What Are The Costs of Importing a Car from Japan?

Lking74 on 30/05/2025 - 23:30
Last edited 31/05/2025 - 10:52 by 1 other user

Have a budget of strictly $15k, If I import a car from Japan around $6k-$7k. What would be the costs of compliance, rego and insurance?

I am planning to buy an efficient Japanese hybrid car under $15k, am eyeing either a Toyota Vitz (2017-2020) (Yaris basically) or a Honda Fit Hybrid (Jazz Hybrid).

Now, considering the cost of Importing one including an agent ($1.1-1.2k), and my insurance should be around ($2k) since I'm young and it's a Japanese model.

What would be my cost for everything else? Like Shipping, Compliance, Checks, Rego

Am I thinking realistically or should I change my plan?

Automotive

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 30/05/2025 - 23:37
    +58

    If you have to ask, youre not the right person to purchase a grey import.

    You are not going to save money vs buying a locally delivered vehicle.

    • king74 on 30/05/2025 - 23:39
      -5

      somethings that attracted me, firstly i can get a good hybrid car, second, theres anlready japanese cars in the market they r selling for like $15k ish, i thought why not go through the importer and get the best price myself and save some money

      • Hybroid on 30/05/2025 - 23:41
        +24

        Because you're taking on tons of potential risks and added costs and possible repairs for… a 5+ year old Yaris…

      • zonra on 31/05/2025 - 09:43
        +15

        they r selling for like $15k

        They are listed for $15k.
        Importing is not for saving a buck on an everyday car, it’s for getting niche/hobby cars.
        Imagine getting a lemon trying to import a used yaris, have you considered (lack of) warranty, parts availability, local repair expertise, difficulty to insure?
        This is peak high risk low reward.

        • Dslrfirst on 31/05/2025 - 10:28

          …and as the OP asked about the costs for "everthing else", they are unknown & some stretch into the future.

        • ATTS on 01/06/2025 - 15:30

          Have u ever experienced rust bucket imports?

          Any other downsides to importing aswell?

      • LFO on 31/05/2025 - 11:08
        +2

        a good hybrid car

        Why a hybrid when seeking a compact sized vehicle?

        Fuel consumption will be negligible and a hybrid is neither EV or ICE, so why carrying an ICE and some of the EV goodies together, all the time?

      • NMC on 01/06/2025 - 17:52
        +2

        If you think this is going to save you money, you're in for a bad time.

        Do not make any assumptions about the cost of insurance, get quotes (more than one). Insuring a grey import can be very expensive, especially if you're under 25. Don't assume because it's a cheap car it will be cheap to fix, getting parts for imports can be a pain in the butt, and it'll likely be written off after a fairly minor accident by your insurer.

        Basically, unless your importing something special, it's not worth the trouble.

    • Odin on 31/05/2025 - 14:26
      +5

      Completely disagree. I imported 4 cars from Japan when I was 18-21 and that was 15 years ago. Back then it was a lot less easy and I still had zero issues.

      The process is simple and straightforward.

      • Euphemistic on 31/05/2025 - 14:40
        -3

        Think that kinda confirms my point. Sure, its easy enough but if youre asking those questions here, you havent done enough research.

    • frewer on 02/06/2025 - 07:13
      +1

      Let's the youngster do what they want n live with the consequences

      • Euphemistic on 02/06/2025 - 07:34
        +1

        For sure, but when the youngsters ask a question, help them to make half decent decisions.

  • pipboy on 30/05/2025 - 23:39
    +17

    Grey imports will be harder to repair, service and more expensive to insure compared to a local equivalent. And they’ll be much harder to sell later on compared to a domestic.

    I suggest you change plan, and buy a local corolla, Camry, Mazda 3 etc

    • king74 on 30/05/2025 - 23:43
      +1

      yeah ur right, thats why i chose such models while are literally the same as the local ones just different names and they come in hybrid offerings, but i needed a rough idea on how much it will all cost?

      its like, why not buy a imported 2019 hybrid yaris which less than 100k rather than 2014-15 normal yaris which has run quite a few km and doesnt make sense compared to these, ur right that its still a grey import, but some price guidance would really help

      • pipboy on 31/05/2025 - 00:13
        +7

        Your biggest problem is resale will be trash so any saving you think you get upfront is a false economy. That’s even before the servicing and insurance headaches.

