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The BIG thread on how to import from Japan

24567…15

Comments

  • #52
    xlight
    Registered Users Posts: 124 ✭✭xlight


    As title, I am looking for a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Alphard. I have looked on a few websites but there are only a few of them to choose, so I am thinking about import one from Japan.

    Anyone knows much story about how to import one from Japan, I know the transportation is not cheap and there are VAT also VRT for Japan import. Any recommend Japanese website?

    Or is it a possible just go to one of the toyota or honda dealer here and ask them to import one here? Will this be more expensive?


  • #53
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Merged. Have a read of the OP and the thread.


  • #54
    celica00
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 880 ✭✭✭celica00


    WOW fair play to ya!
    going to import at same point too, very handy to know all this:)


  • #55
    5500
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,380 ✭✭✭5500


    I'll try give you a rough idea on the Odyssey, here's a 2004 86'k from Monday's auction is USS Yokohama

    2m67342.jpg

    spwtue.jpg

    24bu6g3.jpg

    2u7anty.png

    Grade 4 which is good although its showing a replacement rear passenger side door on the auction sheet which is strange with it being a 4. Either ways the price on it look's inline with other comparable grade models for the year

    460'000JPY is the auction sale price, converted to euro = €3326
    Shipping & agents/Transport/Derge fee's depending on who you use in Japan €1200/1500

    So let's say the CIF (Cost/insurance/Freight) Price is €4826,that's everything to get the car to Ireland.
    It's then 10% of this for duty so 482.6, added then to the €4826
    23% Vat on 5308.06 = 1220.978
    €6529.57 Cleared

    You then have customs agent clearing fee which is 100/120 depending who is used
    Stevedore unloading fee, again 90 or 115 depending who is used

    Once the above are paid the car is free to collect, so €6764.57. You then have to VRT the car which is coming in at €680 from a revenue quote. €7444.57 is what your looking at here and on the road.

    You also need to budget for battery/service/tyres (they tend to not be E marked)

    Im not sure how the price compare's to what's for sale here but in most cases Japanese car's are present are more expensive to buy and import than what's currently for sale here on the likes of donedeal, but hopefully that give you a bit of a better idea on things


  • #56
    joujoujou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,802 ✭✭✭✭joujoujou
    Unregistered Users


    5500 wrote: »
    [...] €7444.57 is what your looking at here and on the road.

    [...]

    Out of curiosity - any troubles with getting an insurance? And how much?


  • #57
    5500
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,380 ✭✭✭5500


    All depends on the car, age , ncb ect. If its a performance car id be making sure I could insure it beford importing anyways. But the likes of a run around people carrier ect I wouldnt imagine you would have many problems


  • #58
    joujoujou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,802 ✭✭✭✭joujoujou
    Unregistered Users


    Actually asked about that particular one. :o


  • #59
    mhouston
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭mhouston


    Just as a warning to others, we bought a Honda Stream recently, imported from Japan. Car is great and we got a good deal, But it was broken into in our driveway after a couple of weeks and they tried to hot-wire it. They were unsuccessful so the car was left there with a lot of damage. We're fully comprehensive on the insurance which is good, but since it's been taken away and assessed they tell us it will be between 8 and 12 weeks before they get the parts in from Japan, they can't get them in the EU. What a kicker!


  • #60
    CianRyan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,721 ✭✭✭✭CianRyan


    That's bollocks for the most part, there's always parts available much quicker but insurance seem to go the longest route possible.
    It's possible to take the money, buy the parts and have a mechanic of your choice fix it for you.


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  • #61
    Chris_Heilong
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,974 ✭✭✭Chris_Heilong


    Almost any part I can get for my Chaser from Toyota Ireland, it usually takes a week, is this HONDA you are asking about parts or just some garage?

    Some times Garages will order parts as cheap as possible which means freight by sea and of coarse this is slow. ask them to get the parts by air as its usually only a little more expensive. I get parts from Japan all the time, longest I had to wait was 2 weeks.


  • #62
    Banditxii
    Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭Banditxii


    Hi lads I imported a nissan serena for my wife last month I know this is off your discussion point but is it possible to change the digital dash centre from Japanese to english so that you can read it?


  • #63
    5500
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,380 ✭✭✭5500


    I'd doubt it, especially if its an oem nav/radio or controll's the heater ect there's not really any way around it


  • #64
    RedDeadMarshal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 210 ✭✭RedDeadMarshal


    Hi i want to import a Tyota vitz (yaris) from Japan. could someone please tell me the costs and different procedures involved in importing a car from Japan to Ireland. Does the car have to go through a certain inspection test at the port and how much does that cost if it does? Is there like Government Tax that you have to pay when you import or register the car?


