • Pay the balance promptly after the purchase at auction
  • On delivery to the docks in Australia the customs duty, GST and Freight and shipping charges are payable
A vehicle complied under RAWS can be registered in any State of Australia. You need to provide the registration authority with the vehicle for inspection, with:

  • Consumer Information Notice (provided by the RAW)
  • Import Approval
  • De-Registration Certificate, issued in Japan
  • Current Roadworthy Certificate

We take the complex and make it simple, there are many more benefits than drawbacks to importing, you get your selected vehicle and $SAVE$ in the process. Japanese vehicles are generally low mileage and can be obtained in excellent condition, SEVS vehicles are performance based and give access to vehicles not generally available in Australia…all great benefits when compared to local cars!

Are there any issues to be aware of when buying an imported vehicle?

Yes, but all are easily addressed. Here are a few:

PARTS:

Where can I get parts?

Parts are generally available for the Japanese makes we import.
Many are available from the local dealers of the same make, i.e. Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Looking for a cheaper alternative, no problem, there are many Japanese vehicle wreckers, see the yellow pages or call us.
The Japanese vehicle wreckers import half cuts front or rear and you can shop around for engines, gearboxes and every thing from door handles to lights, etc.
If you’re after performance parts, there is a good choice of suppliers carrying all the reputable makes for that extra kw (or more!)
Most import the major Japanese makes, NISMO, Apexi, etc.

SERVICING:

Who can service my vehicle?

The makes and models we import are known to many automotive workshops in Australia.
Service manuals are available in English.
There is nothing too complex that a competent & qualified mechanic cannot fix.

INSURANCE:

Who can insure my vehicle?

There are a number of insurance companies and brokers who can arrange insurance

Shannons, Just Cars & Unique Car Insurance are just a few specialist companies and there are more who will talk to you about an imported vehicle.
All have particular requirements, age, modification limits, etc., so check first before you make a decision on the car or options, especially wheels, etc, as some may not cover 18” wheels or have other rules you will need to be aware of.

Stuck on an issue…or have any concerns? Give us a call and we will talk through the issues, the experience is definitely worth the effort!

Remember, we import these cars and drive these cars…we know what is required and have the experience and knowledge to assist you with your valued purchase.

Also, if you are in Melbourne, we have an office and workshop you can visit, call in and discuss your requirements.






Some featured customer cars:

Mitsubishi Delica PE8W 1999

This vehicle was purchased for a customer who required a late model Delica. First registered in 1999, this 1997 manufactured Delica was located at a remote auction in Japan, and although in immaculate condition (Auction Grade 4.5 B) it was secured for a reasonable price. This all took some time, including the shipping from this location, but it was well worth the wait!



Chaser Tourer V 1997

This car was imported as a Sample Vehicle and is now on our RAWS Schedule for compliance. It is in immaculate condition and a good example of what is available in the JZX100 range. The Chaser has a 2.5L inline 6 cylinder VVTI engine with a single turbo and plenty of power!



Skyline R34 GT-T 2000

Our customer was very particular on the colour and requested the Bay Blue R34. It took a few weeks to find in Japan, but worth the wait. It is a spectacular car, in excellent condition!