        ChatGPT says this for costs:

        Item
        Estimated Cost (AUD)
        Purchase price in Japan
        $4,000 – $7,000
        Auction/broker fees
        $500 – $1,000
        Shipping & freight
        $1,500 – $2,500
        Import approval & customs clearance
        $400 – $600
        GST (10% of CIF value)
        ~$700 – $1,200
        Luxury Car Tax (not applicable for Vitz)
        $0
        Compliance & ADR modifications
        $1,500 – $2,000
        Registration, plates, CTP, inspection
        $1,200 – $1,500
        Detailing, dealer markup (if through importer)
        $1,000 – $2,000

        Total Estimated Landed Cost:
        $12,000 – $16,000 for a small car like the Vitz

        But seriously grey imports only make sense for exotic options with a large following in Australia e.g Toyota Alphard

      • Euphemistic on 31/05/2025 - 06:09
        +3

        Any likely savings from a slightly more fuel efficient import will likely be eaten up in extra insirnace and servicing costs.

        Get a quote for an actual car for insurance. You might be surprised how much extra over a local model it costs. On e you've done that, compare potential fuel costs and savings.

        The possible exception would be if you can get a plug in hybrid version that you run electric mosrly and can only get a straight petrol version locally.

      • nikey2k27 on 01/06/2025 - 10:25

        Yaris is just under another name in Japan i done this before personal easy if gray imports to by one off gray imports keep eye on car that not he local you find hard to get parts and repair done if that case insure will not touch you go with some like Shannons Insurance you will pay for it.

      • NMC on 01/06/2025 - 17:55
        -1

        It's not that simple, and nearly always a bad idea.

        Just because a locally delivered car is similar does not mean parts are interchangeable. People get caught out with this all the time.

      • FW190 on 02/06/2025 - 13:44

        why not buy a imported 2019 hybrid yaris

        I haven't looked at this for a while, does the rule still applies where you can only import a car that is like 7+ years old? (or was it more like 10?), and that you can only import something that was not sold locally?

        • king74 on 02/06/2025 - 15:44

          the rules say it should comply with rovers which is agoverment registry for such vehicles if the car is under 25 years old, basically if the cars in the rovers registry u can import it

          If its more than 25 years old u can import whatever

    • topherboi on 31/05/2025 - 09:33
      -2

      Grey imports will be harder to repair, service

      How so? Apart from parts not being identical to local models, the amount of imports in the country is quite high, and future imports aren't slowing down.

      • Euphemistic on 31/05/2025 - 13:23
        +2

        The biggest problem is that parts are often slightly different between models and parts may not be available locally. Either that or the mechanic needs to spend time trying to find whatever part is compatible.

        Generally this isnt a problem for oil changes, because filters are fairly generic but belts etc will be harder to source.

        • Mallard on 31/05/2025 - 15:08
          +4

          I had a Toyota Soarer. There were specialists for them but Toyota wouldn't touch it.

          OP needs to know that he might not have the backing of the manufacturer network here.

  • Wiadro on 31/05/2025 - 00:05
    -2

    Just buy a BMW e39
    Less headache then a import jap car

      • vorsprung on 31/05/2025 - 07:56
        +4

        Lies. That must be your second account.

      • pegaxs on 31/05/2025 - 08:12
        +9

        This^ even just buy any cheaper German car, less headache than any crap jap car.

        Ahhh, yes, the pinnacle of motoring excellence and reliability, a 15~20yo BMW 5 series. Also very fuel efficient and cheap to run. Maintenance costs are almost zero. I now understand why they use these old BMW 5 Series from the early 2000's as taxis. German engineering at its finest.

        Or, you know, you could be full of shit? Could have been worse, I guess, you could have gone on your usual rant about how VW are the best cars evera. I guess the upside is that you are not this one eyed about French shitters.

        • lew380 on 31/05/2025 - 10:23

          I think German cars were made to a high standard. I had an old W124 300D Mercedes(1987), that was 30yr old at the time. I took it from 400k - 550k over 8 years (probably way more, the km gauge never moved!) for daily commutes and trips away. Didn't service it once, didn't even change the oil. Replaced a few fuel filters as I was filling it for free with jet fuel, the last guy was running it off fish and chip shop oil, it smelled like that! A few repairs on the steering, rods etc, that thing was built like a tank, started first time every time and drove like a luxury car! It had some body work damage and was unsightly. I got married so sold it off a few years ago but I regret it, it would still be going strong today I'm sure!

          German cars around the mid 90's started to get poor quality and so the mantra of German quality has faded, but is was once true.

          • gromit on 31/05/2025 - 16:00
            +2

            @lew380: yep, long ago it was true, now at best they are generally middle of the road, but even middle of the road quality could be good enough IF repair and maintenance costs were not so insanely high for them.

