How to Buy a Car from Japan to the UK: A Complete Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it to the UK can be an excellent way to own a high-quality, low-mileage vehicle at a competitive price. Whether you’re looking for a classic JDM sports car or a reliable daily driver, Japanese used cars are known for their exceptional condition and value.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into the United Kingdom.

1. Understand UK Import Rules for Japanese Cars

Before purchasing, make sure the car meets UK regulations:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • No age restriction, but cars over 10 years old may need historic vehicle tax
  • Must meet Euro emissions standards (Euro 4 or newer recommended)
  • Requires import declaration with HMRC
  • Must be registered with the DVLA

Check the UK government’s vehicle import guidelines for the latest rules.

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter


A browser showing live listings on Aucnet, one of Japan’s largest wholesale car auction platforms.

Popular options include:

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

Most UK buyers use a UK-based 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 the UK)
  • Year (Euro 4 compliant or newer is ideal)
  • 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 the UK


A line of cars being driven onto a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel bound for the UK.

Choose between:

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

Common UK destination ports include:

  • Portsmouth
  • Grimsby
  • Liverpool
  • Sheerness

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

7. Handle Import and DVLA Registration

Steps include:

  • Submit VAT and import duty to HMRC:
    • Typically 10% VAT + 4% import duty (varies by car type)
  • Complete N859 form (for vehicles under 10 years old)
  • Provide:
    • Bill of sale
    • Certificate of conformity (if pre-2010, apply for SVA)
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance and shipping documents
  • Pass Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) if needed
  • Register with the DVLA and get a UK registration plate

FAQs

Q: Can I legally drive a right-hand drive car from Japan in the UK?
A: Yes, right-hand drive vehicles are legal and commonly used in the UK.

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

  • ÂĄ300,000–¥1,500,000 for the car
  • ÂŁ300–£1,000 for auction and broker fees
  • ÂŁ900–£1,800 for shipping
  • Import VAT and duties (approx. ÂŁ1,000–£2,500)
  • SVA and DVLA registration fees

Q: Do I need SVA for a Japanese car imported to the UK?
A: Yes, unless the car has a full EU type approval certificate. Most Japanese imports will require SVA testing before they can be registered.