How to Buy a Car from Japan and Import It to New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it to New Zealand is a smart way to access high-quality, low-mileage vehicles that are often more affordable than local options. Japanese cars are known for their excellent maintenance records, fuel efficiency, and reliability—making them ideal for Kiwi buyers.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into New Zealand successfully.

1. Understand New Zealand Import Regulations

Before purchasing, ensure the car meets NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) rules:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Must be less than 20 years old
  • Must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) or equivalent
  • Requires Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification if registered after 1 January 2022
  • Must pass Warrant of Fitness (WoF) testing after registration

For full details, visit the official NZ Transport Agency website .

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

  • Aucnet
  • Goo-net Exchange
  • Cars247
  • Be FORWARD

Most New Zealand buyers use a local broker or export agent who can bid, inspect, and handle logistics on their behalf.

3. Search for Suitable Vehicles

Use filters like:

  • Make/model (Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan are popular in NZ)
  • Year (must be under 20 years old)
  • Mileage (below 50,000 km preferred)
  • Shaken expiration date (ensures recent inspection)
  • Body and mechanical condition reports

Look for auction grades of 3.5 or higher for better quality.

4. Review Inspection Reports and Photos

Each listing includes:

  • High-resolution photos
  • Damage grade (Body/Paint/Mechanical)
  • Engine and transmission status
  • Maintenance history
  • Shaken test results

Request a video walk-through or pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if unsure about the car’s condition.

5. Place a Bid or Purchase Directly

If using a broker:

  • Set your maximum bid
  • Confirm payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
  • Ensure all fees are transparent (auction, broker, shipping)

Winning bidders must pay promptly to proceed with export.

6. Arrange Shipping to New Zealand

Choose between:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) – Most cost-effective method
  • Container shipping – Better for luxury or vintage cars

Common New Zealand destination ports include:

  • Auckland
  • Tauranga
  • Wellington
  • Lyttelton (Christchurch)

Select port-to-port or door-to-door delivery depending on your needs.

7. Handle Import and Registration in New Zealand

Steps include:

  • Submit required documents:
    • Bill of sale
    • Certificate of conformity (if applicable)
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance and shipping documents
  • Pay import GST (15%) , freight charges , and customs clearance fees
  • Pass safety and emissions inspections
  • Register with the NZ Transport Agency
  • Obtain Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and road user charges (RUC) if diesel-powered

FAQs

Q: Can I import any car from Japan to New Zealand?
A: No. The car must be right-hand drive , not older than 20 years , and meet NZTA safety and emissions standards .

Q: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to New Zealand?
A: Total cost includes:

  • ¥300,000–¥1,500,000 for the car
  • $300–$1,000 for auction and broker fees
  • $1,000–$2,500 for shipping
  • Import GST and registration (~$1,500–$3,000 total)

Q: Do I need LEV certification to register a Japanese car in New Zealand?
A: Yes, if the car was first registered after 1 January 2022 , it must meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards .