Importing a JDM car overseas is alone quite a nerve-wracking period as it usually takes at least a couple of months until you receive your vehicle, and not only that but you’ll need to make a down payment as well. There are not many requirements needed in order to call yourself a ‘JDM importer’. Hence why an importer can appear and be gone within the span of a few weeks or months. If you’re looking to import via an importer, it is important to avoid these types of importers. To make it easy for you, you’ll the oldest and most reputable importing companies.
Consider these things when importing a JDM car.
Being able to say that you own a True JDM car is pretty sweet. In many cases, you’ll be able to buy a non-JDM version of a Japanese brand, such as the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, or the Nissan SX. But in many cases, a European or U.S. sold vehicle is likely to differ quite a lot from its JDM counterpart. The Japanese car market often received different types of drivetrain and engine options, and often also received special versions which were not available elsewhere. Entering a JDM meet with an actual JDM imported car usually tends to fetch quite a few thumbs-ups, as it is quite uncommon.
There are a lot of importers out there and finding the right one just for you can be quite tricky. Not all importers are able to import too anywhere. Therefore, we have picked out the most reputable importers for Europe, UK, Australia, and the U.S. These importers will help you pick out your car, negotiate prices, choose the best shipping, as well as collect your car, and ensure it gets to you undamaged. By choosing any of the below importers you will ensure that you’ll get:
An incredibly reputable importer with over 36 years of experience. JDM-EXPO is an independent subsidiary of the parent company of Nikko Auto Co., Ltd and is recognized as one of the most reliable importers by Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporter Association. The founder, Masahiro Inoue who also is the founder of Nikko Auto has long experience exporting JDM cars and have the aim to give its customer the best purchasing experience.
JDM-EXPO will export JDM vehicles to anywhere in the world where it is legal. JDM-EXPO offers a large inventory of JDM cars. JDM-EXPO has a team of skilled mechanics that see to it that the car you purchase upholds the highest quality. Most of JDM-EXPOs stock are low-mileage vehicles.
However, if you are looking for something really specific JDM-EXPO is able to offer the service to purchase via Japanese Car Auctions, as they also have many partnerships with many Japanese car auctions.
All in all, JDM-EXPO is one of the most reputable, has a large stock of cars, and promises insurance on shipment and the quality of their cars.
Benefits
Japan Car Director JCD is another big player in the importing/exporting business of JDM vehicles. JCD was founded by Scott Bower in 2004 after falling in love with the country. JCD’s goal is to have the absolute best customer satisfaction. They do that by providing accurate translations, competitive prices, efficient logistics as well as providing a large variety of vehicles to choose from. By providing all of this, JCD has grown significantly since 2004 and have now one head office and three side branches.
JCD has many close relationships with a variety of auctions in Japan and is able to provide a diverse list of vehicles. Their team consists of people with long experience in logistics and importing which ensures top-of-the-line customer service when it comes to shipping. They have a very long track record with lots of returning customers.
Benefits
If you’re in the U.S. and are looking to purchase a JDM vehicle but can’t be bothered with the long delivery times it takes to import – then Duncan Imports might offer you a solution. Duncan Imports are located in Christiansburg and Nashville. Unlike the other importers on the list which all holds quite a small inventory, Duncan Imports focuses on having a lot of JDM cars in stock at all time. But they’ll also offer their services if you want to import directly from Japan.
While Duncan Imports also sells a small inventory of European and American classics, the majority of their supply circles around JDM vehicles, such as JDM classics, sports cars, and mini trucks.
Duncan Imports holds on average about 900 unique JDM cars which already have been imported to the U.S. That means you could visit their warehouse and purchase a true JDM car without having to wait months for the car to arrive.
Duncan Imports offers quite an impressive number of benefits to its customers,
Benefits
J-Spec is likely the most common option used to import JDM vehicles into Australia. They’ve had a long history of importing cars from Japan, operating ever since 1999. And although they operate from Melbourne, Australia they also offer their services to the UK, Canada, USA, and some parts of Europe.
The founder of J-Spec, Ben Lippa, transitioned from his 9 to 5 in Computer Science to pursue his passion for cars. The owner and employees of J-Spec are all diehard JDM fans, and they’ve all had quite impressive JDM vehicles themselves. Most of the staff at J-Spec have imported cars by themselves and they know the struggles and issues which might occur by doing so. Therefore J-Spec aims to give you the best customer service, removing any doubts which you might have.
J-Spec has access to over half a million Japanese cars as they have good connections with auctions and dealers in Japan. So, if you know what you’re looking for, there are good chances J-Spec is able to help you find what you are searching for. Whether you are looking for a 2022 Daihatsu Truck or a 90’s Kei car they’ll have access to it.
Alike other dealers on this list, J-Spec also offers excellent customer service, ensures quality and delivery on time, as well as having competitive prices.
Benefits
By selecting a reputable importer with great customer service and international connection you’ll feel more at ease – as you know you will be taken well care of. All of the above importers are very reputable with many years of operations. They’ve all got strong relations with auctions all over Japan, and have access to thousands of cars ready to be imported.
Here you can read more about some of JDMs most underrated cars!
Revving engines, flamboyant style, and a rebellious spirit - that's what defines Japan's bosozoku subculture.…
There's something about the Honda Civic EK9 Type R that just screams performance, sleek lines,…
The Mitsubishi 1600 GSR is a car that has left a lasting legacy in the…
The S2000 was introduced at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in…
The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno, also known as the Hachiroku is one of the most…
The Honda NSX-R is Honda's answer to supercar makers such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. But…