            • dan2k on 02/06/2025 - 11:57
              +1

              @gromit: Side of the road, more likely… Boom!

          • Hangryuman on 02/06/2025 - 11:19

            @lew380: I had one of those but the wheel fell off …

            • lew380 on 03/06/2025 - 10:15

              @Hangryuman: You didn't tighten the wheel nuts up? Your bad.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 31/05/2025 - 10:08
        +7

        Ok everybody take a shot

      • Dreamcast on 31/05/2025 - 13:19
        +7

        Lol this bloke

      • 2esc on 31/05/2025 - 17:45
        +2

        We have a Audi tt roadster nice little car solidly made i planned to flip but the wife wanted it. Electrics if things go wrong are very expensive to fix and even good specialists european car mechanics acknowledge this. I've spent many hours tracing problems which isnt a problem as we have 2 other cars we trust more. No way i would buy a german car as my everyday car.

      • smartazz104 on 31/05/2025 - 22:26
        +2

        even just buy any cheaper German car, less headache than any crap jap car

        What a load of BS.

        • Hangryuman on 02/06/2025 - 11:21

          the clue is in the adjective - 'crap jap'

          Jap cars have been top quality since the 1960s, so anyone calling them crap is obviously a vested interest loser rival …

          Ah so ? Ach du lieber !

          • smartazz104 on 02/06/2025 - 13:22
            +1

            @Hangryuman: The guy probably still harbours ill feeling towards the Japanese from WW2.

    • smartazz104 on 31/05/2025 - 22:27

      Less headaches but each headache is much larger.

    • giddyurp on 01/06/2025 - 10:55

      Worst possible car to suggest. You'd be able to import 3 jap cars with how much it'll cost to keep a bmw on the road

    • dukeGR4 on 01/06/2025 - 15:14
      +2

      proceeds to import a LHD E39 M5 like a boss

  • DemocracyManifest on 31/05/2025 - 00:07
    +1

    Get a ex fleet Camry

  • dcep on 31/05/2025 - 00:13

    save a bit more / increase your budget and get a new picanto for $19k with 7yrs warranty ?

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 01:13
      +1

      picanto is not that fuel efficient and its a bit too small.. besides i have a strict budget of 15k

      • pegaxs on 31/05/2025 - 07:48
        +12

        Then buy a used one. A 12~18month old Picanto with low km and another 6 years left on its warranty is going to be well within your budget, cheaper to insure, easier and cheaper to maintain, and fuel efficient? Just how much do you think you are going to save on fuel?

        Leave shipping car from Japan that are rare or unusual, Kei trucks or Nissan GTR’s, not hybrid shitters.

        • Ademos on 02/06/2025 - 10:48
          +1

          You can get a swift turbo, hell even a swift sport with another couple K that will both blow the picanto out the water in every concievable respect, and probably reliability too.

      • Murkymerv on 31/05/2025 - 09:07
        +5

        Why the hell would you want a hybrid in car that size anyway , I can't imagine thinking it's a day and night difference in savings fuel wise ⁉️
        Delusional reality ✨

  • sumyungguy on 31/05/2025 - 00:26
    +3

    There are dealers with those JDM models on-hand, why not purchase from them?

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 01:13

      yeah thats what i was thinking, but im unsure about insurance on those jdm models.

      • brendanm on 31/05/2025 - 08:23
        +11

        Cray thought, why not pick up the phone and ask an insurer?

      • sumyungguy on 31/05/2025 - 08:48

        I know a satisfied repeat customer of Car from Japan. NRMA insures a bunch of JDM Hondas (FIT, N-BOX, S660 among others), not sure about other makes

        • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 09:00

          will ring them up and have a go, thanks

          • sumyungguy on 31/05/2025 - 09:02
            +1

            @king74: If you try NRMA's quote engine, the models they cover will drop down

        • Worf on 31/05/2025 - 13:11

          Kei cars are cool. I’d like to get one but I’m concerned about how it would fair in a crash with larger car such as a ute

          • nikey2k27 on 01/06/2025 - 10:30

            @Worf: we have one wheelchair customer has at work slow down light check for big car and ute we be luck to make it. cute car we call it sport car only had 3 door

    • JIMB0 on 31/05/2025 - 07:43
      -2

      The dealers often bring in crap cars that are either low on features or not in the best condition. They get them cheap at auction because no-one else wants them.

      Then they are slow to sell here so they sit around for months on end which isn't good for the hybrid battery.