  • #65
    BMJD
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,694 ✭✭✭BMJD


    There are several threads about it, do a search. In short, why on earth would anyone go to all that bother for a Yaris??


  • #66
    joujoujou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,802 ✭✭✭✭joujoujou
    Unregistered Users


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057026786


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  • #67
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 39,782 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    BMJD wrote: »
    There are several threads about it, do a search. In short, why on earth would anyone go to all that bother for a Yaris??

    Please God it's the 1.5 turbo version at least!


  • #68
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    There are a good few garages selling import yariss. There's a lot to be said for it if you're looking at an automatic as AFAIK they use a conventional autobox vs the shoite MMT that we got. Spec is better too.


  • #69
    Tzardine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,884 ✭✭✭Tzardine


    There is a dealer in Dublin who deals in hap imports only. He brings them in himself and deals in micras , yaris , small cars etc.

    We bought two cars from him this year. A 2008 and a 2005 , both Nissan marches and they are fantastic. Great guy to deal with too.

    I suggest you have a chat with him. He goes to Japan himself all the time so he could get you what you want and organise everything.

    PM me if you want his details.


  • #70
    thedave1989
    Registered Users Posts: 39 ✭thedave1989


    This thread is really good. Thanks to everyone who has had an imput into this. Makes importing so much easier to understand and helps people understand all those hidden/forgotten charges. Fair play guys


  • #71
    donbolt
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭donbolt


    where have all the dublin jap import dealers gone to ??. I bought an impreza sti off sean byrne car sales back in 2006 when jap imports were everywhere and not a mention of them boys now.


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  • #72
    Help!!!!
    Registered Users Posts: 2,965 ✭✭✭Help!!!!


    Seen a used car that I like the look of
    Its a Nissan Micra Japanese import
    What problems would I have if any?
    Would parts be hard to get or is it just the same as Ireland/UK models


  • #73
    mgbgt1978
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,245 ✭✭✭mgbgt1978


    Slightly different front wings and boot lid, and Lights (I think).
    No immobiliser.
    More expensive to insure (usually).

    What year is it ?


  • #74
    Help!!!!
    Registered Users Posts: 2,965 ✭✭✭Help!!!!


    mgbgt1978 wrote: »
    Slightly different front wings and boot lid, and Lights (I think).
    No immobiliser.
    More expensive to insure (usually).

    What year is it ?

    2000


  • #75
    mgbgt1978
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,245 ✭✭✭mgbgt1978


    Then the issues I mentioned would apply so.
    Also some service parts may differ.....have a look (or ask a question) on the uk micra owners club forum.
    Have a look at some Irish models and see if you can find one that suits you.
    The biggest issue with these is the Timing Chain, it stretches. It will be very rattly at idle and the noise will disappear when you rev it.
    Also rust on the front cross-member (where the bottom of the Radiator sits), rust along the Sills, and sometimes rust on the boot floor.
    Other than that they are fairly reliable and usually cost a lot less than what everybody wants in this class.....a Yaris.


  • #76
    Nekarsulm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,219 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Wife had one. They come with electric power steering, which European models did not have. If anything goes wrong with either the steering rack or control unit, Nissan Ireland will be of no use to you whatever. More of these in breakers yards now, so probably not a huge obstacle.
    Also, garages will have trouble running diagnostics, as the script on the computer screen will be Japanese. Luckily they are really reliable. The one we had was an Auto, and not particularly economical, nor suited to long motorway driving.

    Anyone looking a 01 Import steering rack, don't be shy!


  • #77
    goz83
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,034 ✭✭✭goz83


    Stop pilling our legs!

    Nobody could possibly like a micra.


  • #78
    faral
    Registered Users Posts: 278 ✭✭faral


    my wife has a 07 micra and for instance she cant cut a second fob for that as in Japan they use different frequency also as mentioned before some arts are different and maybe hard to get


  • #79
    Nekarsulm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,219 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Radio Will need either a band expander fitting, or an aftermarket unit to replace the Japanese original.
    We found that there was no problem selling the March. Seems to be highly popular with African immigrants. Had about ten callers in response to an ad on Done Deal. First to view bought it.


  • #80
    cepajev
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭cepajev


    Hi Chris. How to contact Tom O’ Mahony? Through titanworks? Thank you.


  • #81
    Darry
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭Darry


    cepajev wrote: »
    Hi Chris. How to contact Tom O’ Mahony? Through titanworks? Thank you.

    Hi there,

    Started a transaction with Tom O' Mahony of titan autoworks few days ago, you might want to find out how it went.

    Cheers


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  • #82
    moonship
    Registered Users Posts: 159 ✭✭moonship


    Can anybody recommend insurance company or brokers who insure cars off vin nr? No one i contacted seems to insure jap imports.

