How to import a JDM vehicle
A very common question we get is "How do I go about importing a JDM vehicle?" It's actually very easy when you use a broker like us! Here we will outline every step of the process from picking out a vehicle all the way up to delivery!
Step 1: picking out your jdm dream!
The first step is actually the most tricky one of all: Picking out what vehicle you would like to import! A few things to consider would be certain factors such as: color, transmission, kilometers, etc. A good way to figure out all of these things is to fill out the information form provided at the link in the bar above. Once you have selected what type (or types) of vehicle(s) you would like, our experts will use our vast resources in Japan to find the perfect vehicle for you! Do keep in mind that any vehicle must be 25 years old or older to the month before it is allowed to be exported from Japan. For example, a vehicle made in January 2000 (1/00) would be legal to import after 1/1/2025. If you find the perfect vehicle and it isn't quite ready to be imported, don't worry! We offer secured storage in Japan (for a small fee) so that your investment is secured and well-looked after.
Step 2: Inspection!
Once you have picked out a vehicle, we will contact our experts in Japan at Zap Auto Export, and collect a small fee from you (20,000 JPY or about $140, depending on the exchange rate, plus tolls and fuel). Then they will inspect the vehicle in person. This is probably the most important part of the entire process, as it ensures the vehicle you get is exactly as promised. Whenever Zap inspects the vehicles, they will send their expert opinion as well as several videos and a plethora of photos. We will then pass all of that information along directly to you in the same raw, unedited format we receive it in. Please note, that if you decide to "pass" on a vehicle and wish to have another one inspected, you will have to pay the inspection costs again.
step 3: time to bring it home!
Okay! You have picked out "The One" and it passed the inspection. Congrats! Now we get ready to bring it home! This is where we take full control. First, we have you send a payment, in full, for the price of the vehicle so that our exporters in Japan can bring it to their facility to prepare it for overseas transport. This fee will include the following: Actual price of the vehicle, paperwork for export from Japan and import to the U.S., shipping costs, and overseas shipping insurance. Please note that overseas transport and customs allows for an extended delivery time. Typically between 3-7 weeks from time of export until time of arrival.
Next, you send us the payment for our services so we can start making preparations for the vehicle to arrive stateside. After that, we merely wait for the ship to make port. Any notifications or updates we get will be forwarded along to you as soon as we get them.
step 4: the home stretch!
The final step happens once the ship with your vehicle makes it to port. As we receive notification that your ship is a few days away from port, we will contact our preferred vehicle transport company and arrange pickup and drop-off. We will then contact you to let you know about how long it will be until the vehicle is at the designated drop-off point. When the big day comes, we will make sure to have one of our agents meet with you to hand-deliver the keys and paperwork. After that the last thing to do is enjoy your new JDM dream!