      • king74 on 02/06/2025 - 15:45

        True, good point

        will take care if i go through the dealer hassle

        • JIMB0 on 02/06/2025 - 20:30

          You can get a good a car through them, I did. You just need to check them out properly, get them inspected and be careful not to overpay for a low spec model that will be hard to resell later on.

  • SydStrand on 31/05/2025 - 00:46
    +11

    Why not skip a few steps and buy yourself an out-of-warranty Land Rover? About as sensible.

    • Naigrabzo on 31/05/2025 - 01:02
      +3

      Just drive this directly to a mechanic and leave it there. Do not stop at go. Do not collect $200.

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 01:14
      +1

      need a fuel efficient car, so not land rovers haha, love thelooks though

      • mskeggs on 31/05/2025 - 09:17
        +16

        A lot of them don't use much fuel because they are parked at the mechanic.

          • johnno07 on 01/06/2025 - 21:36
            +1

            @[Deactivated]:

            Forum's non-member readers do not buy these cheap comments

            Forum's non-member readers can't even see yours given they've been downvoted into oblivion, big guy.

        • gromit on 31/05/2025 - 11:56
          +4

          If that is a factor then you can't go past a jeep, even the V8's will barely use any fuel per year.

  • JIMB0 on 31/05/2025 - 07:52
    +2

    The local Honda Jazz/City is already very fuel efficient and cheap to insure. Unless you do Uber levels of kilometres, any fuel savings on the imported hybrid will not cover the extra you'll be paying in insurance.

    Have you got a quote for insurance yet to compare the price with local models? There's only a few companies that cover imports.

  • Shoocat on 31/05/2025 - 08:02
    +5

    If I was going to import anything from Japan it would be a Honda S660. Just looks like pure fun.

  • Hirolol on 31/05/2025 - 09:42
    +5

    I actually looked into it and it’s not worth it
    So much paperwork involved and if you miss something it can mess things up
    If you want to get an agent to do it.
    There are a couple around Melbourne that can do it for you

  • decryption on 31/05/2025 - 09:45
    +7

    You might find a blog post of mine interesting:

    https://blog.decryption.net.au/posts/leaf-japan-import.html

    It's about importing a Nissan LEAF EV, but the same stuff applies to any Japanese car. But I agree with the others here - for a relatively pedestrian car like that not sure I'd bother. The extra costs of insurance and the hassle of getting it maintained (unless you know a good mechanic already) out strips any savings versus just buying an Australian-delivered little hybrid like a Corolla or Civic.

    • fantombloo on 31/05/2025 - 11:46

      (Snooped around your blog, soon enough made the connection with the Sizzle. Mate, you have a great writing style - you're so easy and entertaining to read. The next time you do a Sizzle promo I don't think I'll be half-reluctantly stopping at the end of the free period. 👏)

    • Hangryuman on 02/06/2025 - 11:25

      I thought I read that the Nissan Leaf was regarded in the US as the worst possible EV car to buy

      • Euphemistic on 02/06/2025 - 14:15

        Leafs suffered poor battery life in their first generations. The degradation was real due to the battery not having good thermal management. Not sure if/when theyve reduced that issue.

  • bhubb18 on 31/05/2025 - 10:39
    +1

    The issue with importing a car is theres lots of little things to do which can hammer you majorly, and you end up getting caught with a car here in limbo.

    Best off going through someone professional.

    For reference, the cheapest fresh import cars I see here are normally around ~10k with rego and rwc, so assuming a price of ~$4k in Japan for example, and a bit of profit, I can't see there being much change from $4k to import a car + time.

    Insurance can be wildly different, or nearly identical. Depends on your area, the car etc.

    Spending money to save money is a waste too. You can buy a car for $10k, and itll take you a few years to save $5k difference in fuel cost. Likewise, circa 10 year old import could be up for a new battery at some point which will chew away your savings too.

    IMO imports are great for getting something cool, or practical / different which you can't get locally. The Nismo Leaf is pretty cool though, and there were a bunch brought over recently

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 10:51

      Thanks for that, which importer do u reckon r good ones?

      • JIMB0 on 31/05/2025 - 11:05
        +5

        So you're still keen after all the advice given? I'm guessing the appeal is more than just the fuel economy then.

  • Protractor on 31/05/2025 - 11:10
    +5

    If this was even 75% viable and a hack, every man & his dog would be doing it.

  • LFO on 31/05/2025 - 11:14
    +1

    Do you have direct access to the Japanese second hand car market?
    Could yourself triple check at the auction the condition of the vehicle?