    Also bit of advice/warning re Tradecarview. Bought Honda Fit which supposed to be year 2005, that was on initial invoice, advertisement etc.

    Unfortunately, as i got paperwork from Japan few days after shipment, it turned out it actually is 2003!

    So always ask dealers for scan of japanese registration cert so you make sure about year of manufacture.


  • #83
    5500
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,380 ✭✭✭5500


    You'll find it hard unless you already have insurance, and even at that it can be hard to get cover.
    In general you need to be wary with TCV, lots of dodgy dealer's out there, besides that they tend to buy their stock from the auctions either way, so generally works out cheaper to go the auction route


  • #84
    Darry
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭Darry


    Parts arrived in good form, happy enough with the transaction overall but had communication delays (not due to time difference).

    Cheers.


  • #85
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    My dream car is a Toyota Corolla ae101. I've been looking on sites like DoneDeal and Adverts for a while and I can't find anything I like that's in good condition. How can I import a really good condition Corolla from Japan to Dublin without going to Japan? (It has to be really good condition)... I'd pay up to 10,000 for one.


  • #86
    Toyotafanboi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭Toyotafanboi


    There's really no point. It won't be insurable at the moment.

    There are penty of auction companies around who will bid on your behalf if you tell them what you want and your budget.

    http://www.jdmauctionwatch.com

    Are you thinking of a 101 sedan or coupe?

    You'd have be certifiable to even want to spend much more than 10% of your budget on a sedan, as nice as they are, you'd live to regret it i'd say.

    A 4A-GE coupe would be lovely, but ultimately, still uninsurable.


  • #87
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    What do you mean it won't be insurable?


  • #88
    Toyotafanboi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭Toyotafanboi


    Stephen7287 wrote: »
    What do you mean it won't be insurable?

    Do a few quotes and you'l soon see.

    Very hard to get insurance for cars like that now.


  • #89
    Lellostag
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 269 ✭✭Lellostag


    Maybe you'd be able to get some kind of classic car insurance for it..?


  • #90
    Toyotafanboi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭Toyotafanboi


    Lellostag wrote: »
    Maybe you'd be able to get some kind of classic car insurance for it..?

    Jap imports cant be classics, apparantly.


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  • #91
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    With respect, Do people really dream of AE101s?
    Can't imagine paying 10k for one


  • #92
    tromsharry1
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭tromsharry1


    Thanks for guiding us about how to import a car from one country to another. I got it very well and I really appreciate your post


  • #93
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    With respect, Do people really dream of AE101s?
    Can't imagine paying 10k for one

    Yeah... They can.


  • #94
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    fair enough. my mother imported one in the latest 90s and it was a lovely car and loaded with kit.
    you are gonna get fleeced on insurance though

    out of interest, what's your position on wrx imprezas and evos?


  • #95
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    fair enough. my mother imported one in the latest 90s and it was a lovely car and loaded with kit.
    you are gonna get fleeced on insurance though

    out of interest, what's your position on wrx imprezas and evos?

    They're nice cars, why? Do you think I'm buying a Corolla to rice it out? That's not me.


  • #96
    5ub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 83 ✭✭5ub


    You could buy an already imported one and spend the change on making it how you want it?

    et la http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/10274058?offset=17


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  • #97
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    I'd rather import one so that I know exactly where it's coming from. Plus, I live in Leinster and there's not a lot of great condition Corollas here, and I'm not travelling Ireland to get a car when I can get a better one from Japan.


  • #98
    Greenmachine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,063 ✭✭✭Greenmachine


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    fair enough. my mother imported one in the latest 90s and it was a lovely car and loaded with kit.
    you are gonna get fleeced on insurance though

    out of interest, what's your position on wrx imprezas and evos?

    Interesting that you asked about wrx imprezas. A lad I worked with about 10 years ago bought some from japan from some kind of an agent. Insurance was an issue even then. Crowd he went with had a huge loading on the policy and as far as I know no longer exist he was also 25 at the time. :eek::eek:


  • #99
    Stephen7287
    Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭Stephen7287


    How is there so many Corollas on Done Deal if no one can get insured on them?


  • #100
    D_turbo
    Registered Users Posts: 506 ✭✭✭D_turbo


    Id highly recommend JapancarsIreland on facebook.
    Hes name richie.

    Absolute gent to deal with, will only import stuff to a high standard


  • #101
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,477 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Stephen7287 wrote: »
    How is there so many Corollas on Done Deal if no one can get insured on them?

    JDM models or European?

    The reason I asked about evos and imprezas was that with 10k you could get a nice one of either with far superior performance to the Corolla. If you are gonna get fleeced on insurance why not get something fast?
    I didn't assume you would ruin the car - interesting that you would think that.

    Even an ae86 would make more sense on paper than spending so much On a 101


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