How to Buy a Car from Japan to Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it to Australia is a smart way to access high-quality, low-mileage vehicles that are often more affordable than local options. Whether you’re after a classic JDM model or a reliable daily driver, Japanese cars are known for their excellent condition and performance.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and bring it to Australia legally and smoothly.

1. Understand Australian Import Rules for Japanese Cars


A customs officer checking documents and inspecting an imported right-hand drive vehicle at an Australian port.

Before purchasing, make sure the car meets Australian regulations:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Must be at least 25 years old (classic car exemption) or meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for newer vehicles
  • Requires import approval through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications
  • Must pass Vehicle Safety Standards Compliance if not exempt

Check the official Australian Government Vehicle Standards Bulletin for full details.

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

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

Most Australian 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, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda are popular in Australia)
  • Year (older than 25 years for easier import)
  • 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 Australia

Choose between:

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

Common Australian destination ports include:

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Fremantle

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

7. Handle Import and Registration in Australia

Steps include:

  • Submit import declaration to Australian Border Force
  • Pay customs duty (5%) and GST (10%)
  • Provide:
    • Bill of sale
    • Certificate of conformity (if applicable)
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance and shipping documents
  • Pass safety and emissions inspections
  • Register with your state’s Road Traffic Authority (RTA) or equivalent

Classic cars over 25 years old usually qualify for simplified import rules.

FAQs

Q: Can I import any car from Japan to Australia?
A: No. The car must be right-hand drive , and either over 25 years old or fully compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) .

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

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

Q: Do I need a compliance plate to register a Japanese car in Australia?
A: Yes, unless the car qualifies under the 25-year-old classic exemption rule . Otherwise, it must undergo certified compliance testing .