    Anecdote: "someone" bought a Mitsubishi Rosa bus, auction reports indicated it was mechanically and internally on excellent condition. That was OK but the roof was totally full of rust …

    • Protractor on 31/05/2025 - 11:27

      Instant 'car' ma

    • Ahoon on 31/05/2025 - 12:34
      +3

      Great deal, you ve got yourself an open top sightseeing bus.

    • GS9 on 01/06/2025 - 15:54

      The top importers will have someone thoroughly look through the car for you, and ensure it's not a lemon because their whole reputation relies on it. Using dodgy/unknown importers, buying it yourself or buying one locally may not end well though…

      • LFO on 02/06/2025 - 18:10

        They did check thoroughly and report accordingly as mechanically and internally is absolutely superb, well above average.

        Now, we did not ask about the roof, that high hidden forgotten roof that pictures don't show; ass U ming if the body is in excellent condition so will be the top … not a drama but a disappointment.

        So yes, auctioneers and agent were very good, client didn't ask the right questions …

  • DazMon on 31/05/2025 - 11:27

    Which JDM car are you going to land for $7000?

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 13:03

      $7k from the auction, its easy to land one at that price in the auction, the price just doubles down when u import it and stuff, just wanted to get an estimate how much

      • Gaz1 on 31/05/2025 - 15:30

        Surely asking a couple of the local import agents would be the best way to get an estimate of the total landed & registered cost.
        I'm not sure the saving over local is worth the risks, not being able to get the car inspected to know the faults, test drive, etc (not to mention much lower price you would get a time of selling).

      • DazMon on 02/06/2025 - 21:51

        You don't need to tell me how it works, I already tried all this years ago when I was seeing the tip top Soarers around Osaka.
        Ended up buying one from interstate for a lot less hassle.
        I swear your wording sounds like you're landing a car for $7000.
        If it were true everyone would be doing it.

  • Kongzi on 31/05/2025 - 11:31

    ¥4444.44

    • DazMon on 02/06/2025 - 21:51

      安い！

  • BartholemewH on 31/05/2025 - 12:53
    -1

    Freight roro and tyres alone for compliance are going to cost 4k. Buy one that is here and complied.

    Edit: You also need to take into account where the car was sold. Does it snow there and were the roads salted etc.

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 13:02

      thanks for that, got it what u mean, the auction houses from around hokaido nd stuff

      • BartholemewH on 31/05/2025 - 13:05

        I have considered importing from Japan. My sister has lived there and speaks/reads Japanese. I would still only consider for a higher value vehicle….240z, GTR, Lexus, Alphard, Campervan…

        • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 13:07

          i know right, i saw a lot of jdm vehicles already being sold by dealers and got curious if i get it a bit cheaper if i do it myself, can get a vitz or fit around 16-17k easily here

  • Dreamcast on 31/05/2025 - 13:17
    +4

    I imported my dream car not long ago. A Toyota Celica ST205 GT-FOUR.

    Don't do it. I did it as a YOLO moment. Love the car, but wouldn't do it again.

    You have the fee you pay whichever company you use to import, the shipping, import tax as well a the tax when you rego the car, compliance, Blue slip and rego.

    Insurance is generally is more expensive for imports. Parts, repairs, etc etc.

    Also, you don't know what you're buying. Your car would be much newer than mine, so you won't run into that much issues, like worrying about electronics, rust, etc. But still, there's a risk.

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 13:47

      Appreciate ur message,
      yeah the insurance is the thing im most confused of, cause they say they r now covering some jdm vehicles like Fit which is basically jazz.

      Tbh, my simplest research is what would be the best car for 15k probably hatchback and something not that old.

      But yeah thanks

      • Dreamcast on 31/05/2025 - 18:09
        +1

        They'll cover the car and it could be 100% identical to the Australian model and yet you'll still pay more cause it's an import

  • Odin on 31/05/2025 - 14:28
    +2

    I've done plenty.

    Typically expected costs for a 5k Japan purchase price car are another 6-8k in compliance, shipping, customs, import company fee. Then add regular insurance and rego on top.

    So about $15k budget is bang on

    • king74 on 31/05/2025 - 14:29

      Thanks for that, appreciate it

    • Mechz on 31/05/2025 - 16:46
      +1

      So essentially paying 3x the price of the cars value.

      Sounds like a great deal.

      • Odin on 01/06/2025 - 08:55
        +3

        Yes, but that's what you do everyday in Australia anyway

        Cars are like 3x cheaper (or often even cheaper) in japan.

  • khomeini on 31/05/2025 - 16:57
    +2

    They used to have import calculators in Excel to help with this question.
    Hit these guys up and you'll get quick answers… https://www.j-spec.com.au/

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