Frequently asked questions
Plain-English answers about buying and importing a Japanese vehicle with us.
Importing
Allow 6 to 10 weeks from the auction purchase to the vehicle arriving at a UK port, then a further 1 to 3 weeks for customs clearance, any IVA test and DVLA registration. Cars already in our stock that have landed and been registered can be driven away much sooner.
For vehicles in our stock the advertised price includes the vehicle, shipping and insurance, UK import duty and VAT, the NOVA declaration, IVA test and preparation where required, speedometer conversion, DVLA first registration fee and number plates. Road tax for the first period is quoted separately because it depends on the vehicle.
Import duty on cars is currently 10% of the vehicle value including shipping, and VAT is charged at 20% on the total including duty. Both are paid to HMRC before the vehicle can be released from the port. We pay these on your behalf and provide the receipts.
NOVA stands for Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. Every vehicle brought into the UK must be notified to HMRC within 14 days of arrival, and the DVLA will not register a vehicle without a NOVA reference. We complete this for every car we import.
Registration
Usually yes if the car is less than ten years old and was never type-approved for the UK or EU market. The Individual Vehicle Approval test checks that the vehicle meets UK safety and construction rules. Vehicles ten years old or more are normally exempt. We prepare the car and attend the test for you.
Yes. Japanese cars show speed in km/h only, and UK rules require the speedometer to display mph. We fit an mph conversion (either a replacement dial or an approved overlay) before the IVA test and registration.
Yes. Once the vehicle is registered with the DVLA it receives a UK registration number and a V5C registration certificate in your name, exactly like any other UK car.
Buying
Japan has strict periodic inspections (shaken), high running costs for older cars and a culture of replacing vehicles every few years. As a result many auction cars have low mileage, full service histories and have been garaged and well cared for.
Vehicles that have landed and are in our stock can be viewed in Wolverhampton by appointment. For cars still in Japan or in transit we provide the full auction sheet, high-resolution photographs and, where possible, video.
Japanese auction houses grade every car. The overall grade runs from 5 (near new) down to 3, with R or RA for previously repaired vehicles. Interior grade is A to D. The auction sheet also maps every scratch, dent and paint mark. We translate and explain the sheet before you decide.
Payment
A deposit secures the vehicle or our bidding on your behalf, with the balance paid by bank transfer before delivery. For sourced vehicles the auction price is paid after the winning bid, and the UK charges (duty, VAT, registration) are paid when the car lands. We provide a written breakdown at every stage.
We do not provide finance directly, but many customers use a personal loan or an independent broker. Please ask and we can point you in the right direction.
Delivery
Yes. You can collect from Wolverhampton or we can deliver anywhere in mainland Great Britain by transporter. Delivery is quoted based on distance.
After sales
Most JDM Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas share parts with UK models, and specialist importers stock the rest. We can recommend garages experienced with Japanese imports and help you source any parts you need.
Some mainstream insurers load premiums for imports, but specialist insurers offer competitive rates for Japanese vehicles. It is worth getting a quote from an import specialist before you buy.